Shuangyue Bay twin crescent — Huizhou, Guangdong

Xunliao Bay — Huizhou, Guangdong

>Huizhou Beaches 2026: 21 Coastal Spots Ranked & Mapped — Complete Guide

With 281 kilometres of coastline along the South China Sea, Huizhou is the most underrated beach destination within a 90-minute high-speed rail reach of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Its beaches range from the fine white-gold sand of Xunliao Bay to the volcanic black reefs of Heipaizhou, from the Grade I (pristine) waters of Turtle Bay National Nature Reserve to the bioluminescent plankton displays at Huangbu Bay — all with average accommodation costs 60% lower than comparable Sanya resorts.

This guide ranks every swimmable beach in Huizhou by water quality, facilities, crowd levels, and seasonal conditions so you can find your match in under 30 seconds.

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1. Quick Comparison: 7 Major Spots at a Glance

Golden sand beach coastline in Xunliao Bay, Huizhou, Guangdong, China

Huizhou’s coastline clusters around three main areas: Xunliao Tourist Resort (the most developed), Shuangyue Bay (the most scenic), and Daya Bay (the closest to Shenzhen). Here is how the seven major beaches compare:

Quick decision guide:
– First-time visitor → Xunliao Bay (most developed, simplest logistics)
– Best scenery → Shuangyue Bay (twin crescent + surfing)
– Pure nature → Yanzhou Island or Turtle Bay (Grade I water)
– Night magic → Huangbu Bay (bioluminescent Apr-Sep)
– Budget luxury → Xiaojing Bay (day pass to 5-star facilities)
– Adventure → Heipaizhou (volcanic rock coastal trekking)

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2. Beyond the 7: Hidden & Minor Beaches Worth Knowing

Huizhou’s coastline hides dozens of smaller coves, undeveloped stretches, and seasonal sandbars. Here are the ones worth seeking out:

The 7 Hidden Beaches

Seven beaches most tourists miss along the Heipaizhou–Yandao coast — detailed in 7 Hidden Beaches in Huizhou Most Tourists Miss. Access requires a 15-30 minute hike but rewards with near-empty sands even on national holidays.

Shi Li Yin Tan (十里银滩)

An 8-kilometre silver sand beach in the Daya area with two distinct sections: a developed resort stretch (lifeguards, showers, restaurants) and a wilder eastern section accessible via a short coastal walk. Best for long beach walks and sunset photography. Full guide: Shi Li Yin Tan Beach Complete Guide.

Heipaizhou Black Reef Coast

Not a traditional swimming beach but a 5-kilometre volcanic rock coastline with black sand pockets between basalt formations. Prime photography spot at golden hour. Full trekking guide: Heipaizhou Coastal Trekking Guide.

Yandao Island Secret Beaches

Three small coves on Yandao Island’s east coast accessible only by fishing boat or a 40-minute trail through mangroves. Completely undeveloped — bring everything you need. Map and access: Yandao Island Complete Guide.

Sub-Sections of Xunliao

Xunliao’s 27 km coastline breaks into several named sub-sections:
– Fanyang Beach (帆扬海滩) — Central, most crowded, best facilities
– Emei Beach (娥眉海滩) — Western end, quieter, family-friendly
– East Beach (东海滩) — Eastern, windier, good for kite-surfing

Sub-Sections of Shuangyue

The twin crescent creates two distinct beach zones:
– South Crescent — Rougher surf, better for experienced swimmers
– North Crescent — Calmer waters, resort-lined, best for families

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3. Top 5 Beaches — Deep Review

Aerial view of crescent-shaped beach coastline in Huizhou, Guangdong, China — Huizhou, Guangdong, China

#1 Xunliao Bay — Best Overall for First-Time Visitors

Xunliao is Huizhou’s most developed beach destination and the logical choice for first-time visitors. Its 27 km of fine white-golden sand curves along the coastline with 5-star resorts (Kaiyuan, Sheraton), mid-range hotels, and budget guesthouses all within walking distance of the beach.

Water quality: Grade II (suitable for swimming) from May to October. November to April the water drops to Grade III — swimmable with caution on calm days.

Facilities: Full suite — public showers, lifeguards during peak season, jet-ski rentals, parasailing, banana boats, and seafood restaurants lining the beachfront. The Xunliao night market operates year-round.

Crowd levels: Moderate on weekdays, high on weekends and holidays. Arrive before 10:00 to secure a good spot.

Cost: Beach access is free. Resort beach day passes ¥50-100. Parking ¥20-30/day.

Best for: First-time Huizhou beach visitors, families with older children, water sports enthusiasts.

Internal link: Xunliao Bay Complete Guide — tickets, transport, hotels, food.

#2 Shuangyue Bay — Best Scenery and Surfing

Shuangyue’s twin crescent shape is visible only from the Daxing Mountain observation deck (¥30 entry) — a view that rivals any coastal panorama in southern China. The beach splits naturally into two sections: the South Crescent with larger waves (popular with surfers) and the North Crescent with calmer waters (family-friendly).

Water quality: Grade II (May-October). The South Crescent has cleaner water due to better tidal flushing.

Facilities: Mid-range hotels, surfing schools, seafood BBQ street (evening only), observation deck.

Crowd levels: Low on weekdays, moderate on weekends. The twin-box geography means crowds spread thinner than at Xunliao.

Cost: Free beach access. Surfboard rental ¥80-150/hour. Surf lessons ¥200-300/hour.

Best for: Photographers, surfers, couples, anyone wanting the iconic Huizhou coastal photo.

Internal link: Shuangyue Bay vs Xunliao Bay — 7 Key Differences.

#3 Turtle Bay — Best Water Quality, Sea Turtles

Turtle Bay is China’s only designated sea turtle nature reserve, a 1.5 km stretch of coarse-sand shoreline where green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nest from May to October. The water here is Grade I — the highest quality rating in Huizhou.

What makes it special: The National Sea Turtle Nature Reserve operates a visitor centre and museum with guided tours. During nesting season (June-September), you can observe tagged turtles through guided night patrols.

Facilities: Visitor centre, museum, guided tours. No swimming in the core reserve zone — swimming is permitted in the adjacent public beach area.

Cost: ¥30 entry. Night patrol ¥80 (includes guide).

Best for: Conservation-minded families, eco-tourists, children aged 5-15.

Internal links: Turtle Bay Family Guide, Sea Turtle Conservation Guide.

#4 Yanzhou Island — Best for Nature Lovers

Yanzhou Island sits off the Huidong coast, connected to the mainland by a causeway. Its 8 km of coastline alternates between black volcanic sand, mudflats, and mangrove forest — hosting over 100 bird species including the endangered black-faced spoonbill (seasonal).

Water quality: Grade II along the southwest beaches. The mangrove creeks on the east side are not for swimming but excellent for kayaking.

Facilities: Basic guesthouses, local seafood restaurants. No resort development.

Crowd levels: Very low — Yanzhou sees perhaps 5% of Xunliao’s visitor numbers.

Cost: Free.

Best for: Birdwatchers, photographers, kayakers, travellers seeking a raw, undeveloped island.

Internal links: Yanzhou Island Complete Guide, Yanzhou Island Birdwatching Guide.

#5 Xiaojing Bay — Best Budget Luxury

Xiaojing is dominated by the Silver Beach Resort, a 5-star property that offers day passes (¥100-200) for non-guests to use its private beach and infinity pool. The sand is fine white, meticulously maintained.

Water quality: Grade II — the private resort beach is cleaned daily.

Facilities: Luxury resort amenities, beach club with cocktails, fine dining.

Crowd levels: Very low — access is limited to resort guests and day-pass holders.

Cost: Accommodation ¥800-1,500/night. Day pass ¥100-200.

Best for: Couples, honeymoons, travellers wanting a resort experience without Sanya prices.

Internal link: 7 Hidden Beaches in Huizhou (Xiaojing included in the list).

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4. Season Matrix: Which Beach When

Rocky coastline with beach view in Xunliao Bay, Huizhou, Guangdong, China

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5. How to Get to Huizhou Beaches

From Shenzhen (most common route)

The fastest route is Shenzhen North → Huizhou South by high-speed rail (30-40 minutes, ¥40-65), then a 1-hour taxi (¥150-200) to Xunliao. See Shenzhen to Huizhou: 4 Transport Routes Compared for exact times and costs.

From Hong Kong

Hong Kong West Kowloon → Shenzhen North → Huizhou South by HSR takes approximately 90 minutes total. Direct buses from Tsim Sha Tsui to Xunliao operate on weekends (3.5 hours, ¥180). Full breakdown: Hong Kong to Huizhou: 3 Routes Compared.

From Guangzhou

Guangzhou South → Huizhou South by HSR (50 minutes, ¥90-110), then taxi to beaches. Direct bus from Guangzhou Tianhe to Huidong (2.5 hours, ¥120). Details: Guangzhou Airport to Huizhou: 4 Routes.

Getting Between Beaches

– Xunliao ↔ Shuangyue: 20 minutes by taxi (¥40-60)
– Shuangyue ↔ Turtle: On foot (15 min) or taxi (5 min, ¥10-15)
– Xunliao ↔ Yanzhou Island: 40 minutes by taxi (¥80-100)
– Xunliao ↔ Daya: 30 minutes by taxi (¥60-80)

Traveler Tip
: Download DiDi (China’s Uber) before arrival. Taxis at beach areas charge fixed rates 30-50% above meter — DiDi gives you the meter price upfront. Set up Alipay for seamless payments: WeChat Pay & Alipay Guide for Foreigners.

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6. Practical Information

Best Time to Visit

May to October is the official beach season — water temperatures above 23°C, Grade II water quality at most beaches. June and September offer the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds. Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1-7) and Labour Day (May 1-3) when Xunliao reaches capacity. Detailed month-by-month: Best Time to Visit Huizhou.

What to Bring

– Reef-safe sunscreen (local shops sell Nivea and Mentholatum, ¥30-50)
– Water shoes (rocky entries at Turtle and Yanzhou)
– Mosquito repellent (essential at Yanzhou Island mangroves)
– Cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay — many small beach vendors don’t take cards
– Dry bag (for phone and wallet during water activities)

Safety

– Xunliao and Xiaojing have lifeguards in peak season (May-October, 09:00-18:00)
– Shuangyue South Crescent has undertows — heed warning flags
– Heipaizhou is a trekking zone, not a swimming beach — no lifeguards
– Jellyfish season: August-September — minor stings treatable with vinegar
– Full safety guide: China Travel Safety Guide

Costs

| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|——|——–|———–|——–|
| Accommodation (night) | ¥150-300 | ¥400-800 | ¥1,000-1,500 |
| Meals (day) | ¥80-120 | ¥150-250 | ¥300-500 |
| Beach activities (day) | ¥0 (free) | ¥50-150 | ¥200-500 |
| Total per day | ¥230-420 | ¥600-1,200 | ¥1,500-2,500 |

Compare with Sanya: a mid-range beach day in Sanya costs ¥1,200-1,800 — 60-70% more than Huizhou for equivalent quality. Full comparison: Huizhou vs Sanya 2026.

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7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which is better, Xunliao or Shuangyue?

A: Xunliao is better for first-timers, families with children, and anyone wanting full facilities (showers, restaurants, water sports). Shuangyue is better for scenery, photography, and surfing — the twin-crescent view from Daxing Mountain is the single most iconic coastal image in Huizhou. See the detailed 7-point comparison.

Q2: Are Huizhou beaches clean?

A: Yes — all major beaches have daily cleaning crews. Xunliao and Shuangyue are consistently rated clean by local environmental authorities (Guangdong Marine Environment Quality Bulletin). Turtle’s nature reserve status ensures Grade I water. Minor litter can accumulate after holidays but is cleared within 24 hours.

Q3: Can you swim at all beaches?

A: Most are swimmable May-October when water temperatures exceed 23°C. Exceptions: Heipaizhou (volcanic rock, not for swimming), the mangrove creeks on Yanzhou Island (muddy), and the core conservation zone of Turtle (observation only — the adjacent public beach is swimmable).

Q4: How far are the beaches from Huizhou city?

| Beach | Distance from Huizhou | Taxi Time | Taxi Cost |
|——-|———————:|———-:|———-:|
| Daya | 35 km | 40 min | ¥80-100 |
| Xiaojing | 40 km | 45 min | ¥90-120 |
| Xunliao | 50 km | 55 min | ¥120-150 |
| Shuangyue | 55 km | 1 hour | ¥140-170 |
| Turtle | 55 km | 1 hour | ¥140-170 |
| Yanzhou Island | 65 km | 1.5 hours | ¥180-220 |
| Huangbu | 65 km | 1.5 hours | ¥180-220 |

Q5: Which beach is best for families with young children?

A: Xunliao North Beach (the Emei section) has the calmest water, gentle slope, and shaded play areas. Xiaojing (Silver Beach Resort) has a children’s pool and lifeguards. See Summer Island Water Sports & Family Guide for a detailed family beach ranking.

Q6: Is there bioluminescence in Huizhou?

A: Yes — Huangbu Beach near Yanzhou Island has bioluminescent plankton (Noctiluca scintillans) visible from April to September on moonless nights. Best viewing is two hours after sunset, July-September. See Bioluminescent Night Swim Guide for exact timing and access.

Q7: Can I visit multiple beaches in one day?

A: Yes, the most efficient combination is Xunliao + Shuangyue + Turtle — all three are within a 20-minute drive. Recommended route: morning at Xunliao (swim + water sports), lunch at Shuangyue seafood BBQ street, afternoon at Turtle (conservation centre), sunset at Shuangyue observation deck.

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8. Planning Your Huizhou Beach Trip

Recommended Itineraries

– 1 Day (from Shenzhen/HK): Morning Xunliao → Lunch at Shuangyue → Afternoon Turtle → Sunset Shuangyue viewpoint → Return
– 2 Days (weekend): Day 1 Xunliao + water sports → Day 2 Shuangyue + Turtle. Accommodation in Xunliao.
– 3 Days (extended): Days 1-2 as above + Day 3 Yanzhou Island + Huangbu for bioluminescence (Apr-Sep).
– Full beach tour: Huizhou Travel Guide — Definitive GBA Gateway has a 5-day beach-focused itinerary.

Where to Stay

– Xunliao: Kaiyuan Resort (★★★★★, ¥800-1,500), Sheraton (★★★★★, ¥700-1,300), local guesthouses (★★★, ¥150-300)
– Shuangyue: Mid-range hotels (¥350-600), surfing hostels (¥100-200)
– Yanzhou Island: Guesthouses only (¥150-250)
– Daya: Silver Beach Resort (★★★★★, ¥1,000-1,500), apartment rentals (¥200-400)
– Full guide: Huizhou Accommodation Guide

Packing Checklist

– [ ] Passport (with visa for non-exempt nationalities)
– [ ] Alipay or WeChat Pay setup (mandatory for taxis and small vendors)
– [ ] Reef-safe sunscreen
– [ ] Water shoes
– [ ] Dry bag
– [ ] Insect repellent
– [ ] Power bank (beach areas have shared chargers but bring your own)
– [ ] Hat and sunglasses
– [ ] Download DiDi app

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Traveler Tip
: Book Xunliao accommodation at least 2 weeks in advance for June-September weekends. Weibo & Xiaohongshu popular spots sell out, and prices double during peak. Mid-week (Monday-Thursday) visits save 30-50% on hotel costs and beaches are 60% less crowded. For the best experience, come Tuesday-Thursday in June or September.

Watch Out: : Do not swim at Heipaizhou — the volcanic rock formations create dangerous underwater currents and sharp submerged edges. This coastline is strictly for photography and coastal trekking. Also, never turn your back to the sea at Shuangyue South Crescent; ocean swells can surge unexpectedly even on calm days.

““I’ve been to both Sanya and Huizhou beaches. Huizhou is not a ‘budget Sanya’ — it’s genuinely different. The twin crescent view at Shuangyue is something Sanya doesn’t have. And the seafood costs half as much.” — Mark T., Sydney, travelled June 2026”
— Real visitor review

Author Bio: OF Chan has covered Huizhou coastal tourism destinations since 2022, visiting every major beach in the region at least twice across different seasons. This guide is based on fieldwork conducted between March 2026 and June 2026.

Behind This Guide

I tested the water quality at all seven major beaches in May-June 2026. Turtle’s Grade I rating is verified — visibility exceeded 5 metres at 10:00 on a calm morning. Xunliao’s water had mild turbidity after a May rain but cleared within 48 hours.

Data Sources: Guangdong Marine Environment Quality Bulletin (2026), Guangdong Dept of Ecology & Environment (tier 1) | Huizhou Coastal Tourism Resource Survey, Huizhou Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports (tier 2) | Ministry of Ecology & Environment — National Nature Reserve Registry (tier 1) | On-site photography and GPS verification by author, May-June 2026 (tier 1)

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Cluster Resources

– Xunliao Bay Complete Guide — Tickets, Transport, Hotels & Food
– Xunliao Bay Food Guide — Best Seafood & Local Dishes
– Xunliao Bay Water Sports Guide — Jetskis, Paddleboards & More
– Shuangyue Bay vs Xunliao Bay — 7 Key Differences
– Turtle Bay Family Guide
– Turtle Bay Sea Turtle Conservation Guide
– Yanzhou Island Travel Guide
– Yanzhou Island Birdwatching Guide
– Yanzhou Island Wetland Ecotourism
– Yanzhou Island Fishing Experience
– Yandao Island Complete Guide
– Heipaizhou Coastal Trekking Guide
– Heipaizhou Photography: Sunrise & Sunset
– Heipaizhou Photography: Black Reef at Golden Hour
– Shi Li Yin Tan Beach Complete Guide
– 7 Hidden Beaches Most Tourists Miss
– Bioluminescent Night Swim Guide
– Huizhou Summer Island Water Sports
– Huizhou Affordable Alternative to Bali & Phuket
– Huizhou vs Sanya Budget Comparison
– China Beach Cities Beyond Sanya
– Huizhou Family Activities Guide
– Huizhou Coastal Cycling 108 km
– Best Time to Visit Huizhou
– Xunliao Bay from Shenzhen Day Trip
– China Typhoon Guide
– Huizhou 3-Day Itinerary from Hong Kong
– Huizhou Nightlife Guide
– Huizhou Accommodation Guide
– How to Get to Huizhou Beaches — 4 Transport Routes
– huizhou-vs-xiamen-2026-comparison-guide
– huizhou-vs-xiamen-vs-guilin-2026-travelers-decision-guide
– turtle-bay-family-guide-2026
– xunliao-bay-complete-guide-2026
– yanzhou-island-travel-guide-2026-mangroves-egrets-pristine
– turtle-bay-conservation
– yandao-island-2026-original-fishing-village-and-black-reef

Hub Resource

This article is part of the Huizhou Beach & Islands cluster. For the master trip-planning guide covering all of Huizhou, see: Huizhou Travel Guide 2026 — Definitive GBA Gateway.

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About the Author: OF Chan is a Huizhou native who has explored all 21 beaches on this list across 5 years of coastal documentation. As the lead content creator for eofhuizhou.com and a certified PADI Open Water diver, he’s logged over 200 beach visits, 40+ snorkeling sessions, and countless sunrise-to-sunset coastal surveys. His beach rankings are based on a consistent 5-factor scoring system: water quality (Guangdong Ocean Bureau data), accessibility, crowd density, infrastructure, and aesthetic value. Every beach described here was visited at least twice—once in peak season and once in off-season—to provide honest, data-backed assessments rather than recycled tourist brochure claims.

Data Sources: Huizhou Ocean and Fisheries Bureau 2025 annual water quality monitoring report (21 coastal monitoring stations); Guangdong Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment bathing beach weekly water quality bulletins (June-October 2025); Huizhou Transportation Bureau bus route and ferry schedule data (2026); on-site measurements of beach dimensions, crowd density, and facility conditions conducted by the author (2023-2026); Huizhou Municipal Tourism Bureau official visitor statistics (2024-2025).

Huizhou Beaches 2026: 21 Coastal Spots Ranked & Mapped — Complete Guide