Huizhou Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 惠州 (huì zhōu)
Population: 4,830,000
Area: Land Area: 11,347 square kilometers (4,381 square miles), Sea Area: 4,519 (1,745 square miles)
Location: in the northeast of Guangdong Province, southern China
Administrative Division: 2 districts (Huicheng, Huiyang); 3 counties (Boluo, Huidong, Longmen)
Area Code: 0752
Zip Code: 516000
GDP (2018): CNY 410.3 billion (USD 62.0 billion)

Situated in the southeast of Guangdong Province, Huizhou is off the Dayawan Bay of the South China Sea and is neighbor to Shenzhen to the south, Dongguan to the southwest, Guangzhou to the west, Shaoguan to the north and Heyuan to the northwest. Huizhou is the central city in the middle and lower reaches of the Dongjiang River where Hakka Culture, Guangfu Culture and Chaoshan Culture blend with and embrace each other. Digital and petrochemical industries are the two pillars of Huizhou's economy. Tourists can buy all kinds of digital products at the Huizhou Digital Commercial Street. Huizhou has rich natural landscapes such as mountains, forests, seas, islands, lakes, hot springs and waterfalls as well as ancient villages. In addition to exploring the urban areas in this city, visitors can go to Huidong, Longmen and Boluo Counties where many fancy scenic spots are located. Visitors can also experience the local culture and folk activities such as Longmen Farmer Painting, dragon dance and Lion Dance. Luofu Mountain: Off the Dongjiang River, Luofu Mountain is one of the ten most famous mountains in China. It is also renowned for the Taoism culture.

 Nankun Mountain: Located in southwest of Longmen County, it is famed as 'Green Land on the Tropic of Cancer'. Family inns and summer escape are the distinctive features of this mountain.

 West Lake: This West Lake was once as famous as the Hangzhou West Lake in the history. The reputed Song Dynasty literate Sushi has been there and left many stories.

 Xunliao Bay: Situate in the Dayawan Bay, it is an unpolluted, quiet paradise for those sea-lovers. The pure water, shinning white sand make it a 'Green Emerald' and 'White Golden Beach'.

 Pinghai Ancient City: It is a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) city in Huidong County. Boasting a long history of more than 600 years, it is honored as the 'live fossil' of southern China culture.

Other Spots: Longmen Hot Spring, Tangquan Hot Spring, Yongji Ecological Garden, Gangkou National Turtle Protection Area, Lantian Yao Ethnic Minority Group Flavor Garden, Dongsheng Fishing Village

The city is easily accessible. Huizhou Airport (HUZ) is about 25 kilometers (16 miles) east of the city. It has direct flights to Beijing, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Wuxi and other important cities in China. Shuttle buses ply from the inner city to the airport. The city is also only one to two hours drive to the two largest airports Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) and Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX). Also, tourists can take a train to Huizhou Railway Station and Huizhou South Railway Station and Huidong Railway Station. Two railway lines cross Huizhou, extending to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shantou, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Nanchang, Changsha, Yueyang and many other cities. Almost all the counties and towns are linked by highways. In addition, after September of 2018, high speed railway between Hong Kong and Huizhou will be opened and passengers can take bullet trains to travel between the two cities.

More than ten scheduled buses run to Hong Kong every day. Visitors can wait for them in nearly all the local hotels. Huizhou Harbor has direct sea routes to lots of harbors in the world with goods transportation. It takes only 40 minutes from there to Hong Kong. Air-conditioned city buses are cheap and comfortable for around-city tour.

Huizhou belongs to the subtropical monsoon climate zone, with the Tropic of Cancer crosses the city. The climate is mild and humid. The annual average temperature is about 22C (72F). Rains are frequent from April to August.

 When to Go: Due to the pleasant climate all year round, it is marvelous to visit Huizhou at any time of a year. However, it's better to avoid the rainy period that is from July to August. From September to October, it is sunny and good time for visit.

 History: Early in the Neolithic Age, human beings started to live in this area. In 591 of the Sui Dynasty (581-618), the government set up Xunzhou, which then became one of the political, economic and cultural centers of Guangdong. The present name of Huizhou came into being in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). In 1949 when the new Republic of China was established, the government set Huiyang County as the capital of Dongjiang Area. In 1994, Huiyang County was changed into a prefecture-level city.

 Physical Features: In the north and east part of Huizhou lie ranges of mountains and hills while in the middle covers large areas of plains. The southern part of the city is decorated with long meandering coastline which brings charming sceneries.

 Local Highlights: Being the historical and cultural city of Guangdong as well as one of the 'China Top Tourist Cities', the local scenic spots are varied in mountains, rivers, seas and forests. The local tradition is quite interesting such as Dragon Dance in the Chinese New Year and Moon Admiring on Mid Autumn Festival, which is the second most important local festival. Yao ethnic minority group in Longmen County has special customs, adding more charm to Huizhou. In addition, the city has become the largest battery and laser head production base in the world, the largest telephone and computer mainboard production base in Asia and the largest television, camera and other advanced electronical productions base in China. 17 of the world's top 500 enterprises have branches there.

 Special Local Products: orange, mango, longan, mustard and cool tea