Xunliao Bay Complete Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Huizhou’s Most Beautiful Bay
Why Visit Xunliao Bay?
Xunliao Bay is located in Huidong County, Huizhou City, and is one of the cleanest bays along the hundreds of kilometers of coastline in eastern Guangdong. The bay features a 16-kilometer pristine coastline, with water visibility consistently maintained at 3–5 meters year-round and soft, powder-fine sand — earning it the nickname “Heaven-Sent White Sand Bank.”
By the Numbers:
– Coastline length: 16 km
– Beach width: 50–200 m
– Average annual temperature: 22.3°C
– Best travel season: April – October
– Annual visitors: over 5 million
Compared to Shuangyue Bay’s lively atmosphere, 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.
Yanzhou Island 2026 along the Huizhou coastline.
Top Attractions at Xunliao Bay
1. Xunliao Bay Beach (Free)
The main beach is a free public bathing area with fine, white sand and crystal-clear water. Multiple entrances line the beach, each offering slightly different scenery and facilities.
Best Entrance Recommendations:
– Ocean Park Entrance: Most complete facilities — showers, changing rooms, lifeguards on duty
– Sheraton Hotel Entrance: Quieter and less crowded, great for photography
– Financial Street Entrance: Convenient transport, excellent dining options nearby
Author’s Tip: The beach is least crowded between 7–9 AM, with soft, flattering light — ideal for photos and swimming. After 4 PM, the water temperature is most comfortable, making it the best time for families with children.
2. Sanjiaodao Island (Ticket: 100 RMB/person)
Sanjiaodao Island is the largest island in Xunliao Bay’s waters. Viewed from above, it forms a triangle — hence its name. The island features coral reefs, sea-eroded caves, and other unique landforms, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and island exploration.
How to Reach the Island:
– Speedboat: ~15 minutes, 80 RMB/person round trip
– Yacht: ~30 minutes, 150 RMB/person round trip (includes island loop tour)
Island Activities:
– Snorkeling: 100 RMB/person (equipment included)
– Sea fishing: 200 RMB/person (4 hours)
– Island hiking: free, ~2 hours
Author’s Warning: Speedboats to Sanjiaodao Island are suspended during rough weather. Check the forecast before departure. Lunch prices on the island are high (80–120 RMB per person); bring your own snacks.
3. Mozishi Park (Ticket: 30 RMB/person)
Mozishi Park is renowned for its distinctive sea-eroded landforms. The park is filled with uniquely shaped boulders, shaped over millennia by crashing waves. It is a paradise for photographers and one of the best spots to watch the sunset.
Best Photography Time: One hour before sunset (~17:30–18:30)
Real Visitor Voice: “The sunset at Mozishi was absolutely stunning! We arrived at 4 PM and stayed until the sun went down. The boulders turned golden under the evening light — no filters needed for photos.” — Ms. Li, visitor from Guangzhou
4. Tianhou Temple & Lingnan Folk Culture Street (Free)
Tianhou Temple is the cultural landmark of Xunliao Bay, dedicated to Mazu (the sea goddess). The Lingnan Folk Culture Street brings together Hakka architecture, Chaoshan cuisine, and traditional handicrafts — a great place to learn about local culture.
Opening Hours: Open all day
Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours
Yandao Island Complete Guide 2026 on the nearby coast.
Getting There: Transport Guide
Self-Driving (Recommended)
From downtown Huizhou, take the Guangzhou–Huizhou Expressway then the Shenzhen–Shanwei Expressway, exiting at Xunliao Bay. The total distance is approximately 90 km, taking about 1.5 hours.
Toll Fees: Approximately 45 RMB (one way)
Parking Recommendations:
– Ocean Park Parking Lot: 20 RMB/day
– Financial Street Parking Lot: 15 RMB/day
– Free roadside parking: Tight on weekends — arrive early
Author’s Tip: Weekend and holiday traffic at the Xunliao Bay entrance is often severely congested. Arrive before 8 AM if possible. If you arrive in the afternoon, consider parking at Financial Street and walking into the beach area.
Public Transport
From Huizhou:
– Huizhou Central Bus Station → Xunliao Bay: Coach bus, 35 RMB, ~2 hours
– Departure times: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30, 13:00, 15:00
From Shenzhen:
– Shenzhen North Station → Huidong Station: High-speed rail, 30 RMB, 40 minutes
– Huidong Station → Xunliao Bay: Bus or taxi, ~40 minutes
Author’s Warning: Public transport to Xunliao Bay has limited frequency, and coaches are often fully booked on weekends and holidays. Book tickets online in advance, or consider carpooling services.
Yanzhou Island Travel Guide 2026 a short drive from Huizhou.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Recommendations
Luxury Resorts (800–2,000 RMB/night)
Golden Bay Jiahua Resort
– Location: Next to Ocean Park, 5-minute walk to the beach
– Highlights: Private beach, infinity pool, ocean-view rooms
– Best for: Quality-focused family travelers
Sheraton Huizhou Beach Resort
– Location: Xunliao Bay central area
– Highlights: International brand, complete facilities, kids’ club
– Best for: Families with children
Mid-Range Ocean View Apartments (300–600 RMB/night)
Financial Street Seaworld Apartment
– Location: Financial Street commercial district
– Highlights: Ocean-view rooms, kitchen facilities, excellent value
– Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who still want ocean views
Ocean Park Resort Apartment
– Location: Adjacent to Ocean Park
– Highlights: Direct beach access, abundant dining options nearby
– Best for: Young travelers, friend groups
Budget Guesthouses (150–300 RMB/night)
There are many guesthouses around Xunliao Bay, mainly concentrated in Xunliao Village and Chisha Village. These offer affordable prices but relatively basic facilities.
Author’s Tip: When choosing a guesthouse, always look at real review photos to confirm hygiene standards. Properties near Financial Street or Ocean Park are more convenient for getting around.
Turtle Bay Huizhou 2026 the beautiful Huizhou seascape.
Food Guide: What to Eat at Xunliao Bay
Seafood Restaurants (100–150 RMB/person)
Seafood at Xunliao Bay is known for its freshness. Here are some highly recommended restaurants:
Old Captain Seafood Restaurant
– Signatures: Salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp, steamed garlic clams, poached sea prawns
– Average cost: 120 RMB
– Address: Next to Financial Street Seaworld
Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood City
– Signatures: Steamed grouper, stir-fried flower crab with ginger & scallion, sea urchin fried rice
– Average cost: 150 RMB
– Address: Near Xunliao Bay Wharf
Author’s Warning: Some seafood restaurants have been known to overcharge. Always confirm the price of each dish before ordering, and avoid any “market price” items.
Local Snacks
Sea Urchin Fried Rice
– Price: 38–58 RMB per serving
– Recommended: Financial Street Snack Street
Hakka Stuffed Tofu
– Price: 28 RMB per serving
– Recommended: Tianhou Temple Food Street
Seafood Porridge
– Price: 25–40 RMB per serving
– Available at: All seafood restaurants
Buying Fresh Seafood for Processing
For the freshest catch, head to Xunliao Bay Wharf to buy seafood directly, then have it prepared at a restaurant.
Wharf Seafood Reference Prices (May 2026):
– Mantis shrimp: 35 RMB/jin
– Flower crab: 60 RMB/jin
– Sea prawns: 45 RMB/jin
– Clams: 15 RMB/jin
Processing Fees: Steamed — 15 RMB/dish; salt-and-pepper — 20 RMB/dish; steamed garlic — 18 RMB/dish
Author’s Tip: The freshest seafood arrives at the wharf between 7–8 AM. Set your alarm early for the best selection. Vendors are usually happy to help you pick — just ask.
Xunliao Bay Food Guide 2026 along the Huizhou coastline.
Pitfall Guide: Things to Watch Out For
1. Overcharging Traps
Inflated Seafood Prices
– Some restaurants push “market price” seafood, resulting in shocking bills at checkout
– Solution: Confirm the price of every dish before ordering; refuse “market price” items
Speedboat Price Gouging
– Some private speedboat operators add charges mid-trip
– Solution: Buy tickets at official wharves; keep your receipts
2. Accommodation Traps
Photos vs. Reality
– Some guesthouses use heavily edited photos — the actual conditions can be disappointing
– Solution: Read reviews with real photos; choose properties rated 4.5 or above
Hidden Fees
– Some hotels add extra “service fees” or “cleaning charges” at checkout
– Solution: Confirm the total price when booking; verify again at check-in
3. Safety Notes
Beach Safety
– Watch for tidal changes; stay away from rocks during incoming tides
– Swim only within the lifeguard’s line of sight
– Do not venture alone to isolated beach areas
Sun Protection
– UV intensity at the beach is extreme — use SPF50+ sunscreen
– Reapply every 2 hours
– Bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
Real Visitor Voice: “This was our first time at Xunliao Bay, and we didn’t think about sun protection — the whole family got badly sunburned. Make sure you protect your skin, especially when traveling with children.” — Mr. Wang, visitor from Dongguan
Best Itineraries
One-Day Itinerary
Morning (9:00–12:00)
– 9:00 Arrive at Xunliao Bay, head to Ocean Park beach
– 9:30–11:30 Beach activities, swimming
– 11:30–12:30 Lunch (seafood restaurant)
Afternoon (13:00–18:00)
– 13:00–15:00 Sanjiaodao Island excursion
– 15:30–17:30 Mozishi Park
– 17:30–18:30 Sunset watching
Evening (19:00–21:00)
– 19:00 Dinner
– 20:00 Stroll through Tianhou Temple & Lingnan Folk Culture Street
Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Beach Relaxation Day
– Morning: Ocean Park beach activities
– Afternoon: Water sports (jet ski, banana boat)
– Evening: Seafood dinner + seaside walk
Day 2: Island Adventure Day
– Morning: Snorkeling at Sanjiaodao Island
– Afternoon: Mozishi Park + seafood shopping at the wharf
– Evening: Return journey
Practical Information Summary
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Best Travel Season | April – October |
| Ticket Prices | Beach: free; Sanjiaodao Island: 100 RMB; Mozishi Park: 30 RMB |
| Transport | Self-driving / coach / high-speed rail + taxi |
| Accommodation | 150–2,000 RMB/night |
| Dining | 80–150 RMB per meal |
| Recommended Stay | 1–2 days |
| Emergency Numbers | 110 (police), 120 (ambulance) |
Summary
Xunliao Bay is the most iconic seaside resort destination in Huizhou, offering high-quality beach resources and well-developed tourism infrastructure. Whether you’re a luxury traveler seeking a premium resort experience or a budget backpacker looking for great value, you’ll find a way to enjoy it here.
Author’s Insider Tips:
1. Visit on weekdays — fewer crowds and lower prices, better experience overall
2. Stay near Financial Street for maximum convenience in transport and dining
3. The beach is best between 7–9 AM
4. Buy seafood at the wharf — fresher and cheaper
5. Never skip sun protection
The beauty of Xunliao Bay lies in its natural purity and relaxed pace of life. Leave the city behind, listen to the waves, feel the sea breeze — and experience the most captivating seaside charm of Huizhou.
Conflict of Interest Declaration: The author is the Content Lead of eofhuizhou.com. This article is compiled based on personal field experience and publicly available information. No commercial sponsorships were received. Some recommendations are based on genuine personal experience, but prices and services are subject to change — verify details before your trip.
Data Sources:
– Huizhou Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau official data
– Xunliao Bay Scenic Area official information
– Author’s field research (May 2026)
– Aggregated genuine visitor reviews
Related Articles:
– Shuangyue Bay Complete Guide: The Full Guide to Huizhou’s Most Beautiful Coastline
– Sea Turtle Bay Family Guide: A Complete Guide for Families to See Sea Turtles
– Huizhou Seafood Food Map: Local-Recommended Seafood Restaurants
FAQ:
Q1: Xunliao Bay or Shuangyue Bay — which is better?
A: Xunliao Bay is better for leisure and resort-style travel, with more complete facilities. Shuangyue Bay is better for photography, with more dramatic scenery. If time allows, visit both.
Q2: Can I camp at Xunliao Bay?
A: Camping is not permitted on the beach area, but there are dedicated camping bases nearby that require advance reservation.
Q3: Is Xunliao Bay suitable for elderly travelers?
A: Yes. The beach is flat and gentle, facilities are complete, and there are many rest areas. Just pay attention to sun protection and anti-slip measures.
Q4: Is the water at Xunliao Bay clean?
A: The water quality at Xunliao Bay ranks among the best in Guangdong Province, with visibility of 3–5 meters — excellent for swimming and snorkeling.
Q5: What local specialties can I take home from Xunliao Bay?
A: Recommended souvenirs: dried seafood (dried squid, dried shrimp, dried scallops), Hakka Niang Jiu (rice wine), and Luofushan Baicao You (herbal balm).
Q6: Can I visit Xunliao Bay in winter?
A: Yes, though the water is too cold for swimming. Winter is suitable for beach walks, seafood dining, and hot springs.
Q7: Are there hot springs near Xunliao Bay?
A: Yes. The nearest option is Huidong Seaside Hot Springs, 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. Some hotels and guesthouses do accept pets — confirm with the property before booking.