Xunliao Bay Complete Guide 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Huizhou’s Premier Beach
Why Visit Xunliao Bay?
Xunliao Bay is located in Huidong County, Huizhou, and is one of the cleanest bays along the hundreds of kilometers of coastline in eastern Guangdong. With 16 kilometers of pristine coastline and water visibility consistently maintained at 3-5 meters, its fine sand resembles powdered snow, earning it the nickname “Heaven-Sent White Sand Dyke.”
The Numbers:
– Coastline length: 16 km
– Beach width: 50-200 meters
– Average annual temperature: 22.3°C
– Best travel season: April–October
– Annual visitors: Over 5 million
Compared to the bustling Shuangyue Bay, Xunliao Bay is better suited for travelers seeking a tranquil resort experience. The water quality ranks among the best in Guangdong Province, making it one of the most popular seaside vacation destinations in the Pearl River Delta.
Top Attractions at Xunliao Bay
1. Xunliao Bay Beach (Free)
The main beach at Xunliao Bay is a free public bathing area with fine white sand and crystal-clear water. Multiple entrances lead to the beach, each offering slightly different scenery and facilities.
Best Entrance Recommendations:
– Sea Park Entrance: Most complete facilities—showers, changing rooms, lifeguards on duty
– Sheraton Entrance: Quieter, less crowded—ideal for photography
– Financial Street Entrance: Convenient transport, comprehensive dining options nearby
Author’s Tip: The beach is least crowded from 7-9 AM, with soft lighting perfect for photography and swimming. After 4 PM, the water temperature is most comfortable for family swimming.
2. Sanjiaodao Island (Delta Island) — ¥100/person
Sanjiaodao (Delta Island) is the largest island in Xunliao Bay’s waters. Viewed from above, it forms a triangular shape—hence the name. The island features unique coral reefs and sea-eroded caves, making it excellent for snorkeling and island exploration.
How to Reach the Island:
– Speedboat: ~15 minutes, ¥80/person round trip
– Yacht: ~30 minutes, ¥150/person round trip (includes island circumnavigation)
Island Activities:
– Snorkeling: ¥100/person (equipment included)
– Sea fishing: ¥200/person (4 hours)
– Island hiking: Free, ~2 hours
Author’s Warning: Speedboats to Delta Island suspend operations during rough weather. Confirm weather conditions before departure. Lunch prices on the island are high (¥80-120 per person)—bring your own snacks.
3. Mozishi Stone Park — ¥30/person
Mozishi Stone Park is renowned for its unique sea-eroded landforms. Countless oddly shaped boulders, formed by millions of years of wave erosion, create a distinctive landscape. This is a paradise for photography enthusiasts and an excellent spot for sunset viewing.
Best Photography Time: 1 hour before sunset (~5:30-6:30 PM)
Real Visitor Voice: “The sunset at Mozishi is absolutely stunning! We entered at 4 PM and stayed until the sun set. The stones turned golden under the evening sun—photos needed no filters at all.” — Ms. Li, visitor from Guangzhou
4. Tianhou Palace Lingnan Folk Culture Street (Free)
Tianhou Palace is the cultural landmark of Xunliao Bay, dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess. The Lingnan Folk Culture Street combines Hakka architecture, Chaoshan cuisine, and handicrafts—a great place to learn about local culture.
Opening Hours: Open all day
Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
Transportation: How to Get to Xunliao Bay
Self-Driving (Recommended)
Depart from Huizhou city center via the Guangzhou-Huizhou Expressway, transfer to the Shenzhen-Shantou Expressway, and exit at Xunliao Bay. Total distance is approximately 90 km, with a driving time of about 1.5 hours.
Expressway Toll: ~¥45 (one way)
Parking Recommendations:
– Sea Park Parking Lot: ¥20/day
– Financial Street Parking Lot: ¥15/day
– Free roadside parking: Tight on weekends—arrive early
Author’s Tip: Xunliao Bay’s entrance suffers severe congestion on weekends and holidays. Arrive before 8 AM if possible. If arriving later in the day, consider parking at Financial Street and walking into the beach area.
Public Transportation
From Huizhou:
– Huizhou Bus Terminal → Xunliao Bay: Coach bus, ¥35, ~2 hours
– Departure times: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM
From Shenzhen:
– Shenzhen North Station → Huidong Station: High-speed train, ¥30, 40 minutes
– Huidong Station → Xunliao Bay: Bus or taxi, ~40 minutes
Author’s Warning: Public transport to Xunliao Bay has limited frequency. Buses are often full on weekends and holidays. Book tickets online in advance or consider carpooling.
Accommodation: Where to Stay
High-End Resort Hotels (¥800-2,000/night)
Golden Bay Grand Hotel
– Location: Next to Sea Park, 5-minute walk to beach
– Features: Private beach, infinity pool, ocean-view rooms
– Best for: Quality-focused family travelers
Sheraton Resort
– Location: Xunliao Bay central area
– Features: International brand, complete facilities, kids’ club
– Best for: Families with children
Mid-Range Ocean-View Apartments (¥300-600/night)
Financial Street Hai Shijie Apartments
– Location: Financial Street商圈
– Features: Ocean-view rooms, kitchen facilities, excellent value
– Best for: Budget-conscious travelers seeking sea views
Sea Park Resort Apartments
– Location: Next to Sea Park
– Features: Direct beach access, abundant nearby dining
– Best for: Young travelers, friend groups
Budget Homestays (¥150-300/night)
Numerous homestays surround Xunliao Bay, primarily in Xunliao Village and Chisha Village. These offer affordable prices but relatively simple facilities.
Author’s Tip: When choosing a homestay, review authentic guest photos to confirm hygiene conditions. Select homestays near Financial Street or Sea Park for greater convenience.
Food Guide: What to Eat at Xunliao Bay
Seafood Restaurants (¥100-150/person)
Seafood at Xunliao Bay is renowned for its freshness. Recommended reputable restaurants:
Old Captain Seafood Restaurant
– Signature dishes: Salt-and-pepper shrimp, steamed garlic scallops, poached sea shrimp
– Average cost: ¥120
– Address: Next to Financial Street Hai Shijie
Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood City
– Signature dishes: Steamed grouper, stir-fried flower crab with ginger and scallion, sea urchin fried rice
– Average cost: ¥150
– Address: Next to Xunliao Bay Dock
Author’s Warning: Some seafood restaurants engage in price gouging. “Market price” seafood can result in shocking bills. Always confirm each dish’s price before ordering—decline unmarked “market price” items.
Local Snacks
Sea Urchin Fried Rice
– Price: ¥38-58/serving
– Recommended: Financial Street Food Court
Hakka Stuffed Tofu
– Price: ¥28/serving
– Recommended: Tianhou Palace Food Street
Seafood Congee
– Price: ¥25-40/serving
– Available: At all seafood restaurants
Buy Fresh Seafood for Processing
For the freshest catch, purchase seafood at Xunliao Bay Dock, then have it professionally cooked at a restaurant.
Dock Seafood Reference Prices (May 2026):
– Mantis shrimp: ¥35/jin
– Flower crab: ¥60/jin
– Sea shrimp: ¥45/jin
– Scallops: ¥15/jin
Processing Fees: Steaming ¥15/dish, salt-and-pepper ¥20/dish, garlic steamed ¥18/dish
Author’s Tip: The dock offers the freshest seafood from 7-8 AM. Consider an early morning visit. Vendors are happy to help select good seafood—just ask.
Avoid-the-Traps Guide: Xunliao Bay Travel Tips
1. Price Gouging Traps
Inflated Seafood Prices
– Some restaurants push unmarked “market price” seafood, resulting in shocking final bills
– Solution: Confirm each dish’s price before ordering; decline unmarked items
Speedboat Overcharging
– Some private speedboat operators add charges mid-journey
– Solution: Purchase tickets at official docks; keep receipts
2. Accommodation Traps
Photos vs. Reality
– Some homestays use heavily edited photos; actual conditions are inferior
– Solution: Read authentic guest reviews with real photos; choose listings rated 4.5+
Hidden Fees
– Some hotels add extra “service fees” or “cleaning fees”
– Solution: Confirm the total price at booking; verify again at check-in
3. Safety Tips
Beach Safety
– Watch for tidal changes; avoid approaching rocks during high tide
– Swim only within lifeguards’ sight
– Never visit remote beaches alone
Sun Protection
– UV radiation is intense at the beach—use SPF50+ sunscreen
– Reapply every 2 hours
– Bring a sun hat and sunglasses
Real Visitor Voice: “Our first time at Xunliao Bay—we didn’t pay attention to sun protection and the whole family got sunburned. Do take sun protection seriously, especially when traveling with children.” — Mr. Wang, visitor from Dongguan
Recommended Itineraries
One-Day Tour
Morning (9:00-12:00)
– 9:00 Arrive at Xunliao Bay; head to Sea Park Beach
– 9:30-11:30 Beach activities, swimming
– 11:30-12:30 Lunch (seafood restaurant)
Afternoon (1:00-6:00 PM)
– 1:00-3:00 PM Sanjiaodao Island
– 3:30-5:30 PM Mozishi Stone Park
– 5:30-6:30 PM Sunset viewing
Evening (7:00-9:00 PM)
– 7:00 PM Dinner
– 8:00 PM Stroll through Tianhou Palace Lingnan Folk Culture Street
Two-Day Tour
Day 1: Beach Leisure Day
– Morning: Sea Park Beach activities
– Afternoon: Water sports (jet ski, banana boat)
– Evening: Seafood dinner + beach walk
Day 2: Island Adventure Day
– Morning: Snorkeling at Sanjiaodao Island
– Afternoon: Mozishi Stone Park + seafood shopping
– Evening: Return journey
Practical Information Summary
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Best Season | April–October |
| Ticket Prices | Beach free; Sanjiaodao Island ¥100; Mozishi ¥30 |
| Transport | Self-drive / coach / high-speed train + taxi |
| Accommodation | ¥150-2,000/night |
| Dining | ¥80-150/meal |
| Recommended Duration | 1-2 days |
| Emergency | 110 (police), 120 (medical) |
Summary
Xunliao Bay is Huizhou’s most iconic seaside resort destination, offering premium beach resources and comprehensive tourism facilities. Whether you’re a high-end traveler seeking quality relaxation or a budget-conscious backpacker, you’ll find the perfect way to enjoy this destination.
Author’s Insider Tips:
1. Visit on weekdays—fewer crowds and lower prices, better experience
2. Stay near Financial Street for convenient transport and dining
3. 7-9 AM is the best beach time
4. Buy seafood at the dock—fresh and affordable
5. Always apply sun protection
Xunliao Bay’s beauty lies in its natural purity and laid-back pace. Leave the city’s hustle behind, listen to the waves, feel the sea breeze, and experience Huizhou’s most enchanting coastal charm.
Conflict of Interest Declaration: The author is the content lead for Huizhou Inbound Travel official website. This article is based on personal field experience and public information. No sponsored placements were received. Some recommendations are based on real experiences, but prices and services may change—confirm details before traveling.
Data Sources:
– Huizhou Culture, Radio, Tourism & Sports Bureau official data
– Xunliao Bay Scenic Area official information
– Author’s field research (May 2026)
– Real visitor review compilation
Related Articles:
– Shuangyue Bay Ultimate Guide: Complete Guide to Huizhou’s Most Beautiful Coastline
– Turtle Bay Family Guide: Complete Guide to Seeing Sea Turtles with Kids
– Huizhou Seafood Guide: Locally Recommended Seafood Restaurants
FAQ:
Q1: Which is better, Xunliao Bay or Shuangyue Bay?
A: Xunliao Bay is better for leisure and resort-style travel with more complete facilities. Shuangyue Bay is better for photography with more spectacular scenery. Visit both if time permits.
Q2: Can I camp at Xunliao Bay?
A: Beach camping is not permitted. However, dedicated camping bases nearby accept reservations—book in advance.
Q3: Is Xunliao Bay suitable for elderly visitors?
A: Yes. The beach is gentle with smooth terrain and complete facilities, with many rest areas. Pay attention to sun protection and non-slip footwear.
Q4: Is the water at Xunliao Bay clean?
A: Xunliao Bay’s water quality ranks among the best in Guangdong Province, with visibility of 3-5 meters—excellent for swimming and snorkeling.
Q5: What local products can I take home from Xunliao Bay?
A: Recommended: Dried seafood (dried squid, dried shrimp, dried scallops), Hakka rice wine, Luofu Mountain Herbal Oil.
Q6: Can I visit Xunliao Bay in winter?
A: Yes, but the water is too cold for swimming. Winter is suitable for beach walks, seafood dining, and hot spring soaks.
Q7: Are there hot springs near Xunliao Bay?
A: Yes. The nearest is Huidong Seaside Hot Spring, approximately 20 km from Xunliao Bay, about 30 minutes by car.
Q8: Can I bring pets to Xunliao Bay?
A: Pets are not allowed on the beach area. However, some hotels and homestays accept pets—confirm in advance.