Zhuhai 3-Day Guide: The Romantic City of a Hundred Islands

Zhuhai — "City of a Hundred Islands" embraced by the Pearl River estuary and the South China Sea. 147 islands scattered like pearls, the ocean breeze along Lovers' Road, the legendary Fisher Girl statue, the magical Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, and the azure waters of Wai Lingding Island. Facing Macau across the water, Zhuhai is China's most romantic coastal city.

🚶 Day 1: Lovers' Road + Fisher Girl + New Yuan Ming Palace

Morning: Lovers' Road Seaside Stroll

Lovers' Road (free): A 28km seaside promenade — Zhuhai's most romantic landmark. Cycle or stroll with ocean on one side and palm trees on the other
Zhuhai Fisher Girl (free): Zhuhai's city symbol standing in Xianglu Bay — a fisher girl holding a pearl, born from a local love legend
Love Post Office (free): Instagram-worthy spot on Lovers' Road. Send a love postcard from the lighthouse
Xianglu Bay Beach (free): Natural city-center beach for splashing and photos

Afternoon: New Yuan Ming Palace

New Yuan Ming Palace (free, reservation required): 1:1 replica of Beijing's Old Summer Palace core buildings, including the Great Fountain and European Palaces. Nearly 600,000 sqm of imperial garden grandeur

Evening: Wanzai Seafood Street

Wanzai Seafood Street: Zhuhai's most famous seafood market — buy downstairs, cook upstairs. ¥80-150/person
Recommended: mantis shrimp ¥35/jin, oysters ¥5/each, grouper ¥60/jin, crab ¥80/jin
Cooking fees: boiled ¥15, steamed ¥20, salt-pepper ¥25

🚶 Day 2: Chimelong Ocean Kingdom

Full Day: Chimelong Ocean Kingdom

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom (Adult ¥395/Child ¥280): One of the world's largest ocean theme parks with 8 themed zones
Must-Do:
- Whale Shark Aquarium: World's largest acrylic viewing window (39.6m tall), whale sharks swimming overhead
- Parrot Coaster: World's longest flying coaster — screams guaranteed
- Beluga Show: 3-4 shows daily, belugas dancing with trainers
- Dolphin Theater: Smart dolphin interactions
- 5D Castle Theater: Immersive experience
Night Parade + Fireworks (included): 8PM daily — fireworks + water screens + drones, the grand finale
Park dining: ¥50-80/person, suggest bringing snacks and water

Dinner

Hengqin Seafood Street: 5 min from Chimelong, cheaper than Wanzai. Oysters ¥3/each, shrimp ¥40/jin

🚶 Day 3: Wai Lingding Island / Qi'ao Island

Option A: Wai Lingding Island (Azure Paradise)

Wai Lingding Island (ferry ¥120 one-way, 1hr from Xiangzhou Port): One of Zhuhai's most beautiful islands, crystal-clear water
Jade Belt Trail (free): Cliffside boardwalk — ocean on one side, cliffs on the other
Stone Park (free): Sea erosion rock formations
Seafood: 30% cheaper than city, ¥60-100/person
Diving (¥200-400): 5-10m visibility, coral and tropical fish
Note: Limited ferries (2-3 daily), book ahead

Option B: Qi'ao Island (Easy Half-Day)

Qi'ao Island (free, bus K2): Closest pristine island to the city
Mangrove Wetland Park (free): Bird-watching paradise
Baishi Street (free): Pre-Opium War anti-British fort ruins

Departure

HSR: Zhuhai → Guangzhou South (1h, ¥70), → Shenzhen North (2h, ¥130)
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge bus: Zhuhai → Hong Kong (40min, ¥58)

🍜 Must-Eat Food Guide

Food	Price	Description
Hengqin Oysters	¥3-5/each	Plump and juicy — Zhuhai's signature
Mantis Shrimp	¥35/jin	Salt-pepper style is best
Grouper	¥60/jin	Steamed for pure flavor
Roe Crab	¥80/jin	Full of golden roe
Boiled Sea Shrimp	¥40/jin	Natural taste
Sea Urchin Fried Rice	¥38	Zhuhai specialty
Grilled Oysters	¥5/each	Night market staple
Pork Stomach Chicken	¥68/pot	Cantonese health soup
Rice Noodle Rolls	¥10	Breakfast choice
Double-Skin Milk	¥12	Dessert must-order

🚄 Transport Guide

HSR: Zhuhai Station (next to Gongbei Port), Guangzhou South 1h (¥70), Shenzhen North 2h (¥130)
HZMB Bridge: 24hr crossing, shuttle bus ¥58 to Hong Kong
City Transport: Extensive buses, taxi start ¥10, shared bikes cover Lovers' Road
Island Ferries: Depart from Xiangzhou/Jiuzhou Port, book via WeChat mini-program

💡 Practical Tips

Best Season: Oct-Apr (warm and comfortable), May-Sep is typhoon season — check forecasts
Chimelong on weekdays: Weekend queues 1hr+/ride, weekdays nearly walk-on
Lovers' Road cycling: Scan shared bikes, evenings are most pleasant
HZMB Bridge: Get HK/Macau travel permit + endorsement in advance
Budget: City ¥600-1000/day, Chimelong day ¥600-800
Gongbei Port: Walk across to Macau in 15 minutes — perfect for a day trip
Island sun protection: Wai Lingding UV is intense — SPF50 essential
Seafood bargaining: Negotiate at Wanzai, clarify cooking fees before buying