Zhuhai
East Asia · China
Did you know?
- Lovers' Road turns the shoreline into a long coastal walk, while islands open up ferry day trips.
- The Fisher Girl statue is one of the city's key attractions.
- Gongbei's outdoor seafood area sits near the border and is a local eating stop.
See also
Macau
Macau22.17°N 113.55°E · 22 m
Peng Chau
Hong Kong22.29°N 114.04°E
Hong Kong
Hong Kong22.27°N 114.17°E · 7 m
Shenzhen
China22.55°N 114.10°E · 0 m
Zhongshan
China22.52°N 113.37°E · 11 m
Overview
Zhuhai combines low population density with parks and a long coastline. Its many islands add a coastal escape within the Pearl River Delta.
Languages: Chinese
Why go?
Zhuhai is one of China's cleanest and prettiest cities, with low population density and numerous parks. It serves as a gateway to Macau and is a playground for hedonistic visitors from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The city's beautiful long coastline and many islands make it a unique destination in the Pearl River Delta.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Understand
Zhuhai was a group of fishing villages until designated a Special Economic Zone in 1980, now a modern city with about 2.4 million inhabitants. It borders Jiangmen, Zhongshan, and Macau, with Hong Kong and Shenzhen across the estuary. The climate is sub-tropical; best times to visit are spring and autumn.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Zhuhai is served by Zhuhai Sanzao Airport, with flights from many Chinese cities. High-speed trains from Guangzhou (¥60-65, 2.5 hours) arrive at Zhuhai Railway Station in Gongbei. Buses also connect to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other cities. Ferries from Hong Kong and Shenzhen arrive at Jiuzhou Ferry Terminal (1 hour trip).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Talk
Cantonese is the main local language, but Mandarin is the lingua franca due to immigration. English is not widely spoken, except by some young people. The Doumen district speaks Taishanese.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Zhuhai is spread out. Taxis start at ¥10 for the first 3 km. Walking is good within districts. Note that access to the University of Macau campus on Hengqin Island requires border control.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The best times are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild. Summer (June-September) is hot and humid with typhoon risks. Winter (December-February) is mild (around 10°C). The China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition is held every two years in November.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See
Key attractions include the Fisher Girl statue, New Yuanming Palace (free entry), Zhuhai Museum (free), and the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom (¥350). Lovers' Road offers a long coastal walk. Many islands are accessible by ferry.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Do
Activities include swimming and diving at islands, visiting the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (¥500), and relaxing at Imperial Yuwenquan Hot Springs (¥188). The Zhuhai Opera House on Yeli Island is a new landmark.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Learn
Zhuhai hosts several universities: Sun Yat-Sen University (largest campus), Jinan University, Beijing Institute of Technology, and Zhuhai College of Jilin University. These provide opportunities for language study.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat
Cantonese cuisine is commonplace; seafood is a local specialty. Street food stalls and restaurants offer food from all over China. Gongbei has a large outdoor seafood area near the border.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Drink
Zhuhai is known for nightlife: Bar Street on Shuiwan Road has many bars and clubs. No. 88 Bar is popular. The Dragon Union Opera House offers karaoke and live shows.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Hotels are reasonably priced. Most travelers stay in Gongbei for proximity to nightlife and the Macau border. Jida has upscale hotels; Xiangzhou offers mid-range options. Dorms from ¥60 at Zhuhai Youth Hostel.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
The area code for Zhuhai is 0756. From overseas, dial +86 756 XXXX-XXXX.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Zhuhai is generally safe but has many pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on buses. Prostitution is illegal. Do not drink tap water, avoid undercooked meats, and watch for counterfeit bills. Cars usually give way to pedestrians.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Buses to Guangzhou cost ¥60-65 and take 2.5 hours. Macau is reachable on foot via Gongbei border. Ferries go to Hong Kong and Shenzhen from Jiuzhou Port (1 hour). High-speed trains to Guilin take under 4 hours.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Amici Miei Authentic Italian Restaurant
Truly authentic Italian cuisine, owned and operated by Italians, Amici Miei is the latest addition to Zhuhai's pizza scene.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Azur Restaurant
Very good Mediterranean cuisine with a Croatian chef. The menu is quite small and constantly changes according to seasons and what's freshly available on the market. Most of the items on the menu are handmade, including bread, pastas, gnocchi etc. They also do excellent events with great musicians from all over the world. They are linked to the Hong Kong Jazz Festival, and occasionally bands that play in Hong Kong also play at Azur.
Recorded price: Main courses from ¥60-130
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Deyuefang Seafood Restaurant
Large and popular high-end seafood place on an impressive looking boat in Xiangzhou harbour.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Gongbei Seafood
There is a multitude of outdoor eating establishments with high quality seafood in Gongbei near the Macau border. Simply wandering around would probably work, but one large area with many such establishments is just Northwest of the border. Only a 5 minute walk from the border, any type of seafood can be had here (crab, oysters, prawns, large fish and the more exotic variety) as well as other non-seafood dishes that are just as good. They are authentic and much cheaper than anything you can find in the more pricey restaurants. Keep an eye out for the people cleaning large stacks of oysters.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Indian Restaurant
The name refers to the Native American Indian decor of the restaurant, not curries and nan bread. The specialty is high-priced steak that is no more than tolerable. However, you might consider going for the decor, which is American Plains Indian with a few pieces of Northwestern coastal art. The waitresses there wear fringed skirts with feathers in their hair.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Jenny's Cafe
A neat, cozy, jazz infused cafe serving mostly Chinese food but with an extensive and reasonably priced drinks menu that includes coffee, tea and some alcoholic drinks. (It's tucked back from the road, but easily seen due to the large signage around the door.)
Recorded price: average
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Jinding Barbeque
By far the largest outdoor street barbeque in Zhuhai. The BBQ is over 100 meters long, with scores of proprietary stalls and tables (who vigorously compete against one another). Steam rises, motorcycles whiz by, and music blares from shops as dozens of proprietary stands serve up street specialties (such as spicy grilled squid tentacles) well into the night to a lively crowd seated at plastic tables and chairs. Meals are served on plastic bag covered plates and beer from the thinnest plastic cups in the world. Come here to experience regular Chinese street life, and leave full and satisfied.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Macanese Vegetarian Buffet
Buddhist vegetarian restaurant offering unlimited all you can eat vegetarian buffet including everything from cooked vegetarian Chinese dishes through cakes and pastries, cold dishes, noodle bar, fresh fruit, fresh real fruit juices, various teas, various soups, even vegetarian pizza. Tremendously popular and great value.
Recorded price: ¥46 (one off) or ¥35 (if buying 10x tickets)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Area code 0756. SIM cards easily available. Free Wi-Fi in many hotels.
Culture
Cantonese is the main local language, but Mandarin widely spoken. Some English among young people.
Health
Tap water unsafe. Avoid undercooked food. Hospitals available.
Language
Cantonese is local, but Mandarin is widely spoken. English is limited.
Local transport
Taxis start at ¥10 for first 3 km. Extensive bus network. Ferries to islands from Xiangzhou Port.
Money
Bargain hard at markets and shops. Watch for counterfeit bills, especially ¥50 notes.
Safety
Pickpockets are common in crowded areas. Do not drink tap water. Prostitution is illegal.
Transport
Taxi starts at ¥10. Ferries to Hong Kong and Shenzhen from Jiuzhou Port take 1 hour.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking. Crossing to Macau requires valid visa for Macau.