Shanwei

Shanwei is a coastal city in Guangdong Province, with a broad coastline and relatively few tourists, making it suitable for a relaxing weekend getaway. Here is a suggested two-day, one-night itinerary.

Suggested Two-Day, One-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 (Seaside sightseeing and dinner at the night market): After arriving at Shanwei Station, take a taxi to Jinding Bay and check in; in the afternoon, walk along the beach and visit the Sailing Chapel; enjoy the sunset in the evening; at night, take a taxi to Erma Road Food Street for beef hot pot and street snacks.
• Day 2 (Red Bay sightseeing and departure): Get up early to watch the sunrise at Hou’ao Glass Sea, or sleep in and wake naturally; then rent an electric scooter or hire a car to Red Bay, visiting the seaside highway, Furi Bay and Seaside Castle; in the afternoon, have coffee and relax along Red Bay’s seaside road; depart in the evening.

Recommended Local Foods in Shanwei

Shanwei’s local flavors are worth setting aside time to try, and a few dozen yuan per person is enough for a satisfying meal.

Choosing Where to Stay

• Jinding Bay: Suitable for those planning to enjoy the sea, relax on holiday or travel with children. The beach is right downstairs, and sea-view rooms cost 200+ yuan per night; there are relatively few restaurants nearby, and getting to the city center requires a taxi.

• Erma Road/City Center: Suitable for travelers who prioritize dining, night markets and good-value accommodation. In the off-season, you can find decent hotels for 60–100 yuan per person, with the food street within walking distance; the drawback is that it is farther from the coast.

• Red Bay: Suitable for visitors who enjoy photography and natural seascapes. Accommodation along the seaside road costs 100–200 yuan and offers good value; overall conditions are fairly basic, so booking three days in advance is recommended.

Transportation Guide

• High-speed rail: From Guangzhou or Shenzhen, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Shanwei Station; after exiting the station, a taxi takes about 20–30 minutes to Jinding Bay and about 40–50 minutes to Red Bay.
• Driving: The journey from the Pearl River Delta takes about 2–3 hours. Follow navigation to each attraction; during holidays, set out early to make it easier to find parking.
• Getting around the city: Renting an electric scooter is the most convenient option, costing 50–80 yuan per day and suitable for coastal travel; to visit several attractions in Red Bay, you can share a ride or hire a private car for about 300 yuan for eight hours, making the trip easier.

Practical Tips

• Sun and wind protection: UV rays are strong by the sea, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat; in autumn and winter, sea winds can be strong and feel chilly, so carry a warm coat.
• Taxi注意: Do not take unlicensed cars waiting outside the high-speed rail station. Use Didi or a licensed taxi and pay by the meter; do not ride shared electric bikes outside the city center, or they may lose power and lock automatically.
• Seafood spending: At seafood restaurants, choose places with clearly marked prices and avoid dishes listed as “market price”; you can also buy seafood at the market and have a restaurant cook it for you.
• Photography times and clothing: Light, white or bright-colored clothes suit the seaside setting; from 4 to 6 p.m., the light is softer, the sun is less intense, and you can also catch the sunset.