Zhuhai Island Hopping & Ancient Towns
Escape the city to the pristine Wanshan Archipelago and historic Doumen
Known as the "City of a Hundred Islands," Zhuhai offers much more than the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. Discover the world-class Wanshan Archipelago, wander through historic colonial towns, and explore a 1:1 replica of a space station.
While most tourists flock to Chimelong or queue for photos with the Fisher Girl statue, seasoned travelers turn their sights to the vast South China Sea and Zhuhai's historic hinterlands. This city possesses some of the GBA's most stunning marine ecology and profound modern history.
Island Hopping: Dong'ao and Wanshan Islands
Taking a fast ferry from Xiangzhou Port for about an hour brings you to the GBA's most beautiful hidden islands. First is Dong'ao Island, home to the pristine "Diamond Beach" (Nansha Bay). With crystal-clear waters and newly opened luxury resorts, you can gaze at the horizon from an infinity pool and enjoy a perfect, luxurious escape. For a more rugged experience, continue by ferry to Wanshan Island. Famous across Asia as a sea-fishing paradise, the island's small fishing villages serve up freshly caught wild grouper and sea urchin—a sweet, unforgettable taste of the ocean.
Time Travel in Qilou Streets and Ancient Towns
Back on the mainland, drive west to Doumen District to find Zhuhai's only fully preserved late-Qing Dynasty street: Doumen Old Street. The buildings here fuse Western and Southeast Asian "Qilou" (arcade) styles. Walking on the flagstone road, grabbing a serving of the famous local open-fire roast pork (Char Siu) is highly recommended. Next, head to Tangjiawan Ancient Town. This "Famous Historical and Cultural Town of China" produced Tang Shaoyi, the first Premier of the Republic of China. Its endless blue-stone streets and Lingnan gray sculptures tell the century-old stories of China's earliest overseas students and compradors.
To Infinity and Beyond: Zhuhai Space Center
After experiencing nature and history, we look to the future. The Zhuhai Space Center in Jinwan District is a pilgrimage site for aviation and aerospace fans. The most jaw-dropping exhibit is the 1:1 exact replica of the Chinese "Tiangong" Space Station's T-shaped core module. You can physically walk into the astronauts' "bedrooms" and "labs." Furthermore, the center is packed with highly realistic VR experiences, allowing you to simulate flying a fighter jet or walking on the moon.
To reach Dong'ao and Wanshan Islands, take a ferry from Xiangzhou Port or Hengqin Pier. Tickets sell out quickly during peak season, so book a week in advance via WeChat. Doumen Old Street and Tangjiawan are quite far from the city center; driving or taking a taxi is recommended. The Space Center is near the Zhuhai Airport, accessible by airport shuttle or taxi.
UV rays on the islands are intense; pack heavy sun protection. Seafood restaurants on Wanshan Island often charge by "market price," so confirm prices before ordering. VR experiences at the Space Center have long queues on weekends, so arrive right at opening time.