Many Hong Kong residents often head to Shenzhen or Guangzhou for weekend getaways, but just two hours east of Hong Kong lies Shanwei, a lesser-known coastal city in Guangdong province. Offering clean, family-friendly beaches and breathtaking sunsets comparable to those in Phuket or Bali, Shanwei provides a unique escape from the bustling cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
Shanwei’s strong ocean waves make it an ideal spot for water sports like surfing, jet skiing, and sailing, while its seafood is fresh and abundant. For those seeking inland adventures, the vibrant Ermalu night market is a must-visit. The market is famous for its regional specialties, including beef hotpot, a local favorite, alongside other delicacies like seafood and savory pounded tea, or “lei cha,” a traditional Hakka dish.
Getting to Shanwei from Hong Kong is straightforward if you have a mainland travel permit or visa. High-speed trains depart from Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Station, with tickets starting at HK$159 (US$20). The journey takes around 90 minutes, and once in Shanwei, taxis are recommended for ease of travel. Although the local Haifeng dialect is commonly spoken, Mandarin and Cantonese will suffice for most visitors.
Accommodation in Shanwei is affordable, with off-peak prices for hotels ranging from HK$300 to HK$500 per night. For a more luxurious stay, consider the DoubleTree by Hilton Shanwei, which overlooks Jingting Bay and offers family-friendly amenities such as claw machines, arcade games, and mini electric buggies. The hotel is also conveniently located near a 7-kilometer-long beach and a picturesque seaside chapel-turned-café.
For activities, Shanwei’s rougher waves make kayaking and paddle boarding less ideal, but it’s a great destination for surfing and sailing. Visitors can also explore cultural attractions like Fengshan Temple or enjoy performances of traditional shadow puppetry and Chinese opera. Shanwei is known for its unique handicrafts, particularly qilin (Chinese unicorn) costumes and headdresses, which reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Shanwei is becoming an increasingly popular destination for weekend trips, especially for residents of the Greater Bay Area, which includes Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. As Gen Alpha and Gen Z shape family travel trends in the region, with a focus on adventure and cultural connections, Shanwei offers the perfect blend of coastal beauty and cultural experiences.
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