Seaside gem: a breezy weekend in Zhuhai

City walks have become increasingly popular as a pastime among Chinese travellers in recent years. This slow, relaxed way of exploring places on foot lets you truly feel the pulse of your destination. And nowhere in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) is more suitable for this than Zhuhai. Stroll along the seaside promenade, discover a bustling city centre, and breathe in the laid-back atmosphere of this beautiful coastal gem. 

Where to start  

A relaxing stroll along the city’s coast is a must for all visitors to Zhuhai. Start at the famed Zhuhai Fishing Girl statue and head south along the palm tree-lined Qinglü Zhong Lu (Lovers Avenue) to the romantic Love Post Office and Zhuhai Lighthouse.  

Meanwhile, heading north from the statue will take you to the 1.5-kilometre-long Xianglu Bay Beach, which is connected by a pedestrian bridge to the mixed-use complex City Balcony, one of Zhuhai's newest modern landmarks. Another architectural marvel is the new Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Center . Perched atop an artificial lake, the Zaha Hadid Architects-designed building is an up-and-coming cultural hub and features a theatre, an art gallery and an exhibition hall. Also, don’t miss the Zhuhai Grand Theatre on Yeli Island. Resembling a pair of seashells standing by the sea, it is one of the city’s most recognisable structures. 

What to do 

As well as chilling by the sea, there’s plenty to do in Zhuhai. The city has some of the GBA’s best entertainment venues. Located in the city centre, Fu Hua Li is an upscale lifestyle and entertainment complex designed to look like pedestrian streets in Europe. The area has a wide range of shops and eateries, including the greenhouse-themed café Lisa Garden and the toy and action figure shop, Pop Mart. 

For an artier place to hang out, Beishan Village is a cultural hotspot housed in a cluster of buildings constructed during the Tongzhi period (1862-1874) of the Qing dynasty. The village has in recent years been transformed into a bustling community for the creative crowd. Here, you can browse quirky retailers such as Goodone, a vintage shop inside an old theatre, and stop by Pick Cup Cafe – housed in a brick bungalow – for coffee and snacks. 

For fun and excitement, head to Lionsgate Entertainment World , the film studio’s first theme park. Explore immersive games and rides inspired by The Hunger Games, The Twilight Saga and other popular movies from Lionsgate, and experience the thrill alongside your favourite characters.  

What to eat 

When in Zhuhai, indulging in a seafood feast is a must. Locals flock to Yu Yang Xian for delights made from the freshest catch of the day, including grilled oysters with garlic and stir-fried mud crab with ginger and scallion. Those looking to splurge a little can treat themselves at the upscale Cantonese restaurant Denglou Private Kitchen near Fu Hua Li. Don’t miss the signature dongpo rou (braised pork belly), which is elegantly presented in a stone pot complete with a showstopping dry ice effect. 

For something more fun and unexpected, Beishan Village’s YDM, housed inside a historic temple dedicated to the “immortal doctor” Hua Tuo, sells Chinese herbal tea and traditional pastries by day and transforms into a bar that serves herbal tea-themed cocktails at night. 

Where to stay 

Just a five-minute drive from Fu Hua Li, the Renaissance Zhuhai Hotel combines nautically themed design with modern comfort. Many of its well-appointed guestrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows which offer views of the Qianshan River, while the furniture and lighting create a vibrant space that reflects the city’s energy.  

Get there 

From Hong Kong city centre, take a high-speed ferry from the China Hong Kong Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui or the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan to Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port. The journey takes about 70 minutes. 

From the Hong Kong International Airport, you can take a 70-minute ferry ride to Zhuhai from the SkyPier Terminal. Alternatively, take a coach from the Mainland/Macao Transport Centre in Terminal 1 to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge’s Zhuhai Port.