Huizhou Travel Guide

Discover all the important cultural and natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, where to stay, what to buy and other helpful travel tips for Huizhou.


Introduction to Huizhou

Located in the Pearl River Delta of Guangdong Province, Huizhou is a popular travel destination in Southern China. It is a historic city with a mix of modern developments and ancient architecture, surrounded by hills and water. You can discover here an array of cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking/biking trails, delicious food, and welcoming locals.

List of Places to Visit in Huizhou

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Huizhou has a rich cultural heritage with a history of over 2000 years. Some of the must-visit attractions in Huizhou to learn more about its culture and history are:

  • Huizhou Ancient City: A fortified city that dates back to the Tang dynasty. You can explore the ancient city walls, temples, and other historic buildings.
  • Huizhou West Lake: A beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and ancient architecture, it is a perfect place for a scenic stroll or picnic.
  • Huizhou Museum: One of the largest museums in Guangdong Province, the Huizhou Museum has a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the history, culture, and art of Huizhou.
  • Luofu Mountain Scenic Area: Located in Boluo County, this scenic area is famous for its temples, waterfalls, and lush green forests.

Natural Attractions of Huizhou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Huizhou is surrounded by hills, mountains, and water bodies, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Here are some of the best natural attractions in Huizhou:

  • Daya Bay: Huizhou’s coastline is famous for its beautiful beaches, and Daya Bay is one of the most popular beaches. You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports here.
  • Nankun Mountain Reserve: A protected area with abundant flora and fauna, Nankun Mountain Reserve is a great place for trekking, hiking, and bird watching.
  • Xunliao Bay: A charming bay with crystal-clear water and a crescent-shaped beach, Xunliao Bay is perfect for a tranquil seaside stroll or relaxing on the beach.
  • Dajiuhu National Wetland Park: Located in Huidong County, this wetland park has a diverse ecosystem with wetlands, forests, and streams. You can explore the park on foot or by boat.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Huizhou

Huizhou has some of the best hiking/biking trails in China. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Luofu Mountain National Forest Park: A beautiful park with scenic mountain trails, ancient temples, and waterfalls. The park is perfect for hiking and mountain biking.
  • Huidong County Coastal Hiking Trail: A seaside trail that stretches over 50 kilometers along the Huidong coast, it offers breathtaking views of the sea and the mountains.
  • Huangshan Great Wall Trail: Located in Boluo County, this ancient wall stretches over 33 kilometers and offers stunning views of the valley and countryside.

Best Things to Do in Huizhou: Activities and Tours

There are many exciting things to do in Huizhou including:

  • Explore the ancient city: Wander through the streets and alleys of Huizhou’s ancient city and discover the architectural wonders and historic landmarks.
  • Visit the temples: Huizhou has several beautiful temples that are worth visiting like Wen Temple, West Lake Temple, and Gualv Temple.
  • Try the local cuisine: Huizhou is famous for its delicious seafood and Hakka cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes are Dongjiang Salt-Baked Chicken, Tiande Lake Shrimp Paste, and Hailin Oyster Omelet.
  • Take a boat tour: Take a boat tour on the West Lake and admire the ancient architecture and beautiful scenery.
  • Participate in local festivals: Huizhou hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Huizhou Dragon Boat Festival, Huizhou Flower Lantern Festival, and the Huidong Crab Festival.

Week-Long Itinerary for Huizhou

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Explore Huizhou Ancient City, West Lake, and Wen Temple
Day 2 Visit Dajiuhu National Wetland Park and Luofu Mountain Scenic Area
Day 3 Take a boat tour on West Lake, visit Boluo County, and Huangshan Great Wall Trail
Day 4 Trekking in Nankun Mountain Reserve and Gualv Temple
Day 5 Relax on Daya Bay and Xunliao Bay Beaches
Day 6 Enjoy Hakka cuisine, visit Huizhou Museum, and Tianzhu Mountain
Day 7 Participate in local festivals and visit Luofu Mountain National Forest Park

Food and Drink Scene of Huizhou

Must-Try Dishes

Huizhou has a rich culinary tradition with a wide range of dishes to try. Some of the must-try dishes are:

  • Dongjiang Salt-Baked Chicken: A famous Huizhou dish, the chicken is cooked with rock salt until it becomes tender and juicy.
  • Tiande Lake Shrimp Paste: Tiande Lake is famous for its fresh water shrimp, which is blended with other ingredients to make a savory shrimp paste.
  • Hailin Oyster Omelet: A classic street food, the oyster omelet is made with eggs, oysters, and starch, resulting in a crispy texture.

Local Beverages

Huizhou is also renowned for its local beverages, including:

  • Longmen Floral Teas: The Longmen village is known for its production of hand-picked floral teas, which come in several flavors and have multiple health benefits.
  • Huangshan Meicha: This tea is grown in the Boluo County of Huizhou, and it is processed using unique methods. The tea has a sweet aroma and delicate taste.
  • Mume vinegar: Made from pickled plums, mume vinegar is used in Huizhou traditional dishes to add flavor and aroma.

Where to Stay in Huizhou: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Huizhou offers different types of accommodations, suitable for all types of travelers. Some of the best options are:

  • Jinjiang Inn Huizhou Qiaodong: A budget hotel located in the city center, with clean rooms and excellent breakfast.
  • Nanfang Hotel Huizhou: A luxury hotel with spacious rooms, swimming pool, and several dining options.
  • Bihai Yuntian Holiday Hotel: A seaside hotel with excellent views of the ocean and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Huizhou: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Huizhou is well-known for its local products, which can make great souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones. Some of the best local products to buy in Huizhou are:

  • Hakka Embroidery: Traditional Hakka embroidery is famous in Huizhou for its intricate designs and handiwork.
  • Longmen Bamboo Mats: Longmen village in Huizhou is known for its handmade bamboo mats, which are soft, durable, and eco-friendly.
  • Ancestral Temples Painting: Huizhou has many ancient ancestral temples, and their paintings make for an excellent souvenir to decorate your home.

Local Culture and Customs of Huizhou

Huizhou has a rich cultural heritage with a unique blend of Han-Chinese and Hakka cultures. The Hakka people in Huizhou are known for their welcoming nature, traditional crafts, and distinctive cuisine.

Best Time to Visit Huizhou

The best time to visit Huizhou is during the spring and autumn months, from March to May and September to November, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be chilly and dry.

Do’s and Don’ts of Huizhou

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local food and drinks.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and other holy sites.
  • Bargain when shopping in local markets.

Don’t:

  • Take photographs of locals without their permission.
  • Wear revealing clothes in public places.
  • Be disrespectful of religious symbols or practices.
  • Be late for appointments.

Safety and Health

Safety in Huizhou

Huizhou is a safe city, but travelers should still take precautions like:

  • Keep your valuable belongings safe at all times.
  • Avoid isolated areas during nighttime.
  • Be cautious when using public transportation.

Health in Huizhou

Huizhou has a high standard of healthcare services, but it is essential to have travel health insurance. Travelers should also take precautions like:

  • Drink only bottled or boiled water.
  • Wash hands frequently.
  • Carry insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites.

Getting to Huizhou: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Huizhou

The closest airport to Huizhou is Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, which is approximately 125 kilometers away, and it takes around 2 hours by car to reach Huizhou.

Bus Stations Near Huizhou

The Huizhou Bus Station, located in the city center, is the main bus station in Huizhou, offering connections to major cities in Guangdong and other provinces.

Other Options

  • Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport, bus station, and major hotels in Huizhou.
  • Train: Huizhou has two railway stations, Huizhou and Huizhou South, serving trains to other major Chinese cities.

How to Get Around in Huizhou

Huizhou has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and trains. You can also rent a car or a bike to explore the city on your own.

Where to Go Next from Huizhou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Huizhou is well-connected to other major cities in China, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, making it a perfect base to explore Southern China. Some of the popular excursions from Huizhou are:

  • Guangzhou: Known as the “City of Rams,” Guangzhou is just a 2-hour drive from Huizhou and offers an ideal blend of history, culture, and modern development.
  • Shenzhen: Known for its innovative technology and excellent shopping, Shenzhen is just an hour’s drive from Huizhou.
  • Hong Kong: Just a few hours away from Huizhou, Hong Kong is the ultimate cosmopolitan city, with a mix of Asian and western cultures.

Conclusion

Huizhou is a city with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural scenery, and hospitable locals. Whether you are interested in history, culture, food, or adventure, Huizhou offers something for everyone. Follow this comprehensive tour guide, and you’ll be sure to get the most out of your trip to Huizhou.