In Shanwei, I found Guangdong's last 'glass sea'—so stunning it takes your breath away!

Shanwei is a captivating coastal city in southeastern Guangdong, renowned for its breathtaking beaches like Honghai Bay and Jinding Bay, abundant seafood cuisine, and rich red culture. --- **📅 Recommended Itinerary (3 Days & 2 Nights)** **Day 1: Classic Honghai Bay Tour** - ❤️**Zhalang Peninsula, Honghai Bay**: Experience the wonder of a beach that's "half calm, half turbulent," perfect for photos. - ❣️**Fengche Island (Windmill Island)**: Thirteen giant windmills line the coast, offering fantastic drone shots and a Japanese-style photo op. - ❤️**Seaside Ancient Fort**: Dark, ruin-style architecture contrasts dramatically with the waves, ideal for vintage photography. - ❣️**Nanhai Guanyin Temple**: Walk the rocky boardwalk and soak in the serene sea views. - ❤️**Erma Road Night Market**: Sample local Shanwei snacks like vegetable tea, thin pancakes, and jiumaogao (a jelly dessert). **Day 2: Leisurely Jinding Bay Tour** - 🥰**Jinding Bay Beach**: Seven kilometers of white sand, free to enter, great for swimming and sunset views. - 💗**Magong Beach**: A quieter spot for peaceful walks with stunning scenery. - ❤️**Fengshan Mazu Temple**: A 16.83-meter-tall Mazu statue overlooks the picturesque Pinqing Lake. - ❤️**Seaside Highway**: Drive or bike along this route for breathtaking views of the dual-colored sea. **Day 3: Cultural Exploration (Optional)** - *💕*Red Palace & Red Square**: Birthplace of China's first Soviet regime, a site for red history studies. - 💗**Xuanwu Mountain Yuanshan Temple**: A 600-year-old ancient temple, a sacred spot for blessings. - ❤️**Jieshi Bay, Lufeng**: A hidden fishing port vibe with camping at Qian'ao Beach. --- **🍜 Must-Try Local Delicacies** 1. **Seafood Street Stalls** - 💕Recommended: Erma Road Night Market, Donghai Dazhai Village Seafood Hub, ~¥80–150 per person. 2. **Shanwei Rice Noodle Soup** - ❤️Pork offal + seafood combo with a sweet broth. Try "Erma Road Old-Fashioned Rice Noodles." 3. **Vegetable Tea/Salty Tea** - 💖A local breakfast staple packed with toppings, served with fried rice and sesame. 4. **Thin Pancakes** - ❣️Crispy outside, soft inside—sweet (with sugar and crushed peanuts) or savory (with bean sprouts and shredded pork). 5. **Jiumaogao** - ❤️A refreshing local dessert with a smooth texture, often topped with condensed milk and fruit. --- **🏨 Accommodation Recommendations** - *😊*Jinding Bay**: Beachfront B&Bs (e.g., Muse Sea View Homestay), steps from the sand. - ❤️**Honghai Bay**: Hotels near Zhalang Peninsula for easy access to attractions. - ❤️**Downtown**: Stay near Erma Road for proximity to food streets. --- **🚗 Transportation Tips** - 💜**High-Speed Rail**: From Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Shanwei Station (1.5–2 hours), then take the "Sea View Bus" to Jinding Bay. - 💖**Self-Drive**: Ideal for island-hopping; free parking at Honghai Bay spots. - 💖**Local Transport**: Taxis or e-bike rentals (~¥80/day); buses are infrequent. --- **⚠️ Pitfall Avoidance** 1. **Honghai Bay Transport**: No shuttles between sites—rent a car or charter a vehicle to avoid taxi shortages. 2. *💕*Glass Sea**: Hou'ao's glass sea is weather-dependent; visibility varies daily. 3. 💕**Seafood Pricing**: Choose restaurants with clear pricing to avoid scams. 4. 💖**Sun & Bug Protection**: Strong UV and mosquitoes—pack sunscreen and repellent. --- **📌 Extra Tips** - 💖 **Best Seasons**: March–May, September–November (avoid typhoon season). - 💕 **Unique Experiences**: Yacht trips, snorkeling (book in advance). - 💕 **Nightlife**: Jinding Bay beach bars, Erma Road Night Market. Shanwei’s beauty 💖 lies in its azure seas and skies, as well as the blend of Chaoshan culture and red history. ❤️ Pack this guide and set off on your coastal adventure! 🌊