Zhuhai is to Macau as Shenzhen is to Hong Kong. That's to say, like Shenzhen, it was designated a Guangdong Special Economic Zone in the 1980s in order to capitalize on its proximity to a long-time foreign colony. And just as laid-back Macau has always played second fiddle to high-powered Hong Kong, Zhuhai is a far more relaxed place than booming Shenzhen.

Today, modest Zhuhai is popular with tourists for its green expanses, decent beaches, intriguing offshore islands and laid-back vibe. It's also the site of a major border crossing into Macau and its Gongbei Port is a great place to find bargains on a bewildering range of goods. Within easy reach of metropolises like Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shenzhen, Zhuzhai (which translates as "Pearl of the Sea") makes for a pleasant side trip from its better-known Pearl River Delta neighbors. 

Home to several wonderful parks—Haibin Park and Jingshan Park with its peculiar boulder-covered Paradise Hill are standouts—Zhuzhai is also known for its massive theme park, New Yuanming Palace, a replica of Beijing's original Yuanming Yuan that also features numerous models of famous sites from around the world and Lost City, a large water park.

History

Zhuzhai's modern history began in 1980 when it was designated a Special Economic Zone, two years after Shenzhen. Its longer history extends well into the Stone Age, with artifacts dating back to at least 2000 BC having turned up in the area. 

Known in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) as Xiangshan, the region where Zhuzhai stands today became a major salt producer. The area, however, remained relatively peripheral well into the 20th century. In 1953, the government created Zhuhai County, bringing together historical Xiangshan with 146 islands—the Wanshan Archipelago, Sanzao Island and Dangan Archipelago.

Climate

Zhuhai has a subtropical monsoon climate, enjoying an annual average temperature of 22.4 °C. January and February are the coldest months and tend to be drier, too, with the temperature and rainfall picking up in spring and summer as the region heads into typhoon season during late summer and early fall. In the event of a typhoon warning, travel is not recommended.

Getting Around

Taxi

The base rate for taxis is 10 RMB for the first three kilometers during the daytime and 13 RMB between midnight and 6:00 a.m. 2.4 RMB is charged per additional kilometer.

Tour Bus

Zhuhai Tour Buses are operated by Zhuhai Kee Kwan Hotel. The buses are spacious enough with air-conditioning and TV sets. There are eastern and western lines with fares about 2-3 RMB. The buses usually set off in the morning at an interval of every 20 to 30 minutes.

To and From Zhuhai

Air

Zhuhai Airport is located on Sanzao Island, nearby Aviation City, about 40 km from downtown. There are flights to and from more than 30 cities within China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Harbin, Nanjing, Hangzhou etc. There will be an airport bus to the downtown once a flight arrives. Taxis are also available.

Bus

There are more than ten long-distance bus stations in Zhuhai with lots of buses to and from cities both inside and outside Guangdong Province. It only takes you a little more than one hour from Zuhai to Guangzhou by expressway. Xiangzhou Long-distance Bus Station is the largest state-owned bus station in Zhuhai and there are more frequent buses from here to more places within the province. Buses to Guangzhou are also available at Zhuhai Gongbei Bus Station (No. 1 Gongbei Lianhua Lu), taking about 2 hours.

Ferry

Jiuzhou Harbor Passenger Building is located at No. 599, Qinglu Nan Lu. This harbor is the marine transportation hub between South China and Asia-Pacific Area. There are ferries to Hong Kong, Shekou (Shenzhen) and Macau daily. Boats for night sightseeing on the sea and the sightseeing boats to the islands in eastern Zhuhai are also in operation. Buses running between Jiuzhou Harbor and Zhuhai Airport are available, too, taking about one hour.