Shanwei

Shanwei (汕尾) is a prefecture-level city in southeastern Guangdong Province, located on the coast of the South China Sea about 150 km east of Shenzhen. It is a coastal city known for its seafood, fishing culture, and the Red Bay (红海湾) scenic area, a popular beach and water sports destination.

The city sits on a natural harbor and has a strong maritime tradition. The surrounding coast features sandy coves, rocky headlands, and the distinctively shaped Red Bay, where the sea breaks into two colors. The area is also known as a center for the Chaoshan dialect group and preserves traditional Chaoshan customs.

Shanwei has a subtropical climate with warm weather year-round. The beach season is May–October.

By Plane

Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (SWA IATA) is about 100 km east. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX IATA) is about 150 km west.

By Train

Shanwei Railway Station serves the Xiamen–Shenzhen high-speed railway, with trains to Shenzhen (1 hr), Guangzhou (1.5 hr), and Xiamen (2 hr).

By Car / Road

The G15 Shenyang–Haikou Expressway passes through Shanwei. The drive from Shenzhen takes about 2 hours; from Guangzhou, 3 hours.

Buses and taxis serve the urban area. Minibuses connect to Red Bay and other coastal spots.

• Red Bay (红海湾): A scenic bay with fine sand, clear water, and a distinctive natural breakwater where the sea splits into two colors. Popular for swimming and windsurfing. Free entry.

• Shanwei Fishing Port: A working fishing port where you can watch the daily catch being unloaded and buy fresh seafood directly from the boats.

• Guanyin Mountain: A coastal hill with a large Guanyin statue and panoramic views of the bay.

• Haifeng Old Town: A historic town with Ming dynasty architecture and traditional Chaoshan courtyard houses.

• Luhe Hot Springs: Natural hot springs in the Luhe County area, about 50 km north.

• Beach Day at Red Bay: Swim, sunbathe, and try windsurfing or kayaking.

• Fishing Village Walk: Explore the port area and watch the fishing boats.

• Seafood Market Visit: Buy the day's catch at the Shanwei seafood market.

• Hot Springs: Relax at the Luhe hot spring resorts.

• Shanwei Seafood: Grilled fish, steamed crabs, and clams in garlic sauce are the specialties.
• Shanwei Fish Balls: Handmade fish balls served in soup or with noodles.
• Chaoshan Steamed Dumplings: Dumplings filled with shrimp and pork.
• Shanwei Rice Noodles: Thin rice noodles in broth with seafood toppings.

Bottled water is recommended. Tea is the standard beverage.

• Budget: Guesthouses near Red Bay charge ¥100–200 per night.
• Mid-range: Hotels in Shanwei city offer rooms from ¥150–350 per night.
• Beach Resort: Resorts at Red Bay offer rooms from ¥300–500 per night.

Shanwei's main products are seafood (dried fish, shrimp, and squid) and agricultural products including lychees and longan.

• Shenzhen (150 km west, 1.5 hr by train) — The modern tech hub with theme parks.
• Shantou (100 km east, 1 hr) — The culinary capital of Chaoshan cuisine.
• Huizhou (100 km west, 1.5 hr) — West Lake and Daya Bay beaches.
• Jieyang (80 km east, 1 hr) — The jade carving center and Confucian temple.