A Guide to Exploring Guangdong’s Lesser-Known Islands, Full of Healing Vibes — Yanzhou Island

🗺️ Address Yanzhou Island, Huangbu Town, Huidong County, Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, the confirmed "Sea Secret Realm" of Guangdong! Avoid the crowds of Sanya and Xunliao Bay; here, there’s only salty sea breeze and pristine ocean views, and even time seems to slow down. 💰 Budget Reference 2 days and 1 night can be done for about 600 RMB per person! All entrance fees are free (except for a few small viewing platforms), accommodation ranges from 150-300 RMB per night for sea view rooms, seafood costs about 50 RMB per person to eat until full, making it easy for students and budget travelers to manage. 🚗 Transportation - Self-driving: Navigate to "Yanzhou Island Tourist Center," about 2.5-3 hours direct from the Pearl River Delta. The island’s roads are good, suitable for regular cars, and some beaches have free parking lots, so no worries about parking difficulties. - Public transport: Take the high-speed train to "Huizhou South Station," then transfer to the Huizhou South Station → Huangbu Town bus (35 RMB per person, 1.5 hours), then take a motorcycle taxi or Didi to the island (around 20 RMB), suitable for those without a car. - Pitfall warning: Don’t take unlicensed cars! The "low-price cars" soliciting passengers at the high-speed train station entrance are often scams. Stick to official buses or platform taxis. 🌟 Attractions (Key Highlights) - Yangwu Beach: The nickname "Little Kenting of Guangdong" is well deserved! White waves crash on the rocks, and on sunny days the sea is so blue it looks filtered. After 4 PM, shoot silhouettes against the backlight for stunning photos that will explode your social media likes. - Wanzai Beach: The ultimate tide-pooling spot! At low tide, you can dig for clams and catch small crabs. Bring a small shovel and bucket, and in half an hour you’ll have a “seafood surprise.” Remember to check the tide schedule before going. - Yanzhou Island Mangroves: Visit early morning or evening! The flying egrets are incredibly soothing, and walking the boardwalk feels like entering a "sea forest." Every photo you take is an ecological masterpiece, and there’s no entrance fee. - Hilltop Viewing Platform: The best spot to overlook the entire island! A 5-minute drive up the mountain road lets you see the whole sea area and fishing village rooftops. At sunset, the orange glow on the sea is so romantic you’ll want to scream. 🍤 Food Highlights - Must-eat seafood: Don’t hesitate to try the "Fishermen’s Seafood Restaurant" on the island! Freshly caught mantis shrimp, flower crabs, sea urchins, steamed to perfection and unbelievably fresh. For about 50 RMB per person, you’ll be stuffed. Avoid frozen seafood. - Street snacks: At the village entrance, grandma sells "Oyster Omelette" for 15 RMB a serving, crispy outside and tender inside, perfect with sweet chili sauce; also, a big bowl of "Seafood Congee" for 20 RMB, packed with ingredients enough to be a meal. - Pitfall warning: Don’t buy overpriced seafood at the scenic area entrance! Go to the island’s seafood market to pick your own, then find a restaurant to cook it (cooking fee 10-20 RMB per dish). Fresh and cost-effective. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations - Top choice for sea view: "Yanzhou Island Haiyue Homestay," with windows opening directly to Yangwu Beach. Wake up to the sound of waves and watch stars at night. Great value at 200 RMB per night. - Fishing village experience: "Island Family Homestay," located in the fishing village beside the mangroves. The owner cooks authentic seafood and can take you tide-pooling. Comfortable like staying at a friend’s home, 150 RMB per night. - Warning: Don’t stay too far from the beach! Taxi service on the island is inconvenient, so staying close lets you wander the beach anytime, saving time and hassle. ⚠️ Important Tips 1. Don’t slack on sun protection: The island’s UV rays are intense. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, or you’ll get sunburned in a day. 2. Tide-pooling tips: Wear non-slip shoes (rocks are very slippery), bring salt (sprinkle it on razor clam holes to lure them out), and don’t touch unknown creatures. Safety first. 3. Book accommodation early: Rooms fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. Book 1-2 weeks in advance or you’ll have to settle for lower-quality inns. 4. Other reminders: Some areas on the island have weak signal, bring some cash; don’t eat too much raw seafood, and if you have a sensitive stomach, bring medicine. No need to squeeze into crowds or spend a fortune. On Yanzhou Island, life can be poetic. Walk the beach, tide-pool, eat soul-stirring seafood, and let the sea breeze blow all your worries away. This is what a vacation should be!