Western Guangdong Coast: Hailing Island to Zhanjiang
Road trip along the western coast of Guangdong to explore Hailing Island, Dianbai, and Zhanjiang, enjoying fresh seafood and volcanic islands.
Departing from Guangzhou, head west along the Shenhai Expressway. Spend the first two nights on Hailing Island to enjoy the beaches and visit the Maritime Silk Road Museum (Nanhai No. 1). In the middle of the trip, head to Bohe, Fangji Island, and China's First Beach in Maoming. For the final stretch, explore Huguangyan and Naozhou Island in Zhanjiang, before returning by high-speed rail or dropping off your rental car. With short daily driving times, this itinerary is perfect for families and friends looking for a relaxing vacation focused on coastal scenery and seafood. Note that island activities are weather-dependent.
Typhoons are common from July to September, which may cause ferry suspensions to Fangji Island and Naozhou Island. Keep your plans flexible.
Day by day
Day 1 · Drive from Guangzhou to Hailing Island
Yangjiang & Hailing Island（Dajiao Bay）
Drive about 3 hours from Guangzhou via the expressway to Hailing Island. Cross the Hailing Dyke to Zhapo, and take a sunset stroll along Dajiao Bay.
Traffic entering the island can be heavy during holidays; book your accommodation in advance.
Stay: Zhapo · Dajiao Bay
Day 2 · Nanhai No. 1 Museum & Mawei Island Sunset
Yangjiang & Hailing Island（Maritime Silk Road Museum of Guangdong、Shili Silver Beach、Zhapo Fishing Port、Mawei Island）
Spend the morning visiting the museum and Shili Silver Beach. Drive about 20 minutes to Zhapo, and head to Mawei Island in the late afternoon.
Stay: Zhapo · Dajiao Bay
Day 3 · Shaba Moon Bay to Bohe Fishing Port
Yangjiang & Hailing Island（Shaba Moon Bay） → Maoming（Bohe Fishing Port、Romantic Coast）
Leave the island and drive about 1 hour to Shaba, then continue along the coast for about 1.5 hours to Bohe for check-in.
Stay: Bohe and Romantic Coast
Day 4 · Fangji Island & China's First Beach
Maoming（Fangji Island、China's First Beach、Yanjingling）
Take a 30-minute ferry ride from Bohe Port to Fangji Island. Return to the pier in the afternoon and drive about 40 minutes to China's First Beach.
Only official scenic area boats are allowed. Ferries may be suspended during rough seas; call ahead to confirm.
Stay: Shuidong, Dianbai
Day 5 · Huguangyan to Chikan Old Street
Zhanjiang（Huguangyan Maar Lake、Cunjin Bridge Park、Chikan Old Street）
Drive about 1.5 hours from Shuidong to Huguangyan, then continue for about 30 minutes to Chikan. Enjoy oysters and other local seafood for dinner.
Stay: Chikan Old Street
Day 6 · A Day on the Volcanic Coast of Naozhou Island
Zhanjiang（Naozhou Island、Naozhou Lighthouse）
Drive about 1 hour from the city center to Dongnan Pier. Take the ferry to the island and rent an electric scooter to explore. Return before sunset.
Car ferries may be suspended due to tides. Confirm on-site whether the lighthouse is open to visitors.
Stay: Chikan Old Street
Day 7 · French Colonial Architecture in Xiashan
Zhanjiang（St. Victor Cathedral、Former French Legation of Guangzhouwan、Xiashan Seaside Promenade）
Spend the morning walking around Xiashan to see the historic architecture and the waterfront. In the afternoon, take a 30-minute taxi ride to Zhanjiang West Railway Station for your high-speed train.