Yangjiang 3-Day Guide: China's Knife & Scissor Capital, Hailing Island

Hailing Island is one of Guangdong's most beautiful islands. The "Nanhai No. 1" Song Dynasty shipwreck yielded 180,000 artifacts, called the "Maritime Dunhuang." Zhapo Fishing Port is one of Guangdong's largest fishing ports. Yangjiang produces over 70% of China's knives and scissors. Yangjiang's Three Treasures — fermented black beans (300 years of history), lacquerware (national intangible heritage), and knives — make this western Guangdong city unique. Yangjiang is Guangdong's most authentic fishing-port city and "China's Knife & Scissor Capital."

🚶 Day 1: Hailing Island

Full Day: Hailing Island

• Dajiao Bay (¥40): Ten miles of silver beach, crystal clear water, fine sand. Water sports galore — surfing ¥80, jet ski ¥60, windsurfing ¥50, parasailing ¥120. The bay is divided into a swimming zone (calm) and surfing zone (waves)
• Nanhai No. 1 Museum (¥80): One of the world's most spectacular underwater archaeological discoveries. The Song Dynasty merchant ship "Nanhai No. 1" was discovered in 1987 and raised intact in 2007, carrying 180,000 artifacts — porcelain, gold and silver, copper coins, covering precious Southern Song trade goods. The museum is built directly over the water, allowing visitors to see the shipwreck in its original position. Dubbed the "Maritime Dunhuang." Allow 2-3 hours

Dinner & Accommodation

• Seafood stalls in Zhapo Town on Hailing Island: ¥60-100/person, recommended garlic steamed scallops and salt-baked prawns
• Accommodation: Island sea-view hotels ¥300-500/night, guesthouses ¥150-300/night

🚶 Day 2: Zhapo Fishing Port + Mawei Island

Morning: Zhapo Fishing Port

• Zhapo Fishing Port: One of Guangdong's largest fishing ports. Most exciting at 6-8am when boats return with their catch. Buy the freshest seafood directly from the dock, then have a nearby stall cook it — the most authentic Yangjiang way to eat
• Seafood Guide: Boiled prawns ¥25/jin, steamed grouper ¥45/jin, stir-fried crabs ¥40/jin, grilled oysters ¥4/each, salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp ¥35/jin

Afternoon: Mawei Island

• Mawei Island (free): The westernmost point of Hailing Island, known for "Mawei Sunset" — one of Yangjiang's Eight Scenes. At golden hour, sunlight floods the sea surface creating spectacular photos. Small hill offers panoramic sunset views
• Ten-Mile Silver Beach (free): South side of Hailing Island, longer and quieter than Dajiao Bay

Dinner: Zhapo Town seafood — recommended garlic steamed scallops, salt-baked prawns

🚶 Day 3: Yangjiang City + Knife Market + Departure

Morning: Yangjiang Knives & Scissors

• Yangjiang Knife & Scissor Market: Yangjiang is China's Knife & Scissor Capital, producing over 70% of national output, annual output exceeding 50 billion yuan. Shibazi is the most famous brand — scissors ¥30-100, chef's knives ¥50-200. Visit the production workshop to see forging, grinding, and polishing
• Yangjiang's Three Treasures:
  • Yangjiang Fermented Black Beans (¥10/pack): 300 years of history, made from premium black soybeans, one of the souls of Cantonese seasoning
  • Yangjiang Lacquerware (¥50-200): National intangible cultural heritage — colorful lacquer with mother-of-pearl inlay, exquisite craftsmanship
  • Yangjiang Knives (¥30-200): China's knife capital since the Ming Dynasty

Departure

• High-speed rail: Yangjiang → Guangzhou South (2h, ¥120) → Shenzhen North (2.5h, ¥170)
• Self-driving: Guangzhou → Yangjiang about 250km (3h)

🍜 Must-Eat Food List

Food	Price	Description
Pig Intestine Roll	¥5	Yangjiang's #1 snack
Boiled Prawns	¥25/jin	Original flavor
Steamed Grouper	¥45/jin	Fresh and tender
Grilled Oysters	¥4/each	Garlic butter best
Black Bean Pork Ribs	¥28	Yangjiang black beans in cooking
Yangjiang Fried Noodles	¥12	Street food
Mackerel Balls	¥15	Bouncy fish balls
Leaf Cake	¥3	Sticky rice cake in leaves
Chengcun Oysters	¥25/portion	Yangxi County specialty
White-Cut Dog Meat	¥48	Yangjiang specialty (not for everyone)

🚄 Transportation: Guangzhou 2h (¥120) | Budget ¥500-1200/day | Best May-Sep