Wailingding Island

外伶仃岛

The island with the clearest water in the Wanshan Archipelago. Lingding Peak looks out toward Hong Kong, and the seaside rock formations offer sunrise and sunset views. It is about 70 minutes by boat from Xiangzhou Port.

Wailingding Island lies in the Wanshan Archipelago southeast of Zhuhai. It covers about 4.2 sq km and is famous from Wen Tianxiang's line 'Sighing over my solitude on the Lingding Sea'. On clear days you can see Hong Kong's high-rises from the island, which lies only a few nautical miles from Cheung Chau. Main highlights: Lingding Peak (311 m above sea level; about 1 hour to the top, with views over the whole island and the Lingding Sea); the Jade Belt Girdle Walkway, built along sea cliffs and the best spot for photos and sunsets; the sea-eroded rock formations in Shijing Park; the Xiangjiang Haishi (Sea City) viewing platform; and the main beach, where the water is clear enough for snorkeling and water sports. Suggested itinerary: take the early boat, ride or walk around the island and follow the Jade Belt Girdle Walkway, swim at the beach in the afternoon, and eat seafood near the pier in the evening (fishermen sell sea urchins, dog-claw whelks and leopard coral grouper, which are distinctive). Then stay a night to see the sunrise before heading back. Getting there: take a boat from Xiangzhou Passenger Port. The trip takes about 70–80 minutes, and round-trip tickets cost about RMB 240–300. During holidays, buy tickets 3–7 days ahead through the official channels 'Zhuhai Wanshan Marine Development Test Zone' or 'Wanshan Sea Travel'. Extra boats run in peak season. The island has few guesthouses and hotels, and prices are high, so book well ahead for weekends and holidays. Notes: landing requires an island fee of about RMB 50. Boat schedules are heavily affected by wind and waves, so check suspension notices the day before departure. Goods on the island are shipped in, so prices are higher than in the city. Sunscreen and motion-sickness medicine are essential.

Wailingding Island

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby