Don't laugh at me for going to Xunliao Bay three times—this time the experience is totally different

Family! Xunliao Bay is truly a hidden gem on the Guangdong coast🌊 After visiting three times, I've put together a super hassle-free guide to have a blast on a budget, avoid the crowds, and easily enjoy stunning sea views. Save this article and head straight there for your weekend or holiday🏖️ 1. Preparation Before the Trip📦 (1) Transportation - Self-driving: From the Pearl River Delta, it takes 2-3 hours to get there directly, with convenient parking (homestay/scenic area parking 10-20 RMB/day). Freedom to arrange your itinerary is awesome🚗 - Public transport: Take the high-speed train to Huizhou South Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi (about 50 RMB) to Xunliao Bay, perfect for those who don’t want to drive🚌 (2) Accommodation - Budget option: Choose seaside homestays, 100-200 RMB per person, some with pools and beach boardwalks, just steps from the sea🌅 - Premium style: Seaview hotels, 300-500 RMB per person, watch the sunrise from bed, with pools and afternoon tea facilities🏨 2. Must-visit Attractions✨ (1) Beach Strolls - Delta Island: "China’s Little Maldives," take a boat to the island (boat ticket + island fee about 100 RMB), snorkel to see coral, collect shells, and take Instagram-worthy beach photos📸 - Xunliao Bay Beach: Free! The sunset here is amazing, rent a beach chair (30 RMB/hour), ride jet skis (100-200 RMB per session), and have fun digging in the sand with kids👶 (2) Hidden Gems - Mozi Stone Park: Free! Unique rock formations, photos look like “Monument Valley by the sea,” walk along the coastal boardwalk and enjoy the sea breeze, very photogenic🌊 - Pinghai Ancient City: A thousand-year-old city, stroll through Ming and Qing dynasty streets, try snacks (Bocai cake, Ai rice cake 5-10 RMB), and soak in the historical atmosphere🏰 3. Money- and Time-saving Tips💡 (1) Off-peak Travel Weekends and holidays are crowded and expensive. Choose Monday to Thursday for 30% cheaper accommodation and less crowded beaches, maximizing your experience🕰️ (2) Food Tips - Local eateries: Avoid overpriced tourist spots! Navigate to “Pinghai Town Market” for seafood fried rice (15 RMB), steamed sea urchin egg custard (30 RMB), fresh and cheap🍤 - Bring your own gear: Beach BBQ (rent grill 50 RMB), picnic mats, buy seafood at the market and have it cooked there (processing fee 10-20 RMB per jin), saving a lot of money💰 (3) Free Activities - Watch sunrise and sunset: Check times in advance, watch for free from the beach or homestay terrace, romantic and budget-friendly🌄 - Tide pooling: After low tide, go to the beach to dig for small crabs and shells, teach kids about marine life, super fun🦀 4. Sample Itinerary🗺️ (2 days 1 night) Easy version - Day 1: Arrive at noon → check into homestay → play on Xunliao Bay Beach and watch sunset → enjoy a seafood feast - Day 2: Early sunrise viewing → snorkeling at Delta Island → stroll and eat at Pinghai Ancient City → return trip (3 days 2 nights) In-depth version - Day 1: Arrive in the afternoon → photo shoot at Mozi Stone Park → beach walk → try local snacks - Day 2: Full day at Delta Island (snorkeling, relaxing on the beach) → evening seafood market shopping + cooking - Day 3: Pinghai Ancient City → check out → return trip 5. Notes⚠️ - Sunscreen! The UV rays by the sea are strong, bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen or you’ll get sunburned in no time🌞 - Bring motion sickness medicine: The boat ride and coastal roads can be bumpy, take medicine in advance if you get seasick💊 - Protect the environment: Take your trash with you, help preserve this blue-green sea♻️ Don’t wander aimlessly in Xunliao Bay anymore! Follow this guide to save money and time while hitting all the highlights—sunset by the sea, hidden gems, delicious seafood… check everything off in one trip. Quickly invite friends or family to embrace the sea breeze and sunshine🌴