The Red Bay

Updated 2026-05-27

Guangdong’s n°1 Bay for Wave Watching, known for dramatic ocean scenery, Zhelang Peninsula, surfing beaches and spectacular coastal sunsets.

In the southeastern part of Shanwei, the Red Bay is one of Guangdong’s most spectacular coastal landscapes. This scenic area is famous for its dramatic waves, rocky peninsulas, wind sports and panoramic ocean scenery.

Nicknamed “China’s No.1 Bay for Wave Watching” , Red Bay is renowned for its unique geography : on one side of the peninsula, enormous waves crash against the shore while the opposite side remains calm and mirror-like.

Landmarks of the Red Bay

Zhelang Peninsula

At the heart of Red Bay lies the famous Zhelang Peninsula, also known as the Kirin Horn of Eastern Guangdong (kirin is an animal in Chinese mythology)
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#### Porcelain statue of a Kirin (Qing dynasty, 1750), Hallwyl Museum (Public Domain)

Stretching into the sea where Red Bay and Jieshi Bay meet, the peninsula is surrounded by water on three sides: the east faces Jieshi Bay, the south opens onto Red Bay and the coastline extends with beaches.

This is because the peninsula acts as a natural barrier against the wind and waves, that visitors can witness two completely different marine landscapes at the same time roaring waves and powerful surf in one side and turquoise waters in the other.

The peninsula’s rugged coastline has been shaped for centuries by ocean erosion and subtropical weathering. Strange rock formations scattered across the coast inspired many legendary names such as Buddha Quicksand Rock or Dedu Stone. The area is also home to numerous bird species (seagulls, egrets...)

### The Sea Castle Ruins
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This structure is actually the remains of a late 20th-century coastal engineering project, believed to be linked to a marine infrastructure that was never fully completed. Over time, the unfinished concrete complex was reclaimed by sea winds, salt spray and crashing waves, giving it the appearance of a ruined ocean fortress.

### Red Bay Lighthouse Island
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Surrounded by the South China Sea, the small island is famous for its white lighthouse, panoramic ocean views and spectacular sunsets.
At dusk, the lighthouse silhouetted against the colorful sky has become one of the most photographed scenes in Shanwei.

A Paradise for Water Sports

Thanks to its alternating calm and rough waters, Red Bay is one of China’s best-known destinations for windsurf, surf and many other coastal sports.
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The Guangdong Marine Sports Training Center located here is one of the country’s major sea sports bases. Red Bay also served as a competition venue for the marine events of the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games .

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