Huizhou's Space-Time Symphony: From Ancient Forts to an Austrian Town
Walk through century-old arcades, explore a Ming dynasty fortress, and taste fresh seafood on an isolated island
Huizhou is a city of incredible contrasts. In one trip, you can stroll through an ancient coastal fortress, snap photos in a 1:1 replica of an Austrian fairytale town, sip tea under historic arcades, and catch your own dinner at a traditional fishing village. Join us for a unique cross-cultural journey.
In the Greater Bay Area, Huizhou might just be the city with the most diverse tourism elements. It boasts profound Hakka and Cantonese cultural roots, as well as an incredibly long and beautiful coastline. Today, we step away from the standard West Lake itinerary to connect a fascinating journey that crosses both time and geography.
The Neon Lights of a Century-Old Port: Shuidong Street
Our first stop is Shuidong Street in downtown Huizhou. This area has been a bustling commercial port since the Northern Song Dynasty. Today, the street is lined with Southeast Asian-style arcade buildings (Qilou). During the day, you can enjoy authentic Hakka Lei Cha (pounded tea) under the shaded arcades; at night, it transforms into Huizhou's liveliest night market and bar street. The traditional grey-brick architecture mixed with cyberpunk-style neon lights creates a magical chemical reaction that makes it a favorite among young people.
Instant Travel to Austria: Hallstatt Town Replica
On day two, we drive to Boluo County for a place that will give you severe spatial disorientation: the Minmetals Hallstatt Town. The developers perfectly replicated the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hallstatt, Austria, at a 1:1 scale. Whether it's the Alpine-style church with its pointy spire, the colorful wooden houses, or the statues in the central square, it feels like you've instantly teleported to Europe. Nestled between mountains and a clear lake, it is highly photogenic and a top destination for wedding photography.
600 Years of Coastal Defense: Pinghai Ancient City
Leaving the fairytale town, we head southeast to Pinghai Ancient City in Huidong County. Built during the Ming Dynasty (reign of Emperor Hongwu), this town was a crucial coastal fortress designed to defend against pirates (Wokou). It still retains its four ancient gates and cross-shaped ancient streets. Walking on the bluestone paths, you can feel a deep sense of historical weight. Remarkably, the residents here still speak "Pinghai Jun Sheng" (Military Voice), a dialect known as a "living fossil of ancient Chinese," which resulted from the blending of languages spoken by soldiers garrisoned here from all over China centuries ago.
Isolated Seafarers: Dongsheng Fishing Village
For the final leg of our trip, we arrive at the Dongsheng Fishing Village in the Daya Bay area. This is a pristine island surrounded by the sea, where villagers have made a living by fishing for generations. To get here, you must take a speedboat from the pier. There is no urban noise on the island, only pure fishing village charm. You can join the fishermen at sea to cast nets, experience sea fishing, or simply sit at a floating "Yu Pai" (fish raft) restaurant to feast on wild seafood caught just minutes ago. Enjoying the sea breeze and the freshest seafood is the perfect way to wrap up a trip to Huizhou's coast.
Shuidong Street is in downtown Huizhou and easily accessible. Hallstatt Town is in Boluo, while Pinghai and Dongsheng are in Huidong and Daya Bay, respectively. The distances between these spots are vast, so renting a car is highly recommended. To reach Dongsheng Fishing Village, take a ferry from Aotou Pier in Daya Bay.
Shuidong Street is most beautiful at night, so visit in the evening. Hallstatt Town gets crowded on weekends; arrive early for people-free photos. Pinghai is a living community, so please respect the locals. Seafood prices at Dongsheng fluctuate by season, so confirm prices before ordering.