Zhuhai's Zen and Islands: From Putuo Temple to Wailingding
Find peace in mountain temples, send a postcard from a romantic lighthouse, and escape to a pristine island
Zhuhai is widely known as the "City of a Hundred Islands" and a "City of Romance." Dive into the lush Fenghuang Mountain to find inner peace at the Putuo Temple, stroll past the white lighthouse at the Lovers' Post Office, and take a ferry to Wailingding Island for crystal-clear waters and the best seafood in the bay.
Zhuhai always gives off a relaxed, vacation-like vibe. Beyond the famous Chimelong Ocean Kingdom and the Sun and Moon Shells opera house, Zhuhai hides many Zen-filled mountain landscapes and stunning offshore islands. Today, let's slow down and experience the purest beauty of Zhuhai's mountains and seas.
Zen Chants Deep in the Mountains: Putuo Temple
We first head to the Fenghuang (Phoenix) Mountain range in the Xiangzhou District to visit the Putuo Temple, hidden deep within the woods. This is a magnificent Buddhist sanctuary. Built against the mountain, its yellow walls and glazed roof tiles shine in the sun, backed by a lush primeval forest. Entering the temple, listening to the melodious toll of the bell and the monks chanting, you can smell the faint scent of sandalwood in the air. Far from the city noise, this is the top choice for locals seeking blessings and inner peace. Enjoying a refined vegetarian meal at the temple's restaurant will further cleanse your body and soul.
A Hidden Grotto in the Bustling City: Bailian Cave Park
Leaving Putuo Temple, we return to Jiuzhou Avenue in the city center to enter Bailian Cave Park. This century-old Lingnan-style rock garden is said to have been the hermitage of a high monk during the Qing Dynasty. The park's most striking features are its bizarre rock formations and towering old banyan trees. Weaving through the rocks and caves, you will find a crystal-clear spring. It feels like an uncut gem in the middle of Zhuhai—small in size, but full of wild natural beauty and literary atmosphere, making it perfect for an afternoon stroll.
White Romance on Lovers' Avenue: Lovers' Post Office & Lighthouse
As evening approaches, we head to Zhuhai's most famous coastal promenade—Lovers' Avenue (Qinglv Road). Standing on the coast of Lovers' Avenue Middle is a pure white, Mediterranean-style lighthouse, which is home to the famous Lovers' Post Office. This is one of the most popular photo spots in the city. You can walk into the post office, pick a beautiful postcard featuring Zhuhai scenery, stamp it with a special romantic postmark, and send it to a faraway friend or your future self. Standing under the lighthouse, feeling the sea breeze, and gazing at the vast Lingdingyang Bay and the spectacular Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is an unforgettable, romantic experience.
An Island Escape Overlooking Hong Kong: Wailingding Island
For the grand finale, we take a boat from Xiangzhou Port to one of the most charming islands in the Wanshan Archipelago: Wailingding Island. Unlike the murky waters near the mainland coast, the sea around Wailingding is crystal-clear turquoise, and the beaches have extremely fine sand. On a clear day, if you hike to the island's main peak, you can clearly see the bustling skyline of downtown Hong Kong (it is geographically very close to Hong Kong's Cheung Chau island). When you visit, you absolutely must not miss the "Three Treasures of Lingding"—wild seafood including gooseneck barnacles, sea urchins, and limpet shells. Staying overnight on this car-free island and falling asleep to the sound of the waves is the best cure for urban anxiety.
Putuo Temple, Bailian Cave, and the Lovers' Post Office are all in downtown Zhuhai (Xiangzhou District) and easily accessible by bus or taxi. To reach Wailingding Island, you must take a high-speed ferry from Xiangzhou Port (about 70 minutes). Flights are limited, so book ferry tickets online in advance, especially on holidays.
Dress modestly when visiting Putuo Temple. The soft light at sunset makes the Lovers' Post Office perfect for portrait photography. The UV rays on Wailingding Island are intense, so apply sunscreen. Since most supplies on the island are shipped in, prices are slightly higher; when buying seafood to be cooked at a restaurant, clarify the cooking fee beforehand.