Zhuhai, tucked in the southwest corner of China, is the ideal day trip from Guangzhou. Why? For starters, it is easily accessible via China’s bullet train within an hour. For another, it has lush greenery and abundant access to restaurants with fresh seafood; this makes it the perfect city to wind down and to just, feast. Not to mention, the port city also has an average annual temperature of 20 degree Celsius which makes it the ideal getaway for those who are living with subtropical climates.
With that, in collaboration with Singapore Airlines, we’ve gathered the best things to do at Zhuhai for the first-timers.
The element of nature: Yeli Island
Imagine this: The endless blue sky meeting the sea in a coherent shade of blue, the sway of the gentle ocean breeze and laughter as passersby stroll along. This may seem like a fantasy, but Yeli Island is as idyllic as it sounds. It is also home to the Zhuhai Opera House and a lush waterfront park. The scallop-shaped landmark is the first on-island theatre in the Chinese mainland where guests are able to enjoy a multitude of regular events and performances any time of the year.
Directions: Yeli Island is a short walk from Qinglv Middle Road and is connected by a bridge. It is open round the clock with free public access.
Address: Qinglv Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai
The element of nature: Lover’s Road
To celebrate the notion of love, Italy has the river in Venice and France has the Eiffel Tower in Paris. For Zhuhai though, it’s Lover’s Road. It begins at the Gongbei Yuehua Garden, and spans 17 kilometres across the city. Located on the eastern coast of Zhuhai, it is not just a place for lovebirds to promenade along the seaside, but also where visitors can view Zhuhai’s attractions like the eight metre tall Fisher Girl Statue which was built in 1982.
Directions: Lover’s road is a massive stretch along Zhuhai’s coast. To get to the Fisher Girl Statue, take bus route 9 or 99 from Zhuhai Gongbei Bus Station.
Address: Qinglv Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai
The element of nature: Chimelong Ocean Kingdom
The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom garners over nine million visitors every year. This is because it houses the world’s largest oceanarium and attractions that include amusements rides and animal shows. Since its launch, the theme park has also bagged several awards, one of which is the prestigious Thea Award in 2015.
Opening hours: Daily from 10am – 10:30pm
Admission starts from 280 yuan for children to 395 yuan for adults
Address: Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai
Gastronomy: JIN YUE XIAN – GONGBEI BRANCH
For some of the best dim sum Zhuhai, head over to Jin Yue Xian. This popular spot has been voted as the locals’ favourite restaurant on Dazhong Dianping, a Chinese food review app. When you’re there, order their traditional grass-fed black mutton cooked with bamboo. The mutton is tender and moist without a hint of gaminess, and the sauce is brimming with the umami flavour of mushrooms cooked in sesame oil and Chinese wine.
Opening hours: Daily from 8am – 3pm and 5pm – 10pm
Address: Zone B, Hua Shangye Plaza, 265 Qinglv Nan Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai
Gastronomy: YAN TING
Set on the 42nd floor of St Regis, Yan Ting is the ultimate destination for Cantonese fine dining in Zhuhai. However, food is only one of the two reasons why patrons come here. The stunning view of the cityscape from the restaurant is another. Be sure to try Cantonese Flavour Master Chef Ken Lin’s dishes like the classic roast goose too. It is a signature dish here, well-loved for the perfect ratio of meat to fat with a crisp layer of skin.
Opening hours: Daily 11am – 11:30pm
Address: 42F The St. Regis Zhuhai, 1663 Yinwan Road, Xiangzhou District Zhuhai
Gastronomy: CREATION WINE & RESTAURANT
To savour a more westernised cuisine, try the steak at Creation Wine & Restaurant. Since this establishment hosts only about 15 to 20 tables, make sure you make a reservation before heading down to the restaurant.
Opening hours: Daily 10am – 11pm
Address: Shop 108, Block Fuhuali Building, Zhuhai
Relaxation: ANGSANA ZHUHAI PHOENIX BAY
Angsana Zhuhai Phoenix Bay is the perfect property where you can seek respite from the city. All 202 rooms in the building are designed with local Lingan interior and have access to the stunning views of the ocean. Although the property is situated along the coastline, it is still seven kilometres away from the city centre.
Address: 9 Quanxing Dong Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai
Relaxation: PULLMAN ZHUHAI
Those looking to recharge in the convenience of the city centre will find Pullman Zhuhai an excellent choice. The contemporary establishment provides four-star accommodation and service while being a stone’s throw away from many of the tourist hotspots. Attractions in Macau can be accessed within a 10 to 15-minute drive as well. Fancy a little physical activity? Guests who want to keep up with their exercise regime can visit their fitness centre or the outdoor swimming pool.
Address: 2029 Jiuzhou Avenue, Gongbei District, Zhuhai
This article was first published at Lifestyle Asia.
