RECENTLY, the China Institute of City Competitiveness released the 2017 list of the happiest cities in China and three cities in Guangdong, namely Huizhou, Zhuhai and Zhaoqing, are among the top 10. Today we will continue our journey to these three cities to find out their secrets to happiness.

Zhuhai,

a 100-island city

With its seemingly countless islands, Zhuhai has earned itself the nickname of “city with 100 islands.”

The renowned Lovers’ Road, a coastal road with a total length of 17 kilometers, encircles the coastline of the city like a silver ribbon. The Fishing Girl statue, a landmark of the city, stands on the stone stairs by Xianglu Bay.

The beauty of the seashell-shaped Zhuhai Grand Theater, the vitality of Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, and the speed and passion of Zhuhai International Circuit are all calling for tourists.

Wanshan Archipelago, a 104-island archipelago that is part of Zhuhai’s Xiangzhou District, is far away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Fishing villages and small harbors with oddly-shaped stones and crystal clear water are sure to lure people who love tranquility.

In this primitive environment, you can go diving, surfing, fishing, you name it. And of course you can sit on the beach to enjoy the peace and watch the sunrise and the sunset.

Miaowan Island, located in the middle of Zhuhai’s Wanshan Archipelago, is fondly referred to as “dream island” and also as China’s Maldives. It is composed of the main island and an unnamed one, connected by a stone embankment built by locals in the 1970s.

As an undeveloped sightseeing spot, Miaowan Island has only one arc-shaped beach, a small village and a wharf. However, it has delicate white sand, clear water, fresh seafood and a first-rate natural environment.

Zhuhai is the combination of modern dynamics with historical profundity. Apart from the modern and international platforms, it’s also home to abundant historical sites such as Meixi Royal Stone Archways and New Yuanming Palace.

Meixi Royal Stone Archways is a key historical site under State protection. The stone archways were granted by Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) as a tribute to Chen Fang, consul general to Honolulu, Hawaii. The stone archways cover an area of 126,000 square meters. Apart from the archways, you can also check out the former residence of Chen Fang and Chen’s garden and cemetery nearby.

New Yuanming Palace is the only royal garden in South China. Covering an area of 1.39 square kilometers and bordered by mountains to the east, west and north, it is the largest 4-A scenic area in Zhuhai.

(Chen Xiaochun)