A new direction for summer family trips! Guangdong’s hidden paradise for beachcombing, can’t keep it secret anymore

Stop crowding into Xunliao Bay, Shuangyue Bay, and Zha Po! There’s a little-known treasure island in eastern Huizhou—Yanzhou Island. Its pristine waters are incredibly charming, and even many locals in Huizhou don’t know about it. Starting from Jieyang, follow this guide and set off! 1. Attractions to check out 1. Go fishing at sea 🐟 Become a deep-sea fisherman, take a fishing boat to catch fish in the inner sea, enjoy the joy of fresh harvests, and you can even taste the seafood you catch right away—super fresh! 2. Watch egrets return to their nests 🦢 Vast mangrove forests are home to egrets. At dusk, flocks of egrets return to their nests, creating a spectacular scene that photography enthusiasts must not miss. 3. Heipai Jiao 🌊 One of Yanzhou Island’s four major beaches and a landmark of “one of Guangdong’s top ten most beautiful islands.” The rocks here are black, and when the waves crash, layers of waves surge up. The sunset here is stunningly speechless. 4. Wanzai Beach Clear water, fine sand, perfect for photos. Strolling here while enjoying the sea breeze is very pleasant. 5. Caishi Beach Covered with stunning colorful stones. Climb to the highest point to overlook waves and wonders not visible from the beach. It’s also an excellent spot to watch the sunrise. 6. Baisha Mangrove Wetland The best place to watch the sunset, with beautiful and atmospheric evening glow. Egrets return to their nests at sunset, a paradise for photographers. 7. Observe traditional salt-making Experience the craftsmanship and wisdom of the older generation and learn about the traditional salt-making process. 2. Route plan - Day 1: Jieyang—Yanzhou Island—Heipai Jiao—Egrets return home Hike along the prime coastal section of Heipai Jiao during the day to enjoy unbeatable sea views; at dusk, watch the sunset on the tidal flats with fishing boats scattered across the bay, creating a poetic scene; stay overnight at a guesthouse on Yanzhou Island. - Day 2: Go fishing at sea—Wanzai Beach—Caishi Beach Start the morning with a fishing trip; in the afternoon, play in the water and take photos at Wanzai Beach, then head to Caishi Beach to enjoy the scenery and watch the sunset. - Day 3: Baisha Mangrove Wetland—Observe traditional salt-making—Return trip Get up early to watch the sunrise and observe egrets at Baisha Mangrove Wetland; then visit the traditional salt-making site; afterward, pack up and happily head home. 3. Accommodation recommendations You can choose to stay at guesthouses near the mangroves, where you can see the sea and mangroves right from your window, and even spot thousands of egrets. For example, Luyu Island Boutique Stay offers rooms with diverse decoration styles, plus an in-house coffee bar and an outdoor swimming pool. 4. Transportation - Self-driving: Navigate directly to “Yanzhou Island.” Starting from Jieyang, parking on the island is free, but the roads are narrow, so be careful when passing other vehicles. - Public transport: Take the high-speed train to Huidong Station, then taxi to “Huangbu Town,” and finally take a motorcycle taxi to the island. The whole trip takes about 1 hour; alternatively, take the “Huidong-Huangbu” bus from Huizhou Bus Station, then transfer to a motorcycle taxi. There is no bus service on the island, so renting an electric scooter (about 50 yuan/day) or hiring a tricycle is recommended for getting around. 5. Food recommendations - Seafood feast 🦀: A must-try! Yanzhou Island’s seafood is super fresh and affordable. Recommended dishes include steamed crab, salt and pepper mantis shrimp, and seafood porridge. Near Baisha Village, seafood stalls offer authentic flavors. - Handmade rice cakes: A specialty snack made from glutinous rice flour and sesame, crispy and sweet. - Vegetable tea: Made with pork bone broth base, mixed with vegetables, fried rice, peanuts, and stirred evenly for a rich layered taste. - Sea urchin fried rice: The signature dish at Xinyu Village’s big food stalls, with golden grains of rice and a strong aroma. - Charcoal-grilled oysters: A night snack specialty in Huangbu Town, perfectly paired with local rice wine. 6. Travel tips 1. Be sure to apply sunscreen as there is no shade all day. Bring sunscreen, sun hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses, and prepare some favorite snacks. 2. There are many mosquitoes on the island, so bring mosquito repellent. 3. Bring slippers to avoid injury from walking barefoot. Prepare motion sickness medicine, band-aids, and other common medicines according to your personal needs. 4. Between 6 and 7 pm is the time when egrets return to their nests and the sunset, offering breathtaking views perfect for photography. 5. Ignore on-site touts selling fishing trips; it’s more reliable to arrange through the guesthouse owner to ensure a pleasant experience. 6. The beaches are undeveloped coastal areas, so pay attention to tide times. Do not swim, and avoid standing too close to cliff edges. Safety first.