Zhuhai 2025 Guide: Must-see attractions, local cuisine, and practical tips! | Trip.com

Experience the Thrill of Chimelong Ocean Kingdom

Visit Chimelong Ocean Kingdom for thrilling rides, diverse marine life, and spectacular shows, making it a must-visit for families and adventure seekers.

Find Serenity at the New Yuan Ming Palace

Explore the New Yuan Ming Palace, a replica of Beijing's Old Summer Palace, featuring grand halls, serene gardens, and intricate architecture.

Embrace the Tranquility of Dong Ao Island

Escape to Dong Ao Island for pristine beaches, lush forests, and fresh seafood, offering a tranquil island experience.

Discover the Art of Cantonese Opera and Experience Zhuhai Opera House

Immerse yourself in Cantonese Opera with its elaborate costumes, expressive singing, and stylized movements that bring stories to life.Visit the Zhuhai Opera House, known as the 'Sun and Moon Shells,' to admire its unique design and picturesque seaside location.

Learn about Local Crafts at Zhuhai Museum

Visit the Zhuhai Museum to explore exhibits on local history, culture, and traditional crafts, offering insights into the region's heritage.

Indulge in Cantonese Morning Tea

Experience traditional Cantonese morning tea, or 'Yum Cha,' with a variety of dim sum dishes like shrimp dumplings, pork buns, and egg tarts.

Shop for Souvenirs at Fuhuali

Visit Fuhuali near the Macau border for a wide array of goods, from clothing and electronics to souvenirs at bargain prices.

Capture the Beauty of Zhuhai from Above

Head to Zhuhai Tower or Jingshan Park for panoramic views of the city, coastline, and Macau, perfect for stunning photos.

Stroll Along Lovers' Road at Sunset

Take a romantic evening stroll along Lovers' Road at sunset, capturing the warm glow and shimmering city lights for picture-perfect moments.

Enjoy a Pearl River Delta Cruise

Experience the beauty of the Pearl River Delta with a scenic cruise, enjoying views of the river, city skyline, and surrounding landscapes.

Zhuhai, a coastal city in Guangdong Province, is renowned for its attractions like the record-breaking Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, the leisure and cultural hub of Hengqin Island, the comprehensive Chimelong Resort, the architectural wonder of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and the tranquil Wailingding Island, offering a blend of entertainment, natural beauty, and modern marvels.

Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, nestled in Hengqin, Zhuhai, is a world-class theme park renowned for its vast oceanarium, which holds the title of the largest in the world with 48.75 million liters of water. This park, designed by PGAV Destinations, offers visitors an immersive experience with a variety of themed areas, each representing a different part of the ocean and providing a blend of amusement rides and animal exhibits.

Visitors can engage with a diverse array of marine life, including the rare whale shark, polar bears, and beluga whales, and enjoy thrilling rides like the Parrot Coaster, which offers a unique splashdown experience. The park's commitment to excellence is evident in its seven Guinness World Records and its comparison to international standards set by Disney and Universal amusement parks. With its combination of education, entertainment, and record-breaking attractions, Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom promises an unforgettable adventure for all ages.

Hengqin Island is emerging as China's new international leisure tourism island, known for its blend of natural beauty and modern entertainment. The island boasts a diverse range of attractions, from theme parks like the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, which is a hit among families, to music festivals that have become a magnet for global music enthusiasts. Hengqin's strategic development plan aims to create a tourist destination that combines the excitement of a casino hub with the allure of non-gaming leisure activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in the island's cultural fusion and enjoy leisurely sightseeing, making it a unique getaway for travelers seeking both relaxation and vibrant cultural experiences.

Zhuhai Chimelong Resort, a world-class destination in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, offers a diverse array of attractions that cater to a wide range of interests and ages. At the heart of the resort is Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, which boasts one of the world's largest aquariums, providing an up-close view of rare marine life such as beluga whales and whale sharks. This park has earned recognition for its outstanding achievements, including the 2014 Thea Award for Theme Park excellence. Visitors can explore thematic zones, enjoy exotic animal exhibits, experience thrilling rides, and be captivated by spectacular theater shows. Additionally, the resort features International Circus City, a top-tier venue for the China International Circus Festival, offering nightly performances that showcase a blend of artistry and acrobatics.

The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB) is an engineering marvel and a key attraction for visitors interested in modern architectural achievements. As the longest sea-crossing and the longest open-sea fixed link in the world, the HZMB spans 55 kilometers and connects the cities of Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai, significantly reducing transit times between these locations. The bridge-tunnel system includes three cable-stayed bridges, an undersea tunnel, and four artificial islands, showcasing a blend of innovative design and construction techniques. Visitors can appreciate the grandeur of this megastructure and its role in enhancing the economic and sustainable development of the region.

Wailingding Island, part of Zhuhai City, is celebrated for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for tourism, vacations, conferences, and various training events. The island's fresh air and tranquil environment provide a perfect backdrop for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.

Zhuhai's delicacies are represented by its classic Cantonese morning tea shrimp dumplings, unique Hengqin oysters, rare heavy-shelled crabs, traditional oyster sauce phoenix claws, and local specialty white rattan lotus roots, showcasing Guangdong's rich marine resources and exquisite culinary skills, offering a dining experience that combines deliciousness, health, and regional characteristics.

Shrimp dumplings are a classic dim sum in Cantonese morning tea, known for their crystal-clear wrappers and delicious shrimp fillings. In Zhuhai, many teahouses such as Jinyuexuan, Xinhaili, and Yijian Food Plaza recommend shrimp dumplings, which are loved by locals and tourists alike. When tasting shrimp dumplings, they are usually accompanied by a pot of fragrant tea, enjoying a leisurely morning, which is also a reflection of the unique lifestyle and food culture of the people of Guangdong.

Known as "marine milk", Hengqin oysters grow at the junction of brackish water and are suitable for sunlight on Hengqin Island, characterized by their large, fat, white, tender, and crisp qualities, with a sweet taste. Hengqin oysters undergo multi-level purification by local oyster farmers, are cultivated in a pollution-free green manner, and have been recognized as a national A-grade green shellfish product, making them a high-quality ingredient, especially suitable for sashimi. There are various cooking methods, including local famous ones like charcoal-grilled oysters and cheese oysters, with the former retaining the original flavor of the oysters, while the latter is a perfect combination of the sweet flavor of cheese and the light taste of oysters.

Zhuhai Doumen's heavy-shelled crabs, also known as pine shell crabs, are a precious seafood, with only one pound of heavy-shelled crabs produced from every 1000 pounds of green crabs. The meat is tender and smooth, with a delicious taste and high nutritional value. Heavy-shelled crabs grow in the waters at the junction of salt and fresh water, benefiting from the unique geographical environment and the water purified by mangroves, providing a good ecological environment. Zhuhai people's favorite cooking methods include steaming and salt-baking, especially the secret heavy-shelled crab at Yili Restaurant, drizzled with secret soy sauce, retaining the crab's freshness.

Oyster sauce phoenix claws are a very famous Cantonese dish and a must-order when having morning tea in Zhuhai. Compared to ordinary chicken feet, the preparation of oyster sauce phoenix claws is much more complex: deep-frying in hot oil, soaking in cold water, and steaming on high heat. After these three processes, the phoenix claws become very flavorful and soft in texture. Oyster sauce phoenix claws are not only rich in taste but also high in nutritional value, making them a dish that combines deliciousness and health.

The white rattan lotus roots from Zhuhai Doumen are known for being plump, powdery, and free of residue, with a crisp and sweet taste when eaten raw, suitable for boiling, stir-frying, and braising, and even better when mixed with meat dishes. White rattan lotus roots are not only delicious but also have certain medicinal values, such as dispersing blood stasis, cooling the blood, clearing heat, and stopping nausea and thirst. When cooking, they can be made into various delicacies such as glutinous rice osmanthus lotus roots and sweet and sour lotus root dices, making them an indispensable dish in the banquet scene of the Zhuhai Doumen area.

Zhuhai's gateways emphasize its coastal location, with ferries from Hong Kong and Macau being the fastest for regional arrivals, while domestic flights and high-speed trains suit mainland travelers.

By Air:

Zhuhai Jinwan Airport (ZUH) is located 50 km southwest of downtown, about a 50- to 70-minute drive. It primarily offers domestic flights from Beijing (3 hours), Shanghai (2.5 hours), Guangzhou (45 minutes), and Shenzhen (30 minutes), as well as a few international routes to Seoul and Bangkok.

Airport → City options:

• Airport shuttle bus (Lines 1–3);
• Taxi/Didi;
• Metro Line 1.

For additional flight options, you can fly into Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), which is 2 hours away by bus or train, or Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX), which is 1.5 hours away by ferry or bus.

By Train:

Zhuhai Station (central, near Jiuzhou Port) and Zhuhai North Station (northern suburbs) are the main HSR hubs. 

By Ferry:

Jiuzhou Port (central, ferries from Hong Kong/Macau) and Wanzai Pier (for islands).

Zhuhai's transport is straightforward and affordable, blending metro for city hops, Didi for convenience, and ferries for coastal/island access—ideal for tourists exploring beaches and Macau day trips. English signage is limited, so use apps like Amap or Didi with translation.

Metro

Zhuhai Metro Line 1 connects Jinwan Airport, the city center, and Jiuzhou Port. Clean, air-conditioned with English apps; fares ¥2–8; runs 6:00 AM–11:00 PM—great for airport runs.

Public Buses

Over 200 routes cover downtown, Chimelong, and ports; flat fare ¥2 (exact cash or Alipay/WeChat). Sightseeing lines L6/L7 loop tourist spots like the New Yuanming Palace. Use Amaps for real-time tracking; it can be crowded but scenic.

Taxis

Metered yellow taxis are plentiful; reliable for short trips, but drivers rarely speak English—show addresses in Chinese. Avoid unmarked cars.

Ride-Hailing (Didi)

Didi app (English available) for Uber-like rides; usually cheaper than taxis, cashless via linked card. Essential for late nights, luggage, or islands.

Ferries

Short hops to islands like Dong Ao (20–30 min from Wanzai Pier) or Macau (15 min). Depart frequently from Jiuzhou — perfect for beach escapes.

Shared Bikes

HelloBike or Meituan apps (¥1–2/30 min) for coastal paths like Lovers' Road. Dockless and widespread in parks/beaches; scan QR to unlock—ideal for short, sunny rides.

Zhuhai is a coastal city in Guangdong Province, China, known for its pleasant climate and abundant islands. The city is a popular destination for tourists seeking diverse accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels, spread across several key districts and islands, each offering unique experiences and attractions.

Hotel Style Highlight: Known for family-friendly resorts, this area offers direct access to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, among the world's largest ocean-themed parks. Accommodations feature marine-inspired décor, catering to families seeking entertainment and convenience.

Must-See Attractions: A visit to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is essential, with its vast aquariums, exotic marine life, exciting rides, and live performances. The park's proximity to local hotels facilitates multi-day visits with minimal commuting.

Dining and Accommodation Characteristics: A variety of dining options, from seafood to international fare, is available within the resorts. Hotels provide amenities such as pools, kids' clubs, and spas, ensuring a pleasant stay for all visitors.

Location Advantages: Gongbei Port serves as a gateway to Macau, making it an ideal location for travelers interested in exploring both Zhuhai and its neighboring region. The area is bustling with shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Traffic Advantages: With convenient transportation links to Macau and the rest of Zhuhai, Gongbei Port is a hub for buses, taxis, and even ferries, facilitating easy movement for tourists.

Scenic Features: While in Gongbei, visitors can stroll along Lovers' Road, a scenic coastal promenade offering picturesque views of the sea and a romantic atmosphere, especially during sunset.

Traffic Advantages: Hengqin Port is another key entry point to Macau, operating 24 hours for seamless cross-border travel. The port is well-connected by buses and offers a direct airport express service to Macau.

Scenic Features: The port is close to several attractions, including the Hengqin Ocean Kingdom and various islands that are perfect for day trips and outdoor activities.

Accommodation Characteristics: Hotels near Hengqin Port typically cater to both business and leisure travelers, with facilities such as conference rooms, fitness centers, and family-friendly amenities.

The best time to visit Zhuhai is during the autumn season, from September to December, when the weather is cool and rainfall is minimal compared to other times of the year. This period is characterized by an average temperature of around 27 °C (80.6 °F), making it ideal for tourism and outdoor activities. Additionally, the months of March, April, November, and December are highlighted as optimal for visiting due to warm and humid weather with less rainfall, providing a comfortable climate for exploring the city's attractions.

Mandarin Chinese (using Simplified characters) is the official language in Zhuhai, though Cantonese is widely spoken in daily life due to Zhuhai's location in Guangdong Province.  

English proficiency is low overall, with limited use outside tourist hubs like Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, Jiuzhou Port, or the Opera House—expect bilingual signage and basic English from hotel/staff at major sites, but not from taxi drivers or markets.

WeChat: Messaging, WeChat Pay, and mini-apps for bookings; key for contacting guides or restaurants.

Alipay: QR payments for everything from ferries to street food; includes translation and ride-hailing.

Didi Chuxing: A popular ride-hailing app that offers convenience for travelers in China.

Amap (Gaode Maps): Accurate offline maps and real-time metro/ferry routes; superior to Google in China.

Baidu Translate: Camera-based translation for menus and signs; reliable for Cantonese too.

Zhuhai has excellent 4G/5G coverage in urban and coastal areas.

For data, eSIMs are simplest: providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad; activate via QR pre-trip on compatible devices. 

Local SIMs available at Jinwan Airport from China Mobile; pocket Wi-Fi rentals (¥150–250/day) for groups.

The currency is the Renminbi (RMB or CNY).

Cash: Carry a couple of hundred in small bills for street eats, taxis, and general needs—widely accepted, but change can be scarce.

Cards: Visa/Mastercard at hotels, Chimelong, and malls (contactless ok); UnionPay/JCB for locals—2–3% foreign fees; Amex rare.

Digital Payments: Alipay/WeChat Pay via QR—ubiquitous for metro, shops, and ferries; set up pre-trip.