Walkabout The Secret Spots Of Huizhou, Guangdong, China

 

Exploring Huizhou, China, offers a mix of modern amenities and natural beauty, making it a fascinating destination in the heart of Guangdong Province. Known for its relaxing coastal areas and lush greenery, Huizhou is a great blend of urban development and nature-filled escapes. Here's a look at Huizhou, as highlighted in your journey and with some additional background on its notable sights, history, and local flavors.

Arrival and Beachfront at Silver Sands

The Silver Sands Beach at Country Garden is a perfect first stop to unwind. This area is part of a larger development network known for its extensive beach resorts and tourist-friendly setup, drawing families and couples alike. Silver Sands has grown in popularity for those wanting to enjoy paragliding, jet skiing, and other waterside activities. As one of the more established beach developments, it has some of the best-maintained facilities and services around. This area’s popularity reflects the unique blend of beach culture in southern China, where family gatherings and lively waterfronts are as common as the more relaxed and secluded beach experiences.

Huizhou’s coastline extends beyond just Silver Sands, and many smaller, quieter beaches and tide pools around the area attract people looking for a calmer experience. Reef Park, for example, offers nature lovers a chance to explore tide pools, and its low tide reveals a small world of colorful marine life and intricate rock formations. The vibrant tidal areas and beautiful waters are complemented by small eateries along the way, where you can grab a drink or snack, making it a perfect place for a peaceful afternoon walk.

Red Flower Lake Park: Biking and Outdoor Fun

Red Flower Lake Park is another of Huizhou's gems, located just next to the more popular West Lake. The 18-kilometer biking route offers a scenic ride around the lake, perfect for both casual cyclists and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors are greeted by lush forests and calming waters, with signs in both Chinese and English, and the park’s restrictions against swimming keep the environment well-preserved. With plenty of food stalls offering local treats, it’s easy to stay refreshed as you make your way around. The lake itself, a man-made reservoir, has served as a recreational spot for decades and is part of a broader effort to provide ecological green spaces in rapidly developing Chinese cities.

For many visitors, biking around Red Flower Lake Park isn’t just about exercise—it’s about experiencing the beautiful integration of nature within the city. This approach to urban planning is common across Guangdong Province, with parks, lakes, and reservoirs serving as essential aspects of city life. Cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Foshan, and Huizhou pride themselves on these “urban oases,” as they contribute to residents’ health and provide essential relaxation spots amid bustling urban growth.

West Lake: Cultural Hub of Huizhou

Near Red Flower Lake is West Lake, Huizhou’s most famous attraction. While less internationally renowned than Hangzhou’s West Lake, Huizhou’s version still offers a stunning mix of pagodas, bridges, and cultural relics surrounded by beautiful gardens and scenic water views. Dating back to the Tang Dynasty, Huizhou’s West Lake remains one of China's most treasured historical sites, combining cultural heritage with natural beauty. The pathways around the lake lead visitors past ancient temples, statues, and tea houses, making it a great spot to experience traditional Chinese culture.

This area is also a favorite for local families and visitors looking for a peaceful day out. If you visit in the early morning, you’ll see local residents practicing tai chi and various dance groups rehearsing routines along the paths—a common sight in many Chinese cities that adds to the cultural atmosphere.

Exploring Huizhou’s Hidden Culinary Scene

Near the entrance to West Lake, a shopping promenade features alleyways packed with food vendors and quaint shops selling everything from traditional Cantonese snacks to trendy iced teas. Huizhou is known for specialties like Jiabing pancakes, a savory treat filled with minced pork or shrimp, and the traditional Jingpi “Gold Zip” snacks, made by a well-known local shop with over 50 years of history. Popular among tourists and locals alike, this small bite-sized delight costs just about a dollar, making it an affordable way to sample the local flavors.

Walking through the area, you can also find small, impromptu barbers set up under bridges or on sidewalks—a unique sight in many Chinese cities where tradition meets practicality. Converted industrial spaces are also trendy in Huizhou, now transformed into galleries, cafes, and art studios in a style reminiscent of Western “hipster” neighborhoods. Spaces like these, which bring together art, food, and fashion, create small community hubs where people can connect and enjoy a more modern, urban lifestyle amid Huizhou’s traditional roots.

Huizhou Countryside: Hiking and Quarry Adventures

Moving outside the city’s central area, Huizhou’s countryside is filled with serene hiking trails and hidden gems. One of the highlights is the old rock quarry, now filled with water and surrounded by hiking trails, making it an excellent destination for those wanting to explore Huizhou’s wilder side. The quarry area, just a short drive from the main city, provides a glimpse into Huizhou’s industrial past, now reimagined as a natural attraction. Hiking around the quarry, visitors can enjoy the rocky terrain, lush greenery, and occasional sightings of local wildlife.

Huizhou’s countryside also offers access to traditional open-air markets, where you can find fresh produce and sample authentic Huizhou flavors, such as chicken dishes seasoned with locally sourced herbs. One particularly popular delicacy is the countryside chicken, known for its rich taste and traditional cooking methods.

Camping and Coastal Views at Huizhou’s Southern Edge

To round out the Huizhou experience, camping near the southern coast provides an excellent escape. Camping is gaining popularity as China embraces outdoor recreation, and the coastal areas around Huizhou are ideal for tent pitching, especially around New Year’s when temperatures are mild. Coastal bluffs overlooking the sea offer breathtaking sunsets, and while some camping areas are more developed, others are rustic, making them perfect for a quiet retreat.

Camping along the Huizhou coast is especially appealing for those looking to experience the outdoors in its raw form. While facilities may be basic, the chance to watch the sunrise and setset over the South China Sea is unforgettable. Huizhou’s commitment to preserving green spaces and maintaining access to the coast for the public has helped the area maintain its natural charm.

Conclusion

From the bustling markets and scenic lakes to the tranquil coastlines and cultural hubs, Huizhou is a destination with something for every type of traveler. It offers a well-rounded experience of Guangdong’s historical richness and natural beauty, all while providing the conveniences of a modern city. Whether you’re biking around Red Flower Lake, sampling street food near West Lake, or taking in the sights along the coast, Huizhou is a remarkable place to experience both old and new China in one unforgettable trip.