Exploring China: Zhuhai

Zhuhai is located in Mainland China, adjacent to China’s recently acquired economic superstars: Macau and Hong Kong. Because of its status and location, Zhuhai is one of the fastest growing and most successful cities in Southern China. Unlike Shenzhen, another mainland city near Hong Kong, which holds similar Special Economic status, Zhuhai is a pleasant and laid back place to visit. On the negative side, Zhuhai lacks widespread use of English, making the trip a little more difficult. However, it is nothing that a phrasebook and a well-developed system of “traveler’s sign language” can’t handle.

Getting to Zhuhai is a simple proposition. Ferries and buses run from Hong Kong and Macau, Macau being nearer to Zhuhai. Ferries run throughout the day and take little time (at most an hour from Hong Kong). Macau is just across the bay. Its glitzy skyline is visible from Zhuhai’s coastline. The trip is no longer than your morning commute. From the mainland, nearby town of Guangzhou and Shenzhen are connected to Zhuhai by railways and by bus (a less convenient and not much cheaper option).

Zhuhai is a pleasant city. The rocky terrain typical of coastline along the South China Seas breaks up the urban landscape. The beach road, known as Lovers’ Road, is perfect for a stroll in the evening sea breeze.

The biggest attraction in Zhuhai is the Zhuhai International Circuit. This world class raceway hosts a number of events, including the popular Champ Car World Series. Aside from these heavily attended spectacles, it is possible (if your budget is large enough) to take your own trip around the circuit.

If a trip in a sports car is not in your budget, simply enjoying the palm-lined boulevards of this clean city is rewarding enough. There are massive shopping complexes at Yingbin Road. Also of interest is Lián-Huā-Lù, a pedestrian street that offers lots of shopping possibilities. Nearby to these two shopping areas are numerous bars and restaurants. This downtown area is the center of Zhuhai’s tourist industry.

Cantonese food, the light and popular dishes of Zhuhai’s region, are generally well known to visitors. This is because many Chinese restaurants in the west serve Cantonese cuisine. Stir-fries and seafood are found at restaurants in each district of the city.

Zhuhai is a good place to visit when the crowds of Hong Kong and brashness of Macau get to be too much. It’s so easy to get to this pleasant city from both Hong Kong and Macau that a day trip, weekend getaway, or quick overnight shopping expedition are possible.