As one of the first Special Economic Zones in the Chinese Mainland, Zhuhai boasts both a robust economy and a rich cultural heritage rooted in Lingnan traditions. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, opened to traffic in 2018, catapulted Zhuhai to the privileged position of being the only Chinese Mainland city connected by land to both Hong Kong and Macao, cementing its role as a hub for innovation, trade, and cross-border collaboration within the Greater Bay Area.
For business travellers to Zhuhai, our curated guide encompasses everything you need to enjoy a mix of work and play in this dynamic city.
Credit: Hym Chu
Credit: Peggy Cheung/Getty Images
Credit: Hym Chu
Where to start
Nicknamed “the city of a hundred islands”, Zhuhai warrants an exploration along its sweeping coastline. The seaside promenade of Lovers' Road stretches for more than 28 kilometres, offering views of Zhuhai’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Fisher Girl statue, the Zhuhai Grand Theatre, and the viral Love Post Office. Take a pause, too, to soak up the panoramic ocean vista.
For a taste of imperial grandeur, visit the New Yuanming Garden , modelled after Beijing's Old Summer Palace. Free to enter, the park brings together courtly architecture and Jiangnan-style gardens, further enriched by regular open-air performances.
Zhuhai's business activities are concentrated in two strategic locations: the district of Xiangzhou, a hub of shopping complexes and office buildings; and the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The Hengqin Huafa Mall, which opened in October 2024, lies just a 20-minute drive from the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. With a diverse mix of stores and restaurants, it’s easy to spend hours shopping and dining your way through the mall.
Credit: Yan Ting Chinese Restaurant
Credit: Yan Ting Chinese Restaurant
Where to take clients
Yan Ting , the Chinese restaurant on the 42nd floor of The St. Regis Zhuhai, is the best place to host VIP guests, serving refined Cantonese cuisine against the kaleidoscopic backdrop of Macao and Zhuhai. For younger clientele, head to the hotel’s Italian outlet LaBrezza . Its Mediterranean speciality dishes and 400-label wine cellar are guaranteed to impress. Meanwhile, you’ll find a branch of the popular dim sum spot Jin Yue Xuan inside the Rihua Commerical Plaza, which boasts fantastic food and a warm atmosphere that will put clients at ease. Be sure to book in advance.
Credit: InterContinental Zhuhai
Credit: InterContinental Zhuhai
Where to stay
InterContinental Zhuhai , housed within the Renheng Binhai Center just off Qinglv South Road, claims a waterfront position with views of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Over in Xiangzhou, Fairfield by Marriott Zhuhai Xiangzhou neighbours both Jingshan Park and Lingdingyang, providing convenient access to the Guangzhou-Zhuhai intercity railway, Jiuzhu Port and the wider intercity passage network. Meanwhile, Sheraton Zhuhai Hotel stands out thanks to its distinctive, modern design. Be sure to avail yourself of the hotel’s tennis courts, fitness centre, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
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What to say
Locals are more than happy to share recommendations with those who show an interest in their cuisine and culture. They'll gush about their favourite weekend getaways, teahouses or seafood restaurants, and even where to go for the finest, freshest catch.
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What to know
The importance of food in Chinese culture finds expression in Zhuhai’s dining scene, famed for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine and seafood. Sharing dishes is common in traditional restaurants and dim sum parlours, and you can use communal chopsticks to fill both your own bowl and those of your dining companions. Offering tea or serving dishes to others is deemed a gesture of respect and amiability.
Credit: VCG Contributor/Getty Images
Credit: Peggy Cheung/Getty Images
Downtime done right
Get to know Zhuhai through its history. The three-story Zhuhai Museum offers a comprehensive showcase of the city’s art and culture since 1988, with permanent exhibitions on local history, folklore and Canton porcelain. Meanwhile, along the coast of Yeli Island is the famous shell-shaped Zhuhai Grand Theatre , a cultural landmark that has hosted more than a thousand performances to date.
Finally, wind down at Zhuhai Imperial Hot Spring Resort, an hour’s drive east of the city. Welcoming both day visitors and overnight guests, this hotel features several mineral-rich onsen in scenic surroundings, including eight private villas with their own outdoor hot spring bath.
Credit: zhenghua zhuhai China/Getty Images
Credit: zhenghua zhuhai China/Getty Images
Take something home
For authentic souvenirs, check out the Zhuhai Museum gift shop, which stocks accessories inspired by the museum’s art and artefact collections. The Love Post Office sells postcards, magnets and other goodies modelled after Zhuhai landmarks. Meanwhile, treasure seekers should visit the LETS Cultural District in Xiangzhou to scour warehouses and boutiques selling creative products and traditional handicrafts.