Self-Guided Travel Guide to Yangjiang
I. Get to Know Yangjiang, Explore Hailing Island and Experience Zhapo
Yangjiang City sits on the lower reaches of the Moyang River, adjacent to the Pearl River Delta and located in western Guangdong. Hailing Island is an island under the administration of Yangjiang City. Administratively, the Hailing Island Economic Development Experimental Zone falls under Jiangcheng District, Yangjiang City, and governs the entire island.
With comprehensive planning and unified development led by the Guangdong Provincial Government, Hailing Island has grown into one of Guangdong’s most renowned tourist destinations. It boasts abundant natural tourism resources and preserves the oldest fishing village culture, with a green coverage rate reaching 95%. At present, tourism and aquaculture form the island’s two major economic pillars. Its seafood products are mainly supplied to the Pearl River Delta and exported to Hong Kong and Macao, earning wide popularity thanks to their pollution-free natural growing environment.
II. Transportation Information
(1) Self-Driving
Before your trip, search for driving routes online and follow road signs, making Zhapo easily accessible for self-driving visitors.
Basic route: Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway → Coastal Expressway → Zhapo (you may exit the expressway at Baisha Interchange). Alternatively, simply enter "Hailing Island" into your navigation device for directions.
(2) Tour Groups
Joining an organized tour is a convenient and reasonably priced option. Most importantly, you do not need to spend time planning your itinerary and can simply follow a tour guide. Countless tourists visit Hailing Island via group tours every year. Reputable travel agencies with well-established routes include Guangdong Travel Service, Nanhu International Travel Service and Jinma Holiday Tours.
Tour prices range roughly from 120 RMB to 350 RMB; higher-priced packages offer slightly better hotel accommodation. Numerous group-buying deals to Zhapo are also available online at surprisingly low prices, which you may keep an eye out for.
(3) Public Transport
Nearly all cities in the Pearl River Delta operate direct coaches to Yangjiang Main Bus Station. Upon arrival, purchase a direct express ticket to Zhapo (a 50-minute ride with departures every 10 minutes). Round-trip tickets between Yangjiang and Zhapo are available for 20 RMB, saving you a small amount compared to buying one-way fares separately.
Students are advised to bring their student ID cards, as discounted student fares apply for long-distance buses at both Yangjiang Main Bus Station and the Second Transport Station. For example, the student fare from Yangjiang Main Bus Station to Guangdong Provincial Bus Station is 68 RMB, versus the original full price of 100 RMB.
Special Reminders for Travellers Departing from Guangzhou
Direct coaches run between Guangdong Provincial Bus Station and Zhapo, with an approximate travel time of 4 hours.
- Departure from Guangdong Provincial Bus Station to Zhapo: 13:30 (fare: 107 RMB)
- Departures from Zhapo to Guangdong Provincial Bus Station: 09:10 and 14:30
Zhapo Bus Station Hotline: 0662-3890820. Feel free to call for inquiries if needed.
It is recommended to buy tickets in advance, as many passengers book the direct coaches back to Guangzhou.
Postscript: Upon arriving in Zhapo, the main local transport options are motorcycles, three-wheeler auto-rickshaws and rental bicycles. Zhapo is a compact town, and any destination within the area is reachable within a 15-minute ride. Do not hesitate to ask local residents or shop attendants for directions—they will be happy to help, as the saying goes, "All roads can be found by asking". For farther destinations, take a motorcycle taxi.
- Two-seat motorcycle taxi: 5–10 RMB per trip
- Eight-seat three-wheeler auto-rickshaw: 8–20 RMB per trip
You may bargain moderately with drivers, as they often quote inflated prices to out-of-town visitors. They will take you to any location you name.
III. Accommodation
Accommodation facilities in Zhapo have improved greatly over the years, offering far more choices for tourists. After passing through the tunnel into Zhapo, you will see rows of high-rise buildings dedicated to tourist lodging. Generally, the more upscale the appearance, the higher the price, and you may choose according to your budget.
Two main accommodation types are available:
- Hotels and Guesthouses: Most are located along the coastline with relatively higher rates and premium surroundings.
- Serviced Apartments: Offer better cost performance and a homely atmosphere.
The serviced apartments mentioned here resemble residential properties, featuring two-bedroom or three-bedroom layouts fully equipped with kitchen facilities. You can buy fresh ingredients from local markets and cook your own meals. Many are sea-view suites at affordable prices.
Recommended properties include Bitao Garden, Sail Resort and Yangjiang Peninsula Hotel—you may check room rates and make bookings online. Bitao Garden and Sail Resort are budget-friendly; a two-bedroom apartment costs around 300–500 RMB, with higher rates on weekends. These are highly recommended for groups, as they provide great value and allow everyone to stay under one roof for easier group outings.
Dining & Entertainment
A coastal tourist destination like Zhapo is famous for its seafood, alongside distinctive local snacks and signature dishes. Some visitors worry about overpriced dining, a common concern for scenic area restaurants. It is worth clarifying that catering businesses in Zhapo are now far more standardized, with clear price lists displayed openly at most venues.
Postscript: Visitors who do not eat seafood can opt for Western restaurants for greater convenience, located 100 metres opposite the main entrance of Dajiaowan. Multiple small Western restaurants and an MFC American fast-food chain have also opened along Zhapo Main Street, offering moderately priced meals.
Important Note: Avoid engaging with touts loitering outside restaurants and hotels. They are highly persuasive and earn substantial commissions by steering tourists to designated dining and lodging venues. As the old saying goes, "the wool comes from the sheep", meaning the extra cost will ultimately be passed on to you.
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