I've returned from Shanwei, let me share some honest thoughts.

🌅Hey everyone, you must visit Shanwei! Come feel the South China Sea breeze, enjoy the stunning ocean views, and taste seafood so fresh it'll blow you away~Save this complete May Shanwei travel guide that will help you navigate the city without getting lost👇 🌊First impression of Shanwei: This hidden gem on Guangdong's southeastern coast has a 455-kilometer coastline with ocean views that rival Sanya. It blends Chaoshan, Hakka, and Cantonese cultures, exuding unique charm everywhere. It's the perfect seaside resort for slowing down and fully enjoying life. 📅Itinerary: • Day 1: Experience coastal scenery and city vibes ◦ 🌅Morning: Head to Jincheng Bay to see the gorgeous sunrise. The 7km white sand beach and romantic white chapel make for incredible photos that will wow your social media followers. ◦ 🍜Late morning: Begin your food journey at Erma Road Food Street. Try the fragrant Shanwei rice noodle rolls, then sample specialty tea with vegetables, thin pancakes, and jiu mao gao dessert. Eat your way down the street with every bite bringing pure happiness. ◦ 🚢Afternoon: Take a yacht tour on Pinqing Lake, enjoy the sea breeze and admire the scenery along the way. You might even encounter flocks of seagulls. ◦ 🌟Evening: Climb Fengshan Mazu Temple during sunset to pay respects to the Mazu statue and take in the beautiful panoramic view of Shanwei. ◦ 🌃Night: Find a seafood stall along the seaside road, enjoy a delicious seafood feast while appreciating Shanwei's night scenery and experiencing the city's vibrant atmosphere. • Day 2: A romantic date with Red Bay ◦ 🌊Morning: Visit the Sea Highway, where the two-colored seascape on both sides is amazing. Every casual photo looks professional. ◦ 🚗Late morning: Head to Windmill Island Shallow Bay, where giant windmills complement the jelly-like sea, making you feel like you're in a fairy tale. Aerial photography here is stunning. ◦ 🏝Noon: Enjoy lunch at a nearby fishing village, taste authentic local fishermen's cuisine, and experience genuine seaside living. ◦ 🌊Afternoon: Visit the Sea Castle with its dark vintage architecture contrasting with surging waves for atmospheric photos. Then head to Nanhai Guanyin Temple, walk along the rocky boardwalk to enjoy the beautiful sea view and pray for family and friends. ◦ 🌅Evening: Watch a beautiful sunset by the seaside road, with the last rays of sun sparkling on the water surface—truly magnificent. • Day 3: Explore historical sites and hidden spots ◦ 📜Morning: Visit the Red Palace and Red Square, birthplace of China's first Soviet government. Learn about the revolutionary history and experience the red culture. ◦ 🛕Late morning: Head to Mount Xuanwu to pray. As a religious cultural holy site in eastern Guangdong, it has thriving incense offerings and solemn ancient temple architecture worth visiting. ◦ 🏖Afternoon: Go to Qian'ao Beach, a less crowded but beautiful hidden spot perfect for camping. You can also explore the mysterious Qian'ao underwater garden. ◦ 🌄Evening: Visit Haina Golden Beach, a new cultural tourism complex with various sea activities and beautiful cottage accommodations that are very photogenic. 🏞Surrounding attractions: - Lufeng Jinxiang Beach: White sand, blue sea, and green ancient pines create a poetic landscape. Cultural attractions include the Zhou Enlai Sea Crossing Memorial, where history and nature blend. - Haifeng Lotus Mountain: The highest peak on the eastern Guangdong coast at 1,337.3 meters. With overlapping peaks, misty clouds, dense forests, and the reputation of "Lotus Peak Layered Greenery," it features numerous waterfalls and hot springs—a great place to connect with nature and relax. - Guiling Island: A less-known island with beautiful scenery, fine sand beaches, and crystal-clear water. You can camp, collect seafood at low tide, and dive here to enjoy leisurely island time. 🍱Must-try food: - Seafood feast: Being coastal, Shanwei offers unmissable seafood including sea urchin, abalone, grouper, crab, and shrimp. Whether steamed, blanched, or salt and pepper style, every cooking method will amaze you. - Shanwei rice noodle rolls: Different from other regions, Shanwei's rice noodle rolls are smoother with rich fillings and special sauce—extremely satisfying. - Vegetable tea: Various vegetables, vermicelli, dried shrimp, and squid are stir-fried, added to pork bone soup, and topped with fried rice. Rich in flavor and nutrition, it's a staple on Shanwei dining tables. - Thin pancakes: Crispy crusts filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste, peanut, or sesame. One bite is deliciously sweet but not cloying. - Jiu mao gao: A local specialty dessert similar to grass jelly. Smooth in texture and served with condensed milk or honey, it's refreshing and perfect for summer. 🏨Accommodation guide: - Jincheng Bay: Recommendation level ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Many seaside hotels and guesthouses where the beach is right outside your door. Enjoy unobstructed ocean views from your bed and convenient sunrise/sunset watching—perfect for vacations. - Near Erma Road: Recommendation level ⭐⭐⭐⭐. Located downtown with convenient transportation and abundant food options. Enjoy the lively night market atmosphere at night—suitable for those who love exploring and eating. - Red Bay: Recommendation level ⭐⭐⭐. Close to seaside attractions for convenient exploration of Red Bay area. Accommodation conditions are slightly inferior to Jincheng Bay but more budget-friendly. 💡Tips: - May temperatures in Shanwei gradually rise, so remember sun protection: sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, etc. - Mosquitoes are common near the sea, so bring insect repellent. - Though seafood is delicious, eat in moderation to avoid stomach discomfort, and don't drink beer while eating seafood. - Some attractions are far apart, so self-driving or car rental is recommended for convenience. 🌴Shanwei's beauty is hidden in every wave, every dish, and every cultural relic. Pack your bags and start a romantic coastal journey here. You'll surely fall in love with this charming city! 💕