Dong’ao Island, Zhuhai

    Dong’ao Island in Zhuhai is surrounded by beautiful forests and known for its diving spots.

    There are three major beaches on the island: Nansha Bay, Dazhu Bay and Xiaozhu Bay. Nansha Bay is the most famous and looks like a silver pearl on the green island. Waves aren’t very strong so it’s a perfect place for diving, swimming and sunbathing.

    Water sports equipment can easily be rented on all three beaches and travelers can also rent barbecue equipment to enjoy delicious grilled seafood on the beach.

    Dong’ao Island also boasts a 270-year-old castle, a great spot for sightseeing and photographs.

    Transport: Take a coach to Zhuhai from Shenzhen Luohu Bus Station, Yinhu Bus Station or Futian Bus Station; or a ferry from Shekou Port; then ferry to the island from Xiangzhou Port.

    Sanmen Island, Shenzhen

    Located between Daya Bay and Dapeng Bay, Sanmen Island is the closest island vacation spot for Shenzhen residents.

    Although there is not much in the way of famous scenery on the island, Sanmen is described as the “Maldives of Guangdong Province” for its quiet environment and blue sea. There are five beaches on the island, of which Moon Bay Beach is the most popular.

    Compared with many islands in the province, the sand on Sanmen beaches is not very good, but the island attracts many swimmers because the water is clean.

    Sanmen’s tallest peak is 298 meters above sea level and an ideal place for sightseeing.

    There also are many ancient ruins from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), such as military tunnels and centuries-old structures. High-end villas and hotels are abundant on Sanmen Island.

    Transport: Take a bus from downtown Shenzhen to Longgang District.

    Hebao Island, Zhuhai

    Located southwest of Zhuhai, Hebao Island is a very quiet island with few travelers.

    There are 12 bays and broad ancient forests that provide ideal places to relax. Danan Bay is the best place for swimming and water sports, with beautiful sand and very clean water.

    Catching crabs at night is one of the most interesting activities on Hebao. With a small lighter and a bucket, you can chase your worries away on the beach and gather plentiful crabs under the moonlight.

    It can be very romantic to light firecrackers at night.

    It’s also enjoyable to explore Hebao’s forests. Because the island once was an important military base, the forest contains many aging military facilities such as observation towers, pillboxes and a giant windmill donated by the Red Cross Society of the United Nations during World War II.

    Fishing in Hebao’s small rivers and eating homemade seafood in locals’ homes are another island pleasure.

    Transport: Take a coach to Zhuhai from Shenzhen Luohu Bus Station, Yinhu Bus Station or Futian Bus Station; or take a ferry from Shekou Port, then take a taxi to Zhuhai Harbor. Take a ferry to the island from the harbor.(Wang Yuanyuan)