These are the best beaches in the Greater Bay Area

The Greater Bay Area is a secret haven for beach lovers. The region’s southern border is hugged by coastline, where sandy shores meet the waters of the South China Sea. 

Whether you’re looking for a waterfront getaway a stone’s throw from urban life, a resort ideal for family trips or a secluded seaside spot where you can unwind, you’ll find it in our guide to the best beaches to visit in the GBA.

Double Moon Bay, Huizhou

For an urban resort experience

On the southern tip of Huizhou, Double Moon Bay is named for its two crescent moon-shaped bays, separated by a thin strip of land. With so much coastline, snagging an ocean-view room at resorts like the Dusit Thani Sandalwoods Resort Shuangyue Bay Resort is a breeze.  

Meanwhile, the area itself offers plenty of space for games, sunbathing and people-watching. Come back at night to enjoy a seafood feast by the water and catch a few fireworks. There’s also a small night market where you’re likely to be tempted into a second dinner: delicacies include honey-glazed chicken wings roasted over an open fire and a variety of marinated seafood.

Sanmen Island, Huizhou

For a secluded spot to sunbathe

A breezy ferry ride away from Huizhou’s Dapeng Peninsula, Sanmen Island is touted as one of the best ecologically preserved islands in the Chinese Mainland. Here, you can float peacefully over pure, azure-tinted waters, or feel the ocean breeze as you lie under the shade of a canopy.  

The island’s most popular beaches are Baishawan and Yueliangwan – “White Sand Bay” and “Moon Bay”, respectively. As their names suggest, the former is known for its pristine sands while the latter stretches out in a unique crescent shape – but both abound in beauty. Staying overnight? Hire a tent from a local rental shop and set up camp right on the shoreline.

Xiachuan Island, Jiangmen

For an overnight stay at an island resort

It’s impossible not to feel the holiday vibes on this island, which is just off the coast from Jiangmen. Here, seafront resorts like Xiachuan Island Tourist Resort provide the opportunity to stroll along palm tree-shaded walkways or bury your toes in golden sands.  

Local vendors offer refreshments in the form of fresh coconuts and tofu pudding, while seafood restaurants serve up the best catches of the day – it’s also typical to see people buying seafood directly from returning fishermen. Other activities include barbecuing, watching fireworks and jetting across the bay on a speedboat. 

Xichong Beach, Shenzhen

For otherworldly evenings

Expansive golden stretches of sand filled with activities like swimming, fishing, hiking and even overnight camping aren’t the only things Xichong Beach is famed for. It’s also known for a dazzling natural spectacle called “blue tears” in Chinese.  

The waters around the beach are home to bioluminescent algae that emit an electric blue glow when disturbed or stimulated. Thanks to a relative lack of light pollution, it’s an ideal spot to see this natural phenomenon. Even more remarkable, this beauty spot is less than a two-hour drive from the centre of Shenzhen. 

Xiangluwan Beach, Zhuhai

For a family day out

Immaculately kept, and with a range of gear including buckets, spades and lounge chairs available to rent, Xiangluwan Beach gets top marks both for convenience and maintenance. It’s also easily accessible from Zhuhai’s city centre.  

Flop down on a fluffy towel, stroll barefoot along the water’s edge or make your way to an elevated platform for far-reaching views that even take in the impressive Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. When you’re ready for a change of pace, head to nearby Jingshan Park for attractions like a cable car ride and a downhill sliding track.

Cheung Sha Beach, Hong Kong

For an all-rounded day out

In whichever direction you wander along Hong Kong’s Cheung Sha Beach, fine white sand crunches between your toes and waves lap soothingly against the shoreline. If you’re here for water sports, you’re in luck: swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are all popular activities. Animal lovers should also keep an eye out for the resident water buffaloes. Public facilities like barbecue pits, showers and refreshment stands are all available here, while coffee shops and eateries serving globally-inspired cuisine are within walking distance.

Looking for more options? We also travelled to Shenzhen’s popular beach resort destination, Dameisha. Read our review here.

Video credit: DIK HIN CHUNG/Getty Images