Explore the Islands & Coastline of Guangdong
Guangdong boasts over 4,100 km of coastline and 1,963 islands. From Zhanjiang in the west to Chaozhou in the east, discover volcanic wonders, maritime Silk Road heritage, fishing village traditions, island adventures, and world-class seafood.
With more than 4,100 km of golden coastline and 1,963 scattered islands, Guangdong is a true paradise for seaside escapes.
Here you’ll find mangrove forests, glowing “blue tears,” exciting water sports, and endless seafood feasts. Each island is like a hidden pearl waiting to be explored.
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### Route Overview (West → East)
Zhanjiang → Maoming → Yangjiang (Hailing Island) → Jiangmen (Chuanshan Islands & Overseas Chinese heritage) → Shenzhen (Dapeng Peninsula) → Huizhou (Xunliao Bay, Double Moon Bay, Sanmen Island) → Shanwei (Red Bay) → Shantou (Nan’ao Island) → Chaozhou (Xia’ao Island & historic city)
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#### 1｜Zhanjiang · Journey to the Far South
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- Donghai Island Longhaitian Beach: 28 km of golden sand stretching to the horizon — the longest beach in China.
- Human Dragon Dance: A vibrant national intangible heritage performance from the Leizhou Peninsula.
- Náozhou Island: The largest volcanic island discovered in China, with dramatic basalt columns.
- Nanji Village (Mainland’s southernmost point): Mark your journey at latitude 20°13′14″.
- Jinsha Bay: Ride a seagull boat and watch the sea shimmer under the sun.
- Techeng Island Mangroves: A natural “water forest spa” with egrets flying gracefully overhead.
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2｜Maoming · Life of the Tanka People
- Yanling Cliff Walkway: Waves crash against the cliffs while the sea breeze whispers past your ears.
- Tanka Culture: The Tanka are traditional boat-dwelling fishermen who have lived by the sea for generations.
- Bohe Fishing Port Opening Festival (August): As the seasonal fishing ban ends, thousands of boats set sail together, marking the sea with sails and horns — and bringing the freshest catch to shore.
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3｜Yangjiang · Maritime Silk Road Heritage
- China Maritime Silk Road Museum: One of the world’s three major shipwreck museums, home to the Song Dynasty ship Nanhai No. 1, known as the “Dunhuang of the Sea.”
- Shili Silver Beach: Soft white sand that “sings” under your feet.
- Mawei Island Fishing Experience: Try your luck with net fishing or enjoy the stunning “Mawei Sunset” that reflects like a mirror.
- Windmill Hill & Zhapo Fishing Port: Come during the opening fishing season for spectacular scenes.
- Local Flavors: Oyster wontons, sweet and tangy huangpi fruit, and crunchy “pearl water chestnuts.”
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4｜Jiangmen · Islands & Overseas Chinese Heritage
- Shangchuan Island: Famous for golden beaches and water sports.
- Xiachuan Island: Palm-lined “Lovers’ Avenue” — a romantic tropical escape.
- Chinese White Dolphins: Best spotted between May and October.
- Chikan Ancient Town: Arcaded buildings, live shows, fireworks festivals, and summer water parties.
- Kaiping Diaolou & Villages (UNESCO World Heritage): Unique watchtowers blending Chinese and Western styles, scattered across fields and riversides.
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5｜Shenzhen · Dapeng Peninsula
- Sapphire Beach: Crystal-clear waters in dreamy shades of blue and green.
- Jidiaosha Beach: A crescent-shaped “Silver Beach,” perfect for relaxation.
- Angel Bay: Ride a little seaside train and soak up fairy-tale vibes.
- East & West Dapeng: Excellent for surfing, stargazing, and spotting fireflies.
- Dameisha & Xiaomeisha Beaches: Locals’ top choices for a quick seaside escape.
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6｜Huizhou · Secret Getaways
- Xunliao Bay: Fine white sands, nicknamed the “Heavenly White Beach.”
- Delta Island: Calm waters, coral reefs, and colorful fish — a diver’s paradise.
- Dongsheng Island: Experience authentic fishing life — go out to sea, cook your catch, or cast a line.
- Sanmen Island: Unspoiled nature, perfect for photography.
- Double Moon Bay: Two crescent-shaped bays — one calm, one wild. Nearby is the National Sea Turtle Reserve, where generations of turtles return to nest.
- Pinghai Ancient Town: A Ming Dynasty garrison town with its own endangered dialect, blending Cantonese, Hakka, and Minnan.
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7｜Shanwei · Red Bay
- Red Bay (Honghai Bay): Nicknamed “China’s No.1 Bay for Wave Watching.” One side has roaring surf, the other side calm waters — hence its name, “Zhelang Peninsula.”
- Island Count: Shanwei has 881 islands, the most of any city in Guangdong.
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8｜Shantou · Nan’ao Island
- Historic Arcade Streets: Unique radial layout centered around Zhongshan Pavilion (“Small Park Pavilion”).
- Nan’ao Island National Forest Park: A scenic island with bays like Yun’ao and Qing’ao.
- Qing’ao Bay Sunrise: The earliest sunrise on the Guangdong coast. Watch sunrise here, sunset at Houzhai, and explore the ancient Song Well.
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9｜Chaozhou · Ancient Culture Meets the Sea
- Xia’ao Island: Wake up to flocks of egrets over the sea.
- Cultural Performances: Energetic Yingge dance, lively carp-dragon shows — traditional arts in full glory.
- Chaozhou Ancient City: Stroll Guangji Gate, Paifang Street, and Guangji Bridge; explore hidden alleys and old residences.
- City of Gastronomy (UNESCO): Famous for Chaoshan cuisine — beef hotpot, marinated flavors, dim sum, and street snacks that never disappoint.
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In Guangdong, every breeze and every view carries warmth and vitality.
From volcanic islands to Silk Road treasures, from fishing villages to world-class seafood, the coastline of Guangdong offers countless ways to escape the city and embrace the sea.