Huizhou

Huizhou (惠州) is a prefecture-level city in eastern Guangdong Province, located on the north shore of the Pearl River Delta, about 90 km east of Guangzhou. It is known for West Lake (惠州西湖), a scenic lake park that inspired Su Dongpo, the famous Song dynasty poet who was exiled here, and for the beaches of the Daya Bay area.

Huizhou combines urban convenience with natural beauty. The city is built around West Lake, a 2.5-km-wide body of water dotted with islands and connected by arched bridges. To the south, the Daya Bay coastline offers some of the best beaches in Guangdong, with clear water and sandy coves.

Huizhou has a humid subtropical climate. The best time to visit is autumn (October–December), when the weather is dry and comfortable.

By Plane

Huizhou Pingtan Airport (HUZ IATA) has flights to Beijing, Kunming, Nanning, and other Chinese cities. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX IATA) is about 100 km southwest.

By Train

Huizhou Railway Station and Huizhou South Railway Station serve the Beijing–Kowloon and Xiamen–Shenzhen high-speed railways, with trains to Guangzhou (1 hr), Shenzhen (30 min), and Xiamen (2 hr).

By Car / Road

The G15 Shenyang–Haikou Expressway and G25 Changchun–Shenzhen Expressway pass through Huizhou. The drive from Guangzhou takes about 1.5 hours; from Shenzhen, 1 hour.

Buses and taxis serve the city. The West Lake area is walkable and pleasant. For Daya Bay beaches, take a bus or taxi (40 km south).

• West Lake (惠州西湖): A scenic lake park with six lakes joined by bridges, pavilions, and pagodas. Su Dongpo's former residence and the Sizhou Pagoda are highlights. Free entry.

• Luofu Mountain (罗浮山): A famous Taoist mountain with over 400 temples and scenic peaks, a UNESCO Global Geopark. Entry ¥60.

• Daya Bay (大亚湾): A coastal area with sandy beaches, clear water, and seafood restaurants. Popular beaches include Aotou and Xunliao Bay.

• Huiyang Old Town: A historic district with Ming and Qing architecture and traditional shops.

• Huizhou Museum: A museum covering the city's history, including Su Dongpo's exile period.

• West Lake Walk: Stroll the lakeshore, visit the islands, and climb Sizhou Pagoda for panoramic views.

• Luofu Mountain Hike: Take the cable car or hike to the summit temples.

• Beach Day: Spend a day at Xunliao Bay or one of the Daya Bay beaches.

• Seafood Feast: The restaurants at Daya Bay serve fresh-caught seafood.

• Huizhou Steamed Fish: Fresh fish from Daya Bay steamed with ginger and scallion.
• Luofu Mountain Tofu: A local tofu specialty — silken tofu served with mountain herbs.
• Hakka Stuffed Tofu: A specialty of the region's Hakka population.
• Cantonese Dim Sum: Available throughout the city.

Cantonese tea culture is strong. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Hotels near the train station charge ¥100–200 per night.
• Mid-range: Hotels near West Lake, such as the Huizhou Hotel, offer rooms from ¥200–400 per night.
• Beach Resorts: Resorts at Xunliao Bay offer rooms from ¥400–800 per night.

Huizhou is known for its lychees and longan fruits (in season June–August). Luofu Mountain produces herbal teas and medicinal products.

• Shenzhen (90 km southwest, 30 min by train) — The tech hub of China.
• Guangzhou (120 km northwest, 1.5 hr) — The capital of Guangdong.
• Shanwei (150 km east, 2 hr) — A coastal city with watersports and seafood.
• Heyuan (100 km north, 1.5 hr) — The dinosaur fossil capital of China.