Huizhou's Dual Splendors: The White Sands of Xunliao Bay and the Clouds of Mount Luofu
Experience the "Maldives of Guangdong" and the Sacred Lingnan Peak in One Weekend
Huizhou offers an exceptional combination of pristine coastal beaches and majestic mountain ranges. From the snorkeling glass-waters of Xunliao Bay to the Taoist heritage of Luofu Mountain, it is the ultimate destination for slow-paced travel.
Though low-profile, Huizhou boasts some of the most enviable natural resources in the Greater Bay Area. Offering both expansive coastlines and profound cultural mountains, Huizhou's "Sea and Mountain" dual route is the ultimate recharge for stressed urbanites.
To the Sea: Xunliao Bay & Delta Island
Often dubbed the "Maldives of Guangdong," Xunliao Bay features 27 kilometers of winding coastline, famous for its ultra-fine, white "platinum sand." The waters are clean and the beaches are soft, making it perfect for family outings. For a purer island experience, take a speedboat from the Xunliao pier to Delta Island, renowned as China's first privately-owned island. The visibility of its glass-blue waters is exceptionally high, making it one of the rare snorkeling hotspots in Guangdong. After a day in the water, dining at an open-air seaside Dai Pai Dong on freshly caught boiled shrimp and steamed fish is the quintessential coastal lifestyle.
To the Peaks: Luofu Mountain
After embracing the ocean's vitality, turn your sights inland. Just over an hour's drive from the coast lies Luofu Mountain, one of China's top ten sacred Taoist mountains. Praised by ancient poet Su Dongpo, the mountain is blanketed in dense, oxygen-rich forests. For those looking to avoid a strenuous hike, a scenic cable car ride takes you directly to the mid-mountain level, piercing through seas of clouds to reveal breathtaking panoramic views of the cascading peaks. In the summer, the white-water rafting courses at the mountain's base become a major hit, offering thrilling escapes in ice-cold mountain spring water.
The Slow Rhythm of Huizhou
Whether you're chasing waves or breathing in forest air, the defining characteristic of Huizhou is its slow pace. Cap off your trip with a visit to Huizhou West Lake in the city center, enjoying a cup of tea under the ancient banyan trees along the Su Causeway, reflecting on the unique charm of this mountain-and-sea city.
Huizhou is highly accessible via High-Speed Rail or direct cross-border buses from Hong Kong. Because Luofu Mountain and Xunliao Bay are far from the city center, renting a car or hiring a driver is strongly advised.
Traffic to Xunliao Bay can be severe on summer weekends; try to visit on weekdays. Delta Island requires a package ticket, and the sun is intense—adequate sun protection is a must.