Zhuhai travel guide

Zhuhai Tourism | Zhuhai Guide

You're Going to Love Zhuhai

With tropical beaches, beautiful gardens and the casinos and nightlife of hedonistic Macau on its doorstep, Zhuhai is one of the most beguiling coastal destinations in China.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Zhuhai

1. The Seafront

Zhuhai has a beautiful seafront, but the best beaches are to be found in the hundreds of offshore islands like Dong'ao or Hebao, which can easily be reached by boat.

2. A Bustling, Laid-Back Historic Center

Central Zhuhai is a great place to spend time. Hop between bars and restaurants on Lotus Road, dine on gourmet seafood in Wanzai, and catch live music on Bar Street.

3. Enchanting Palaces and Temples

One of Zhuhai's most appealing spots is the New Yuanming Palace (a brick for brick replica of a site in Beijing), but there are genuine historical wonders in town too, like the gorgeous Jintai Buddhist Temple.

4. Sporting Attractions

Zhuhai also offers plenty of leisure activities. There are regular motorsports at the International Circuit, well-kept and affordable golf courses and plenty of diving locations in the islands.

5. Macau is Easy to Reach

Zhuhai is right next door to Macau. Once a Portuguese colony, modern Macau is a tourist wonderland - not unlike a Chinese Las Vegas. It's quite an experience.

1. The Seafront

Zhuhai has a beautiful seafront, but the best beaches are to be found in the hundreds of offshore islands like Dong'ao or Hebao, which can easily be reached by boat.

2. A Bustling, Laid-Back Historic Center

Central Zhuhai is a great place to spend time. Hop between bars and restaurants on Lotus Road, dine on gourmet seafood in Wanzai, and catch live music on Bar Street.

3. Enchanting Palaces and Temples

One of Zhuhai's most appealing spots is the New Yuanming Palace (a brick for brick replica of a site in Beijing), but there are genuine historical wonders in town too, like the gorgeous Jintai Buddhist Temple.

4. Sporting Attractions

Zhuhai also offers plenty of leisure activities. There are regular motorsports at the International Circuit, well-kept and affordable golf courses and plenty of diving locations in the islands.

5. Macau is Easy to Reach

Zhuhai is right next door to Macau. Once a Portuguese colony, modern Macau is a tourist wonderland - not unlike a Chinese Las Vegas. It's quite an experience.

What to do in Zhuhai

1. Zhuhai's Civic Pearl

Located on a promontory in Zhuhai's Seaside Park, the Fisher Girl is undoubtedly the city's iconic sight. Gracefully holding a pearl to the sky, the fisher girl is 8.7 meters tall, and made of solid granite, but her story will melt visitors' hearts. A goddess come to earth, the Fisher Girl was forced by her husband to remove a set of magical bracelets, which guaranteed immortality - the died instantly when the last bracelet was removed. That's the story, anyway. Today, she welcomes visitors to the scenic seaside area, and makes for some superb photo opportunities.

2. A Remarkably Replicated Royal Residence

Also known as the "New Yuanming Palace", this reconstruction has been superbly executed, recreating a Beijing icon in southern China. Situated at the foot of Shilin Mountain, and in a sprawling 1 square mile complex, it features a Qing Dynasty palace and period gardens, offering a vivid glimpse into China's glorious past. Sure, it's all a little fake, but it's beautiful and convincing. Come evening, the palace also hosts Qing-era performances, creating a magical timewarp feeling, so book some space and be there for the show.

3. A Heavenly Hillside Buddhist Attraction

Slightly more genuine than the Summer Palace, Jintai was first built by a prominent bureaucrat during the Song Dynasty - 700 years ago, and it became a key training site for the Empire's Buddhist monks. The temple was shifted in the 1990s to a new location underneath Mount Huangyang (which is beautifully scenic), but it was a brick-by-brick challenge that the city managed in style. Climbing to the temple is recommended, not just for the architecture, but also for the superb views across Yamen harbor. And try to summon the energy to ascend the 300 stairs to the Grand Hall of the Great Hero, where a magnificent Buddha awaits.

4. Enjoy Some Motorsport Madness

Zhuhai is one of East Asia's motorsport centers, so if you're in town during a race meet, why not head along and enjoy an adrenaline-filled experience? Situated in Jin Ding, a few miles north of the city center, the Circuit hosts plenty of international events, including 400 mile endurance races, touring car contests, and regional competitions like the Pan Delta Super Racing Series. Initially designed for Formula One, it hasn't yet managed to snag a race, but looks set to do so in the future.

5. A Bonanza For Barbecue Fans

Zhuhai's tourist hub, Gongbei has everything you need in terms of restaurants, bars, clubs, and shopping malls, and it's also right next to Macau if you want to pop over to try your luck at the casinos. Visiting in the evening is recommended, especially Lianhua Lu - the main walking drag, which is vividly illuminated after dark. It's a great place to pick up some traditional Cantonese char siu barbecued pork, and also hosts the massive Underground Shopping Center - paradise for bargain hunters.

1. Zhuhai's Civic Pearl

Located on a promontory in Zhuhai's Seaside Park, the Fisher Girl is undoubtedly the city's iconic sight. Gracefully holding a pearl to the sky, the fisher girl is 8.7 meters tall, and made of solid granite, but her story will melt visitors' hearts. A goddess come to earth, the Fisher Girl was forced by her husband to remove a set of magical bracelets, which guaranteed immortality - the died instantly when the last bracelet was removed. That's the story, anyway. Today, she welcomes visitors to the scenic seaside area, and makes for some superb photo opportunities.

2. A Remarkably Replicated Royal Residence

Also known as the "New Yuanming Palace", this reconstruction has been superbly executed, recreating a Beijing icon in southern China. Situated at the foot of Shilin Mountain, and in a sprawling 1 square mile complex, it features a Qing Dynasty palace and period gardens, offering a vivid glimpse into China's glorious past. Sure, it's all a little fake, but it's beautiful and convincing. Come evening, the palace also hosts Qing-era performances, creating a magical timewarp feeling, so book some space and be there for the show.

3. A Heavenly Hillside Buddhist Attraction

Slightly more genuine than the Summer Palace, Jintai was first built by a prominent bureaucrat during the Song Dynasty - 700 years ago, and it became a key training site for the Empire's Buddhist monks. The temple was shifted in the 1990s to a new location underneath Mount Huangyang (which is beautifully scenic), but it was a brick-by-brick challenge that the city managed in style. Climbing to the temple is recommended, not just for the architecture, but also for the superb views across Yamen harbor. And try to summon the energy to ascend the 300 stairs to the Grand Hall of the Great Hero, where a magnificent Buddha awaits.

4. Enjoy Some Motorsport Madness

Zhuhai is one of East Asia's motorsport centers, so if you're in town during a race meet, why not head along and enjoy an adrenaline-filled experience? Situated in Jin Ding, a few miles north of the city center, the Circuit hosts plenty of international events, including 400 mile endurance races, touring car contests, and regional competitions like the Pan Delta Super Racing Series. Initially designed for Formula One, it hasn't yet managed to snag a race, but looks set to do so in the future.

5. A Bonanza For Barbecue Fans

Zhuhai's tourist hub, Gongbei has everything you need in terms of restaurants, bars, clubs, and shopping malls, and it's also right next to Macau if you want to pop over to try your luck at the casinos. Visiting in the evening is recommended, especially Lianhua Lu - the main walking drag, which is vividly illuminated after dark. It's a great place to pick up some traditional Cantonese char siu barbecued pork, and also hosts the massive Underground Shopping Center - paradise for bargain hunters.

1. Zhuhai's Civic Pearl

Located on a promontory in Zhuhai's Seaside Park, the Fisher Girl is undoubtedly the city's iconic sight. Gracefully holding a pearl to the sky, the fisher girl is 8.7 meters tall, and made of solid granite, but her story will melt visitors' hearts. A goddess come to earth, the Fisher Girl was forced by her husband to remove a set of magical bracelets, which guaranteed immortality - the died instantly when the last bracelet was removed. That's the story, anyway. Today, she welcomes visitors to the scenic seaside area, and makes for some superb photo opportunities.

2. A Remarkably Replicated Royal Residence

Also known as the "New Yuanming Palace", this reconstruction has been superbly executed, recreating a Beijing icon in southern China. Situated at the foot of Shilin Mountain, and in a sprawling 1 square mile complex, it features a Qing Dynasty palace and period gardens, offering a vivid glimpse into China's glorious past. Sure, it's all a little fake, but it's beautiful and convincing. Come evening, the palace also hosts Qing-era performances, creating a magical timewarp feeling, so book some space and be there for the show.

3. A Heavenly Hillside Buddhist Attraction

Slightly more genuine than the Summer Palace, Jintai was first built by a prominent bureaucrat during the Song Dynasty - 700 years ago, and it became a key training site for the Empire's Buddhist monks. The temple was shifted in the 1990s to a new location underneath Mount Huangyang (which is beautifully scenic), but it was a brick-by-brick challenge that the city managed in style. Climbing to the temple is recommended, not just for the architecture, but also for the superb views across Yamen harbor. And try to summon the energy to ascend the 300 stairs to the Grand Hall of the Great Hero, where a magnificent Buddha awaits.

4. Enjoy Some Motorsport Madness

Zhuhai is one of East Asia's motorsport centers, so if you're in town during a race meet, why not head along and enjoy an adrenaline-filled experience? Situated in Jin Ding, a few miles north of the city center, the Circuit hosts plenty of international events, including 400 mile endurance races, touring car contests, and regional competitions like the Pan Delta Super Racing Series. Initially designed for Formula One, it hasn't yet managed to snag a race, but looks set to do so in the future.

5. A Bonanza For Barbecue Fans

Zhuhai's tourist hub, Gongbei has everything you need in terms of restaurants, bars, clubs, and shopping malls, and it's also right next to Macau if you want to pop over to try your luck at the casinos. Visiting in the evening is recommended, especially Lianhua Lu - the main walking drag, which is vividly illuminated after dark. It's a great place to pick up some traditional Cantonese char siu barbecued pork, and also hosts the massive Underground Shopping Center - paradise for bargain hunters.

Where to Eat in Zhuhai

Zhuhai isn't short of excellent restaurants. Highlights include May Flower, which specializes in Cantonese cuisine, Portofino, an excellent Italian option, and Jīn Yuè Xuān, which serves up delectable dim sum. Meals should cost around CNY100-CNY120.

When to visit Zhuhai

Zhuhai in October
Estimated hotel price
£69
1 night at 3-star hotel
Zhuhai in October
Estimated hotel price
£69
1 night at 3-star hotel

Zhuhai has a tropical climate, so it's warm all year-round. Visit between November and April to dodge the monsoon (and typhoon season).

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Zhuhai

Plane

You can fly indirectly to Macau, or take a direct connection from North America to Hong Kong and transfer from there. Ferries from the airport to Zhuhai take around an hour and cost CNY280.

Train

Zhuhai's Gongbei Railway Station offers links to Guangzhou, Macau and Hong Kong, as well as all of China's major cities.

Car

From Guangzhou, take the S43. From Hong Kong or Shenzhen, follow the S3 northbound and change at Guangzhou.

Bus

Zhuhai is about 2 hours from Guangzhou by bus and Guangzhou provides a vast number of connections to cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Xiamen.

Plane

You can fly indirectly to Macau, or take a direct connection from North America to Hong Kong and transfer from there. Ferries from the airport to Zhuhai take around an hour and cost CNY280.

Train

Zhuhai's Gongbei Railway Station offers links to Guangzhou, Macau and Hong Kong, as well as all of China's major cities.

Car

From Guangzhou, take the S43. From Hong Kong or Shenzhen, follow the S3 northbound and change at Guangzhou.

Bus

Zhuhai is about 2 hours from Guangzhou by bus and Guangzhou provides a vast number of connections to cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Xiamen.

Airports near Zhuhai

Airlines serving Zhuhai

Lufthansa
Good (7,164 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,351 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,840 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,826 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,892 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,530 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,878 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,202 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,533 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,138 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,332 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,237 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (876 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (786 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (305 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (447 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (833 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,034 reviews)
China Southern
Good (134 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (236 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Zhuhai

Gongbei - The tourist epicenter of Zhuhai, Gongbei is the place to head for nightlife. Don't miss the night-time illuminations on Pedestrian Street.

Popular Neighborhoods in Zhuhai

Tangjiawan - Just north of Zhuhai, Tangjiawan is worth visiting just for the Dragon Union Opera House - a massive entertainment complex.

Dong'ao - A beautiful island a few miles off the coast of Zhuhai, Dong'ao is a beach lovers' paradise and has some great diving spots too.

Tangjiawan - Just north of Zhuhai, Tangjiawan is worth visiting just for the Dragon Union Opera House - a massive entertainment complex.
Dong'ao - A beautiful island a few miles off the coast of Zhuhai, Dong'ao is a beach lovers' paradise and has some great diving spots too.

Where to stay in popular areas of Zhuhai

Most booked hotels in Zhuhai

Grand Bay Hotel Zhuhai
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
£67+
Zhuhai Charming Holiday Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£53+
Palm Spring Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
£44+

How to Get Around Zhuhai

Public Transportation

Buses cover all of Zhuhai's districts, and charge between CNY1 and CNY3 per journey, depending on how far you travel.

Taxi

Taxis will charge a meter drop of CNY10, and then around CNY4 per mile after that.

Car

Car rental outlets include eHi, Burgeon Rent-a-Car and Zhuhai Hexiang Automobile Rental, and rates can be as little as CNY45 per day.

Public Transportation

Buses cover all of Zhuhai's districts, and charge between CNY1 and CNY3 per journey, depending on how far you travel.

Taxi

Taxis will charge a meter drop of CNY10, and then around CNY4 per mile after that.

Car

Car rental outlets include eHi, Burgeon Rent-a-Car and Zhuhai Hexiang Automobile Rental, and rates can be as little as CNY45 per day.

The Cost of Living in Zhuhai

Shopping Streets

Most of the best places to shop are in downtown Gongbei, and the best of them all is the Underground Shopping Mall, home to hundreds of electronics stores. Other than that, Wanjia Department Store is a local institution and has a wide range of clothes to check out.

Groceries and Other

Supermarkets in Zhuhai include Carrefour and Vanguard. To give an idea of prices, 12 eggs should cost about CNY13.

Cheap meal
£2.64
A pair of jeans
£45.83
Single public transport ticket
£0.23
Cappuccino
£2.82