Seaside gem: a breezy getaway in Zhuhai

City walks have become increasingly popular as a pastime among travellers in recent years. This slow, relaxed way of exploring places on foot lets you truly feel the pulse of your destination. And nowhere in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) is more suitable for this than Zhuhai, also known as the city of romance. Stroll along the seaside promenade, discover a bustling city centre and breathe in the laid-back atmosphere of this beautiful coastal gem. 

Where to start  

A relaxing stroll along the city’s coast is a must for all visitors to Zhuhai. Start at the famed Zhuhai Fishing Girl statue and head south along the palm tree-lined Qinglv Lu (Lovers Road) to the romantic Love Post Office and Zhuhai Lighthouse.  

Meanwhile, heading north from the statue will take you to the 1.5-kilometre-long Xianglu Bay Beach, which is connected by a pedestrian bridge to the mixed-use complex City Balcony, one of Zhuhai's newest modern landmarks.

Another architectural marvel is the new Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Center . Perched atop an artificial lake, the Zaha Hadid Architects-designed building is an up-and-coming cultural hub and features a theatre, an art gallery and an exhibition hall. Also, don’t miss the Zhuhai Opera House on Yeli Island. Resembling a pair of seashells standing by the sea, it is one of the city’s most recognisable structures. 

For panoramic views of the Zhuhai coastline, take the scenic cable car up Jingshan Park. On the ride back down, hop on a toboggan – better yet, time it for sunset – and glide past lush forests and striking rock formations.

What to do 

Beyond relaxing by the sea, there’s plenty to do in Zhuhai, with a mix of historic attractions with some of the GBA’s best entertainment venues. 

For an artier place to hang out, Beishan Village is a cultural hotspot housed in a cluster of buildings constructed during the Tongzhi period (1862-1874) of the Qing dynasty. The village has in recent years been transformed into a bustling community for the creative crowd. Here, you can visit galleries, browse quirky retailers such as Goodone, a vintage shop inside an old theatre, and stop by Pick Cup Cafe – housed in a brick bungalow – for coffee and snacks. 

For a dose of fun and excitement, head to the trendy Novotown in Hengqin. Take your pick from VR games at National Geographic Ultimate Explorer, immersive film-inspired rides at Lionsgate Entertainment World, or work up a sweat at Pokiddo Trampoline Park.

What to eat and drink

When in Zhuhai, indulging in a seafood feast is a must. Locals flock to Yu Yang Xian for delights made from the freshest catch of the day, including grilled oysters with garlic and stir-fried mud crab with ginger and scallion. Those looking to splurge can treat themselves at the upscale Cantonese restaurant Denglou Private Kitchen near Fu Hua Li. Don’t miss the signature dongpo rou (braised pork belly), which is elegantly presented in a stone pot complete with a showstopping dry ice effect. 

For something more fun and unexpected, Beishan Village’s YDM – housed inside a historic temple dedicated to the “immortal doctor” Hua Tuo, sells Chinese herbal tea and traditional pastries by day and transforms into a bar serving herbal tea-themed cocktails at night. 

Getting there 

From Hong Kong's city centre, take a high-speed ferry from the China Hong Kong Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui or the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan to Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port. The journey takes about 70 minutes. 

From the Hong Kong International Airport, you can take a 70-minute ferry ride to Zhuhai from the SkyPier Terminal. Alternatively, take a coach from the Mainland/Macao Transport Centre in Terminal 2 to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge’s Zhuhai Port.

You can also combine your trip with a visit to Macao. The two cities are seamlessly connected via the Gongbei Port, making it easy to stroll from Zhuhai's coastal charm straight into the excitement of Macao.