Deep Travel Guide to Honghai Bay Tourist Area | Poetry and Vibes Between Mountains and Sea

| Poetry and Vibes Between Mountains and Sea.📍 Location & Transportation Guide Honghai Bay is located in the southeastern part of Shanwei City, Guangdong Province, 230 km from Guangzhou and 150 km from Shenzhen. A self-drive from the Pearl River Delta takes only 2-3 hours. For high-speed rail, it takes about 1-2 hours from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Shanwei Station. From there, take Bus 116 directly to the scenic area (fare: ¥5, 40 minutes) or opt for a chartered car (around ¥150-200/day) for more flexibility. Within the scenic area, taxis or tricycles (¥5-10) are recommended, while renting e-bikes is discouraged due to poor road conditions in some areas. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations - Luxury Experience: Honghai Bay Resort (private beach + water activities), Skyline Blue Bay Hotel (full facilities, walkable to the beach). - Budget-Friendly: Baiyaduo Hotel (¥100+/night, includes breakfast + charging stations, close to Erma Road Food Street). - Unique Stays: Miyue Homestay, Qihai Homestay, etc., offering coastal fishing village charm. - Camping Fun: Jinyu Beach offers tent rentals (Package A: ¥328/person, includes paddleboarding + camping gear). 🌅 Key Attractions & Activities 1. **Zhelang Peninsula** – A Wonder of Two Seas in One Bay - Wave-Watching Secret Spot: The east and west sides of the peninsula showcase a unique contrast of "raging waves on one side, calm waters on the other," earning it the title of "China’s No. 1 Wave-Watching Bay." Best visited at dawn (opens at 5:00) or dusk (free after 19:30) for poetic sea-sky views. - Water Sports: Known as "Guangdong’s Sailing Capital," try sailing, windsurfing, or surfing at professional bases that hosted Asian Games events. - Cultural Gems: Explore the South Sea Guanyin Scenic Area (¥16 ticket) with relics like "Buddha’s Sand" and "Zheng Chenggong’s Calm Waters," plus the historic Zhelang Fort (free, 9:30-17:30). 2. **Windmill Island** – A Romantic "Little Kenting" - Instagrammable Spots: The sea bridge, 360° viewing deck, and giant windmills create a picturesque scene, especially at sunset on the cross-sea road. - Family Fun: Shallow Bay’s soft sand is perfect for kids to dig for clams at low tide. 3. **Jinyu Beach** – All-in-One Fun - Activities: Beach go-karts, paintball, jet skiing (some paid), or join combo packages (e.g., paddleboarding + BBQ music party). - Food Delights: Fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Culture Restaurant or beachside BBQs for a feast. 4. **Red Heritage** – Red Mansion & Red Palace Square - Red Mansion: A revolutionary education site converted from a Republic-era school, free to visit. - Red Palace Square (Haifeng County): Birthplace of China’s first red regime. Book via official WeChat (daily cap: 4,000 visitors) and opt for guided tours (book 3-5 days ahead). 🍽️ Food Guide - Seafood Feast: Laodetou Seafood Harbor (flame-grilled yellow croaker, salted egg yolk crispy peppers), Qunsheng Seafood Stall (raw marinated shrimp, pepper-salt mantis shrimp). - Local Snacks: Erma Road’s "Laodeji Beef Brisket Noodles" (with fried tofu skin), "Huiji Xiaomi" (taro-stuffed rice cakes), "Mingshu Desserts" (mung bean soup + sea grapes). - Night Markets: Kuishan Park’s grilled oysters, shaved ice; Jinding Bay’s rice cakes with salty tea. 📅 Best Travel Time & Events - Year-Round: April-October for warm waters and water sports; June (26-32°C) avoids peak crowds, with events like "Welcome to the 15th Games" (red culture promotions, lion dance performances). - Festivals: Lunar May 7th (June 2) lion dances at Dongzhou South Gate Square, showcasing Chaoshan traditions. 🚩 Practical Tips 1. **Sun & Bug Protection**: High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats for strong UV; mosquito repellent for summer camping. 2. **Safety**: Avoid undeveloped areas with rough waves; watch your step at the wave-energy base ruins (sea castle). 3. **Cultural Respect**: Maintain solemnity at red heritage sites; follow booking and crowd limits. 4. **Packing**: Swimwear, sandals, light jacket (cool sea breezes at night), and a small fan for camping comfort. ✨ Sample Itinerary - **Day 1**: Honghai Bay beachcombing → Zhelang Peninsula sunset → Jinyu Beach BBQ party. - **Day 2**: Windmill Island exploration → Erma Road food hunt → Red Palace Square tour. - **Day 3**: South Sea Temple blessings → Fort Park history → Lufeng salty cakes shopping before departure. Honghai Bay weaves majestic landscapes, vibrant local life, and rich history into poetry. Whether chasing waves, admiring windmills, savoring seafood, or tracing red heritage, it promises a soul-soothing coastal escape. 🌊