Things To Do
in Huizhou

Huizhou is a coastal city in Guangdong Province known for its scenic lakes and mountains. It sits along the Pearl River Delta, offering a mix of beaches, hot springs, and historic streets. The area around West Lake and Luofu Mountain provides lush scenery and nature escapes within reach of the city.

Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, tranquil waterfronts, and a relaxed pace compared with larger nearby cities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Huizhou West Lake, where you can stroll along the serene walking paths lined with lush greenery. As the sun rises, take in the stunning reflections of the ancient pagodas on the water. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Huizhou pastries and tea.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the Huizhou Museum to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region. Engage with interactive exhibits that showcase the history and art of Huizhou, including its famous wood carvings. Don’t miss out on the beautiful architecture of the museum itself, which reflects the local style.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, take a scenic boat ride on the West Lake, enjoying the cool breeze and panoramic views. After your boat trip, find a cozy restaurant along the lakeside to savor Huizhou’s famous dishes, such as braised fish and local herb-infused soups. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk, soaking in the illuminated beauty of the lake and its surroundings.

day 2
Cultural Delights at Huizhou Ancient Town
morning
:

Begin your day by exploring the charming streets of Huizhou Ancient Town, where traditional architecture transports you back in time. Enjoy breakfast at a local street vendor, sampling delicious dumplings and steamed buns. Take your time to admire the intricately carved doorways and the vibrant murals that tell stories of the past.

afternoon
:

After exploring the ancient town, visit the nearby East Lake, known for its picturesque scenery and tranquility. Rent a bicycle to circle the lake, stopping at various viewpoints to capture beautiful photographs. For lunch, indulge in a picnic with local snacks, soaking in the natural beauty around you.

evening
:

Return to the ancient town as the sun sets, where the lanterns begin to glow, creating a magical atmosphere. Join the locals in a traditional tea house for an authentic tea ceremony while enjoying live folk music. This evening is perfect for connecting with the rich cultural fabric of Huizhou and making new friends.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-8
Coffee or tea$2-4
🚖Taxi ride (short trip)$3-8
🏨Hotel room (mid-range, per night)$40-100
🏠One-bedroom apartment rent (city center, monthly)$350-700

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Coastal scenery and diverse nature
  • Relatively relaxed pace and affordable costs
  • Strong Cantonese-influenced cuisine and seafood
  • Less nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Language barrier in more rural areas
  • Limited direct international flight options compared to Guangzhou or Shenzhen
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "谢谢" - Thank you
  • "请问这个多少钱?" - How much is this?
  • "厕所在哪里?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "你会说英语吗?" - Do you speak English?
  • "对不起" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
  • "好吃" - Delicious
  • "可以给我菜单吗?" - Can I have the menu?

Places to Visit in Huizhou

Visit one of these nice places.

West Lake (Xihu) Scenic Area

A serene lake with walking paths, mountains in the distance, and traditional pavilions, ideal for sunrise and evening reflections.

Luofu Mountain (Luofushan)

A sacred mountain area with lush terraces, temples, and sweeping viewpoints for landscape photography.

Xunliao Bay

A coastal beach with turquoise water and rocky outcrops; perfect for sunset silhouettes and long exposures.

Huidong Coastal Road and Fishing Villages

Rugged coastline, colorful boats, and fishermen at work offering dynamic seascapes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Huizhou

Huizhou offers a seafood-forward Cantonese-influenced cuisine with fresh catches from the coast, comforting braises, and light afternoon snacks. You’ll find street stalls, markets, and family-run restaurants serving simple, flavorful dishes.

Huizhou Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grilled or steamed seafood platter

Freshly caught seafood prepared simply to highlight the sea flavors at coastal restaurants.

Must-Try!

Braised pork with soy (hong shao rou)

A classic Cantonese-style dish found in many eateries throughout the city.

Herbal chicken soup

Light, restorative soup commonly served in local eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Xihu Old Town Market

A lively market area with fresh seafood, produce, and small snack stalls.

Huidong Coastal Market

Markets by the coast offering dried seafood, snacks, and regional specialties.

Xunliao Bay snack stalls

Beachfront stalls with quick bites and cold drinks after a day by the water.

Climate Guide

Weather

Huizhou has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers; the rainy season runs from April to June, with a second wet period in late summer; typhoons can affect coastal areas in late summer and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple etiquette

Dress modestly when visiting temples; speak softly; remove shoes where required.

Guanxi and politeness

Show respect to elders and avoid confrontation in public; modest self-presentation is valued.

Tones and conversation

Speak calmly in public; avoid loud, boisterous behavior in busy markets.

Safety Guide

Safety

Huizhou is generally safe for travelers; standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure, beware of traffic when crossing streets, and be mindful of scams common in tourist areas; emergency number is 110 for police and 120 for medical emergencies in China.

Tipping in Huizhou

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in tourist spots; rounding up change in cafes or adding a small amount at fine-dining may be common in some places.

Payment Methods

Cash (RMB) and plenty of card payment options including mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay; many markets and smaller shops prefer mobile payments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with frequent rain; carry sun protection and light rain gear; best early morning or late afternoon visits; typhoon season can affect coastal trips.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, clear skies; ideal for outdoor hikes and photography; still some humidity in early autumn.

Winter

Mild and comfortable, occasional cool days; warmth from cafes and indoor attractions; coastal winds can be breezy.

Spring

Warm with intermittent showers; vibrant greenery and blooming flowers; good for nature walks and city sightseeing.

Nightlife Guide

Huizhou at Night

Nightlife in Huizhou is more low-key compared with bigger cities; you’ll find riverside bars, rooftop lounges, tea houses, and karaoke rooms in the downtown area; seafood markets stay active into the evening, and there are casual night-market snacks and live music spots.

Hiking in Huizhou

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Luofu Mountain Trail (Luofushan)

Sacred mountain with temples and sweeping views; popular for day hikes around Huizhou.

Xilin Mountain Trail

Forest trails and scenic viewpoints in the wider Huizhou area.

Airports

How to reach Huizhou by plane.

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)

Major hub about 60-90 minutes by highway or rail, with international and domestic flights.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Very large international hub about 1.5-2 hours by highway or rail; good for long-haul connections.

Huizhou Pingtan Airport (HUZ)

Domestic airport close to the city; check current status for international access as of your travel date.

Getting Around

Walkability

The city center around West Lake and the Old Town is walkable with good pedestrian streets; some scenic areas require short rides or taxis; bikes and scooters are common for longer distances.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

Majority ethnic group; Cantonese-speaking in coastal areas; diverse regional subcultures.

Hakka and Teochew communities

Smaller but present, reflected in cuisine and family histories.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Table tennis

A popular recreational sport in community centers and clubs.

Basketball

Courts are ubiquitous; locals play in parks and schools.

Badminton

Common in gyms and clubs; easy to pick up for visitors.

Water sports

Swimming, kayaking, and fishing around coastal areas and bays.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be congested in peak hours in downtown Huizhou; public transport includes buses and taxis; ride-hailing apps are widely used; highways connect to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other cities; driving is convenient but local navigation can be challenging without maps.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Huizhou.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most vegetarian dishes can be found in Cantonese-style restaurants; look for vegetable dishes, tofu, mushrooms, and stir-fries; communicate no meat or seafood to staff; ask for vegetable-based stocks.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is good in Huizhou with city hospitals and a few provincial facilities nearby; English may be limited, so carrying a translation app or phrase sheet helps; keep travel insurance and know emergency numbers (120 for medical and 110 for police).

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide