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Qi'ao Island is 13 kilometers northeast of Xiangzhou, on the west side of the Pearl River Estuary and 13 kilometers east of Nei Lingding Island. It is a crucial route for the world-renowned Zhuhai Lingdingyang Cross-Sea Bridge. Qi'ao Island boasts stunning natural scenery, known as "Nine Bays and Eighteen Peaks," and is considered one of the "Ten Scenic Spots of Zhuhai."
The island is dotted with rolling mountains, including 18 peaks over 100 meters tall. The highest peak, Wangchiling, is located in the northeast. The island is surrounded by numerous bays (harbors), including Erxie Bay, Guandi Bay, Jinxing Bay, Shijing Bay, and Dawei Bay. The eastern bays are mostly sandy, while the northwestern bays are mostly silted mudflats with shallow waters that dry up at low tide.
Qiaoao Island is rich in cultural and historical sites. The "Sand Dune Site" is the most complete fishing and hunting cultural site from the late Neolithic period in the Pearl River Delta. There are also the Qiaoao Ancestral Temple built in the Song Dynasty, the Tianhou Palace built in the Ming Dynasty, the Wenchang Palace built in the Qing Dynasty, and the three banyan trees that are still green after 280 years of vicissitudes, which are all fascinating.
Zhuhai is warm and humid all year round, with neither severe cold in winter nor scorching heat in summer, making it suitable for tourism all year round.
Recommended play time: 3-4 hours
The island itself is free to enter
Some attractions on the island require a fee, such as the Pigeon Paradise
All day
Qi'ao Island is part of Zhuhai's famous archipelago and holds historical significance as a natural fishing hub. It is also known for its stunning coastal views and role as a peaceful getaway for both locals and tourists.
Qi'ao Island is located in the southern part of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. It can be accessed by ferry from the Zhuhai city center or by private car. There are no metro stations on the island, but taxis and buses are available to reach the ferry terminals.
Qi'ao Island is accessible year-round, with the best times to visit being during spring and autumn for mild weather. Summer can be hot, while winter is relatively cooler, making it a great escape for those avoiding the crowded tourist season.
There is no specific entrance fee for visiting the island, but ferry rides from Zhuhai cost around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through local travel websites.
Booking ferry tickets in advance is recommended, especially during weekends or holidays, but not strictly necessary. Booking 1-2 days in advance is usually sufficient.
A day trip is enough to explore the main attractions of Qi'ao Island, including the beaches, bridges, and local sites. For a more relaxed visit, you may want to spend 2-3 days to fully enjoy the island.
Guided tours are available on the island, typically in Mandarin. Some tour operators may offer English-speaking guides if arranged in advance.
Start by visiting the Qi'ao Island Bridge for views, then head to one of the local beaches for some relaxation. Afterward, visit the small fishing villages for a taste of local culture and seafood.
There are no specific light shows or night tours on Qi'ao Island. However, the island is calm and serene at night, making it ideal for a quiet evening stroll or beachside dinner.
The island can get crowded during weekends and holidays. Weekdays, especially during the off-peak seasons, are less crowded and provide a more peaceful experience.
Basic facilities like toilets, food stalls, and small shops are available. There are also rest areas along the beaches where you can relax and enjoy the view.
The island is relatively accessible, but some areas, such as the beaches and rocky terrain, might be difficult for visitors with mobility challenges. Elderly visitors and children can enjoy the main areas around the ferry terminals and beaches.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted on the island, although cash may still be needed for smaller purchases or in more remote areas.
There are several seafood restaurants on the island offering fresh catches of the day. For more options, Zhuhai city center is just a short ferry ride away.
Vegetarian and vegan options are limited on the island, but seafood is widely available. For halal food, it is recommended to visit Zhuhai city center for more diverse options.
Souvenir shops on the island offer local handicrafts, seashell decorations, and small trinkets. Zhuhai city also has larger shopping malls for more diverse souvenir options.
