A business traveller’s guide to Huizhou

Known as the “gateway to Eastern Guangdong”, Huizhou is a strategic business hub and one of the key cities of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). As the GBA’s second-largest city by land area, Huizhou boasts rich land resources and ample room for industrial development. The city’s industrial and construction sectors account for more than 50 per cent of its overall GDP, supported by a well-established manufacturing sector. 

Huizhou’s two primary business districts – Jiangbei CBD in Huicheng district and the Zhongkai National High-tech Industrial Development Zone – form the epicentre of the city's economic activities. Here’s what you need to know to plan a trip where work and leisure can be combined, from transport options to scenic attractions and top venues to impress clients. 

What you need to know about visiting Huizhou on business 

Huizhou has a vast transport network. Visitors can either fly to Huizhou Pingtan Airport or travel by high-speed railway to Huizhou North, Huiyang or Huidong South stations. For travellers within GBA, direct coaches depart from Hong Kong and Shenzhen, with stops in and around the city centre and major hotels. Neighbouring Chinese Mainland cities are connected by affordable intercity rail. 

Huizhou is a serene haven boasting an estimated 60 per cent forest coverage. Begin the day at Huizhou West Lake, recipient of the coveted 5A tourist rating for its beautiful landscape. The scenic area is home to five lakes: Ling Lake, E Lake, Ping Lake, Feng Lake and South Lake, where ancient trees, emerald waters and quaint pagodas form a picturesque tableau. If time is limited, take a boat ride to soak in the views. 

As night falls, head to the arcaded buildings of Shuidong Street, a historic neighbourhood where you can find everything from restaurants to specialty shops. Next, visit the nearby historic Hejiang Tower to admire its sublime beauty. Located at the confluence of Dongjiang and Xizhijiang in Huicheng District, it is one of Guangdong’s six famous towers and the former residence of the renowned Song poet Su Dongpo.  

Where to take business clients in Huizhou 

For authentic local delicacies, Wan Li Restaurant in Renaissance Huizhou Hotel and Chua Lam’s Dim Sum are both excellent choices: the former specialises in authentic Cantonese and Hakka cuisine, with panoramic vistas of Dongjiang river, while the latter offers an innovative take on Cantonese dim sum.  

Younger visitors might appreciate a drink at the Heron lounge, on the 27th floor of Hilton Huizhou, a fitting place to talk big business in an intimate setting. It has what it takes to make a good first impression: stunning city and river views and a cosy atmosphere. 

Where to stay in Huizhou 

Hilton Huizhou is makes a convenient base for a well-balanced trip, located near Huamao Place mall and Huizhou Convention and Exhibition Centre, with West Lake only a 10-minute drive away.  Renaissance Huizhou Hotel also enjoys a central location, with sweeping view of West Lake and Dongjiang . It features an indoor swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness centre for recharging after a busy day. 

Planning to travel by high-speed rail? Crowne Plaza Huizhou is just a 30-minute drive from Xihudong station. Direct coaches to and from Hong Kong are right at your doorstep. There is also a conference hall with a capacity of more than 1,000 people, making it well-suited to business events. 

What to say to locals on business in the GBA 

Huizhou offers a wonderful mix of scenic beauty and cultural heritage. To make connections and build goodwill, ask locals to recommend their personal favourites beyond the West Lake. On the business front enquiring about the vast potential of Huizhou as “Shenzhen’s backyard” will surely engage.  

Etiquette: your China business travel guide  

Show respect by filling clients’ cups and glasses when dining in Chinese restaurants, but only do so in order of seniority. To serve tea in a respectful way, refrain from filling the cup brim-full lest it’d be too hot to hold.  

As a GBA city with significant Hakka cultural influence, Huizhou boasts myriads of regional customs. For example, locals have their year-end cleaning in preparation for Chinese New Year, beginning on the 24th day of the last lunar calendar month – four days earlier than the usual 28th. With many shops and offices closed early for the New Year celebration, it’s not a good time for business trips, so be sure to consult a calendar or expert before booking. 

Downtime done right 

Drive to Xunliao Bay or Shuangyue Bay to explore the great outdoors on your day off. You can take a dip or try water sports like diving and surfing. For panoramic views, Shuangyue Bay Observation Deck and Water Drop Library are two photogenic spots. A 10-minute drive will take you to Sea Turtle Bay, the only sea turtle nature reserve on the Chinese Mainland and a must-visit spot for nature lovers. 

Take something home

Desserts are a major part of Hakka heritage. Yueguangbing (or moonlight biscuit) is made fromglutinous rice flour, sugar, spices, nuts and sesame seeds, pressed in a mould shaped like a full moon. You can sample it at the century-old Nan Yuan Lou. For those who love a crunchy treat, try Boluo sutang, a candy from Boluo County with malt syrup, peanuts and sesame seeds, or the flavourful Longmen fried rice cakes, inscribed in Huizhou’s list of “intangible cultural heritage”.