Double seedlings | 2020-04-28 | 140600

Check out the best destinations for family trips during the Guangdong short holiday, with direct access in 2 hours from Guangzhou!

Preface

Traveling during short holidays may be the most troublesome thing for parents. You want to take your children out to play, but you have to spend two days on the way back and forth. If the transportation takes a long time, the travel experience will definitely be greatly reduced.

If you want to choose the best destinations for family trips in Guangzhou during the short holiday, it has to be Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. They are close to each other and have comprehensive infrastructure. Car owners can just use a car and go anywhere, while those who find it troublesome to take a bus can still enjoy the convenience.

In addition, the destination should have interesting tourist attractions and relatively complete supporting facilities. After all, when taking children out for a trip, it is very important to take good care of them while having fun. Today, I recommend 10 destinations based on the above criteria.

Beach leisure

Huizhou Shuangyue Bay

Although there are many bays in Huizhou, if I really have to choose one for a family trip, I would still recommend Shuangyue Bay.

In addition to having the characteristics of many islands, such as white and soft beaches, abundant marine activities, and delicious seafood, it also has its own unique advantages. There are three reasons for this:

1. Few people and beautiful scenery

Compared to the popular Xunliao Bay and the less popular other outlying islands, Shuangyue Bay is just the right amount of development. The small number of tourists has kept the beach clean and the water clear.

2. Enjoy the same double bay and double sea wonders as "Hakodate, Japan" without leaving the province

A must-see attraction in Shuangyue Bay is the Daxingshan Observation Deck. From here, you can overlook the entire bay, with the mirror-like water to the west and the surging waves to the east. This view will surely make you marvel at the wonders of nature. Standing on this commanding height by the sea, enjoying the sea breeze and snapping photos, the beautiful evening just passed by.

▲Shuangyue Bay

▲Hakodate

It is said that there are only two places in the world where you can see this kind of double-moon bay, one is Hakodate Mountain in Hokkaido, and the other is Daiboshi Mountain in Double Moon Bay. Why don’t you come and see such a magical natural landscape?

3. Turtle Bay, the last sea turtle spawning bed on China’s coastline

I believe everyone's initial understanding of sea turtles comes from the "Turtle Rescue" incident in the elementary school textbook "The Way of Nature." Indeed, due to environmental pollution and global warming, sea turtles currently face a very challenging living environment. Turtle Bay is the last remaining sea turtle nesting area along China's 18,000-kilometer coastline. Every summer and autumn, flocks of green turtles migrate here to lay eggs and hatch. To better protect the turtles, the nesting area has been sealed off, and ordinary tourists are prohibited from entering.

At the end of Turtle Bay lies the Returned Seagulls Exhibition Hall. Here, you'll find a variety of sea turtle specimens, rescued turtles, conchs, seashells, and other marine life. You'll also have the opportunity to witness the caretakers feeding and bathing the baby turtles, providing a valuable lesson in environmental protection and ecology for children.

After seeing the adorable sea turtles, there's also a hidden gem: Huixian Bridge. The plank road, nestled between the mountain and the sea, features warm yellow steps and a fenced-in shoreline, perfect for photo ops. Get those adorable family photos!

Tips:

Tickets: Turtle Bay Exhibition Hall ticket price is 30 yuan per person, the same price for adults and children.

Transportation: During holidays, there may be restrictions on private vehicles (small cars). It is recommended to check the policy before traveling. There are generally no restrictions during non-holiday periods.

Catering: There is only one hotel on Turtle Bay Island, Turtle Bay Campground, and catering is mainly concentrated in Shuangyue Bay.

Note: 1. Pay attention to sun protection when playing at the beach: you can bring sun protection equipment such as sunscreen, parasols, sun protection clothing, and sufficient drinking water.

2. Since it is a protected area, please pay attention to protecting the environment and do not litter during the tour.


Shenzhen Dapeng

While Shenzhen is often known for its tech hubs and its reputation as a pioneering hub for reform and opening up, it also boasts excellent tourism resources. Dapeng Peninsula has seen rapid development in recent years. With its abundant ecological resources (mangroves, marine resources, and even the discovery of new species), it's focused on ecological conservation and ecotourism. So, what's the best way to experience Dapeng Peninsula?

Jiaochangwei

Hundreds of guesthouses with different styles are located near the beach, each with its own unique style. Open the window and you'll smell the salty seawater, and step out the door to the beach. Bring a beach volleyball, a small shovel, and a collection box—you might find some beautiful shells and sand crabs!

Yangmeikeng

Yangmeikeng, a popular spot for Stephen Chow's "The Mermaid," has become incredibly beautiful. Our top recommendation is to find a bike and take your kids on a ride through the mountains and sea. Afterward, applaud your child's perseverance. If you're looking for a challenge, try a rope game between the mountains and the sea (please do this under the guidance of a professional outdoor agency).

Marine theme study

Shenzhen Dapeng's unique marine resources and strong scientific research capabilities make it an excellent destination for marine-themed study tours. Discover the beautiful corals and the secrets of the intertidal zone, and satisfy your child's curiosity.


Macau Black Sand Beach

Macau consists of three districts: Peninsula, Taipa, and Coloane. The Peninsula is home to the Ruins of St. Paul's and Fisherman's Wharf; Taipa is home to many luxury hotels, such as the Parisian; and Coloane is in the southernmost part of Macau, home to Black Sand Beach.

Many people go to Macau just to experience the extravagance of gambling, but they overlook the beautiful natural scenery that Macau also has. Although Macau's black sand beach is not as famous as Iceland's, it is still great to be able to get the same style without going abroad.

If your kids haven't tried camping yet, Black Beach is a great destination, as it's known as a five-star campground. It's equipped with restrooms, showers, barbecues, stone tables and benches, children's play facilities, and more. There's also a dedicated staff to manage the camp, so there's no need to worry about convenience or safety.

In addition to playing at the beach, there is also the Black Sand Reservoir Country Park next to the Black Sand Beach, which has many facilities suitable for family fun, such as grass sliding field, health trail, plant maze, boating


Macaocheck the details

[Cultural Tourism Slogan] Experience Macau. Macau, officially the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, comprises the Macau Peninsula, the two islands of Taipa and Coloane, and Cotai (the Cotai Reclamation Area). Despite paying an annual gambling tax higher than Las Vegas, this city, fueled by legal gambling, remains a safe and orderly place. Its laws and regulations alone contain hundreds of penalties! Therefore, trying one's luck in Macau, if done with restraint, is a top priority for nearly every visitor. Macau is a destination steeped in charm and history, boasting many exciting and fascinating attractions, including the Macau Tower, A-Ma Temple, the Macau Museum, the Venetian Macao, Hac Sa Beach, the Ruins of St. Paul's, Macau Fisherman's Wharf, Rua do Cunha, St. Dominic's Church, and the Mount Fortress.

6546 recommendations, 5129 visits

theme park

Zhuhai Chimelong

I believe that in everyone's eyes, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is synonymous with childlike romance and magical marine animals.

This aquarium boasts the world's largest aquarium, the Whale Shark Hall, a hit on Japanese variety shows. Inside, a giant tank, also a Guinness World Record winner, is home to whale sharks, the world's largest fish, and nearly 20,000 marine species. Watching the myriad sea creatures slowly swim by is like stepping into a magical underwater world.

Beyond that, the adorable penguins, beluga whales, dolphins, and other performances are sure to delight children. After visiting Ocean Kingdom, why leave empty-handed? The various rides are sure to delight both children and parents!

Tips:

Opening hours: 10:00-20:30 (ticket checking stops 2 hours in advance).

Ticket collection method: Please collect your ticket at the ticket machine with the ticket collection voucher code, or swipe your second-generation ID card to collect your ticket.

Ticket policy: Children under 1.0m (inclusive) are free (only one child can be brought with each full ticket); children between 1.0m (inclusive) and 1.5m (inclusive) can purchase child tickets, seniors over 65 years old (ID cards are required to enter the park) can purchase senior tickets, and children over 1.5m must purchase full tickets.

Special note: One-day tickets can only be used once and cannot be used for repeated entry into the park; two-day tickets allow unlimited entry and exit into Ocean Kingdom during the visit and must be used for two consecutive days. Tickets must be checked and fingerprints collected on the first day of the park visit. Tickets will be deemed used after verification. Tickets must be presented and fingerprints verified on the second day of the visit.

【Warm Reminder】

1. You can bring one 600ml bottle of water into the scenic area, but no food.

2. Some facilities have height and physical requirements. Please consider your own health conditions before participating.

3. For the safety of the public and children, the park is not allowed to use "parent-child safety ropes" and selfie sticks are prohibited in amusement facilities, gatherings, and crowded areas.

4. In severe weather conditions that cannot meet the requirements for safe operation of equipment (such as lightning, rain, snow, hail, heavy fog, rainstorms, typhoons, etc.), some large-scale outdoor amusement projects will be suspended and the park performances will be temporarily canceled or partially canceled.

If you take your kids to Chimelong Paradise for two days, what should you do afterwards?

1. Lovers' Road/Zhuhai Fisherwoman/Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge

If time is tight, take a stroll along Lovers' Road and encounter Zhuhai's iconic landmark, the Zhuhai Fisherwoman. Take a photo with your loved ones in front of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to truly appreciate the country's growing strength.

Holding the baby's hand, feeling the sea breeze, and accompanying her as she grows up, this is the best time.

2. Zhuhai's major outlying islands

Guangdong is home to the most islands in the world. Why not visit one or two islands to experience the unique charm of the area? Go cycling on Qi'ao Island, marvel at the Lingdingyang Ocean on Lingding Island, or encounter flocks of butterflies and cattle on Hebao Island.

3. Wan Chai Seafood Street

When traveling with children, dining is also something that cannot be ignored. Just imagine how easy it must be for mothers to eat heartily in front of delicious food when their children, who usually need to be fed, are eating. Zhuhai is close to the sea and Wan Chai Seafood Street is a food court praised by locals. The biggest feature here is that the food is cooked on the spot.

With over 100 seafood stalls, you won't have to worry about finding delicious seafood. This is when your bargaining skills and ability to choose fresh seafood will be put to the test (usually 70% of the original price is acceptable, but you can also use your experience to bargain).

Hong Kong Disneyland

Although Shanghai Disneyland has just opened, people in Guangdong still have a fondness for Hong Kong Disneyland. Hong Kong Disneyland is known as the smallest Disneyland in the world, but because of this, it is very suitable for traveling with children (after all, it is very painful to run around in a huge Disneyland).

Image from @Hong Kong Disneyland official website

Thanks to the diversion of Shanghai Disneyland, the queues at Hong Kong Disneyland are very short! No more worrying about missing out on rides, the experience is so much better that if you're efficient you might be able to complete the park in a single day!

Hong Kong Disneyland consists of 7 major parks, which can be visited in the following order: the magical [Main Street, U.S.A.] - the favorite of Marvel fans [Tomorrowland] - the highlight of the park [Fantasyland] (a new "Frozen" town has been added! Children who like Princess Elsa must see it~) - [Adventureland] [Toy Story] [Mystic Manor] [Grizzly Gulch] Note: Sleeping Beauty Castle is under maintenance, and the night fireworks show will resume at a later date.

Image from @Hong Kong Disneyland official website

About the hotel:

There are currently three hotels at the Disneyland Resort: the Disneyland Hotel, Disney Explorers Lodge, and Disney's Hollywood Hotel. The Explorers Lodge is newer, so the facilities are newer, and the rooms are generally larger than the other two. Its price is also mid-range, so I highly recommend it.

Image from @Hong Kong Disneyland official website

Tips:

Transportation: Guangzhou South Station/Shenzhen North-West Kowloon, there is a free shuttle bus in West Kowloon

Tickets: It is recommended to book in advance on the China-TravelNote official website/OTA

Note: No food is allowed inside the park. The cost of living inside the park is relatively high, about HK$150 per person. (You can hide water and dry food quietly if you can avoid being discovered.)

Hongkongcheck the details

[Cultural Tourism Slogan] Hello, Hong Kong! The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, abbreviated as "Hong Kong," also known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is located in southern China, east of the Pearl River Estuary. It faces Macao across the sea to the west, borders Shenzhen to the north, and borders the Wanshan Islands of Zhuhai to the south. The region encompasses Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and 262 surrounding islands, with a land area of ​​1,113.76 square kilometers, a sea area of ​​1,641.21 square kilometers, and a total area of ​​2,754.97 square kilometers. Hong Kong is a highly prosperous free port and international metropolis, known alongside New York and London as the "New York-London-Hong Kong." It is the world's third-largest financial center, a major center for international trade, shipping, and international innovation and technology. It is also one of the world's freest economies and most competitive cities, enjoying an exceptional reputation worldwide, ranked third among the world's first-tier cities by GaWC. Hong Kong is a melting pot of Eastern and Western cultures, earning it the nickname "Pearl of the Orient," a foodie paradise, and a shopping paradise.

Recommended month: All seasons

5661 recommendations, 5530 visits

Outdoor donkey

Yingxi Peak Forest

Yingxi Peak Forest, known as the "Little Guilin of Guangdong," boasts not only vast expanses of peaks and forests and pastoral landscapes, but also unique geological conditions, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. So, what's there to do here?

Wander through peaks and forests, and hike along ridges. This densely packed area is dotted with thousands of limestone peaks, interspersed with streams, caves, and ancient buildings. Starting at Xiao Zhaozhou Bridge, the hike is approximately 10 kilometers (not a loop), with lunch stops at farmhouses along the way. The route is smooth, country roads, making it easy to walk and offering beautiful scenery. You may cross roads along the way, so be sure to wear dust and sunscreen.

The karst landform is very suitable for climbing on natural rock walls. Under the guidance of outdoor coaches, children over 5 years old can experience it.

Karst caves have been formed into various shapes over thousands of years under the action of water.

When talking about Yingde, many tea lovers will definitely think of Yinghong No. 9. If you're traveling with children, you might want to experience tea picking, a skill in itself. Under the guidance of a tea garden guide, you'll learn the hand gestures and distinguish between one bud and one leaf, and one bud and two leaves. Tea leaves from Yingde's organic tea gardens are known to be edible.

If parents are interested in cultivating their children's spirit of daring to challenge themselves and not giving up when faced with difficulties, they may come here to experience outdoor sports and cultivate their children's good qualities through personal experience.

Tips:

Activity fee (refer to the market price):

1. Outdoor rock climbing: 3 hours, 298 yuan/person (same price for adults and children);

2. Cave exploration: 90-120 minutes, 80 yuan/person (same price for large and small caves);

3. Kayak: 1 hour, 160 yuan/person (same price for large and small);

4. Hiking guide: 450 yuan for less than 10 people

Notes:

  1. Do not wear high heels, flip-flops, sandals, etc. when doing outdoor sports. You need to prepare comfortable sports shoes.

  2. Since professional equipment must be kept away from fireworks, smoking is prohibited during the activity. No littering is allowed during the climbing period.

  3. You need to follow the leader during the hike, or prepare the route track and hiking facilities

  4. Wear sun protection and carry drinking water with you.

Shaoguan Danxia Mountain

Danxia landforms are most prominently represented in Danxia Mountain in northern Guangdong, Guangdong's only World Heritage Site. Danxia Mountain is divided into three major scenic areas: Yangyuan Mountain, Changlao Peak, and Bazhai. The main scenic areas are Yangyuan Mountain and Changlao Peak, with Changlao Peak offering the best scenery. Yangyuan Stone is renowned for its unusual rocks, while Bazhai is a favorite for hiking enthusiasts.

You can buy a package ticket for Changlao Peak and Yangyuan Stone at the main entrance of Danxia Mountain. The adult ticket is 100 yuan, and the half-price ticket is 50 yuan (with a 5 yuan insurance policy). The ticket for Danxia Mountain Main Scenic Area is valid for 48 hours. If you can't finish exploring one area, you can stay nearby and continue exploring the next day. (The Yangyuan Stone Scenic Area takes about three hours, and the Changlao Peak Scenic Area takes about five hours.)


@touristsYu Han

A boat tour of Danxia Mountain is also a good choice, which allows us to see Danxia Mountain from different angles. A boat ticket costs 20 yuan, which is very suitable for parents and children. There are shuttle buses at the gate of Danxia Mountain Scenic Area that can go to Yangyuan Mountain and Changlao Peak respectively.

If you don't want to wait for the scenic area transportation and need to enter by yourself, you can also drive into the scenic area for 15 yuan. There are accommodations near the scenic area gate, Yangyuan Stone Scenic Area, and Changlao Peak Scenic Area, so you don't need to worry about accommodation.

For a more vivid and in-depth understanding of the formation and development of the Danxia landform, a Danxia Mountain instructor is required (individual reservations are not accepted). Guided by an instructor, the hike explores the Danxia landform landscape and geology along the way. Parents and children are required to complete a "Scientific Expedition Record Sheet" and, using an on-site simulation, personally create a simulated Danxia landform model.

Tips:

Tickets: Adults 100 yuan, half-price tickets 50 yuan

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Humanities and Folk Customs

Foshan Ancestral Temple

If you want to experience the folk culture of Guangdong, then you can't go wrong by visiting the Ancestral Temple. The Ancestral Temple Museum includes the Ancestral Temple ancient buildings, the Foshan Ancestral Temple Historical and Cultural Exhibition Hall, the Confucius Temple, the Huang Feihong Memorial Hall, the Ip Man Hall, etc.

@Foshan Ancestral Temple Museum official website

The museum hosts far-reaching folk cultural activities every year, such as the Spring Festival blessing ceremony, the Foshan Ancestral Temple Fair (the birthday of Beidi on the "March 3rd"), the Spring and Autumn Sacrifices, and the Village Drinking Ceremony. It also hosts dynamic folk cultural display activities such as the "Confucius Temple Students' First Writing Ceremony", "Huang Feihong Lion Dance Performance", "Young Huang Feihong Martial Arts Performance", and "Cantonese Opera Performance".

@Foshan Ancestral Temple Museum official website

Tips:

Tickets: 10 yuan for adults, 5 yuan for children

Opening hours: 8:30-18:00

Transportation: Zumiao Station, Guangfo Line

Lion dance experience: 10 people per group, 100 yuan per person, experience time 1 hour

Opening Ceremony: March to August every year, 160 yuan/person

Kaiping Diaolou

Kaiping's Diaolou (diaolou) were designated a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2007 and became well-known to the public thanks to the film "Let the Bullets Fly." When we talk about Diaolou, we usually refer to the more representative ones, such as Zili Village, Majiang Longhua, Liyuan, Jinjiangli, Nanlou, and Chikan Ancient Town.

Kaiping Diaolou are very large and scattered. If you want to visit more than two Diaolou groups, it is recommended to drive, take a bus or ride a bicycle. Cycling through the countryside is like traveling back to the retro Republic of China period.

@Kaiping Diaolou official website

Liyuan is a garden villa built by Mr. Xie Weili, a Chinese overseas living in the United States, in the early 20th century. It is famous for its beautiful garden landscape.

@touristsYu Han

Chikan Ancient Town is famous for its cluster of arcades and markets.

@touristsYu Han

The cultural, historical, and architectural value of the Diaolou is self-evident, but a visit by ordinary tourists can easily turn into a cursory two-day tour, and the explanations in the scenic area can seem dull and stiff in front of children.

Next door to Liyuan, in Cangdong Village (the former residence of Xie Weili, the owner of Liyuan), a group of experts are dedicated to cultural preservation. Focusing on rural life and community development, they emphasize learning and experiencing the rich local culture. This is a great place for families to participate and experience the rural culture around them. (UNESCO awarded this project the Asia-Pacific Award for Excellence in Cultural Heritage Conservation.)

Make local delicacies

Learn folk music

Become a little mason, learn basic construction knowledge, and repair damaged buildings

Tips:

Tickets: There are 5 attractions in total: Zili Village, Liyuan, Majianglong, Jinjiangli, and Nanlou. You can buy tickets separately or buy a combined ticket. The combined ticket for Liyuan + Zili Village is 145 yuan.

Address: Cangdong Village, Kaiping City (near Liyuan)

Supervisor: Tan Jinhua (PhD in Architectural Heritage from the University of Hong Kong/Associate Professor at the Guangdong Overseas Chinese Culture Research Center, Wuyi University)

B&B/Hotel Recommendations

Huizhou Aishu Countryside Residence

If you want to change your mood on the weekend, this B&B surrounded by mountains and an ancient Hakka village is definitely suitable for a weekend trip with the whole family.

From May to July, fireflies fly all over the sky in the bamboo forest in groups. It can be called the "Guangdong version of New Zealand's firefly caves". Children living in cities now rarely see such a dreamy natural landscape. When you have time, bring your children here to relive your childhood memories and treat it as a legacy of memories.

The front garden features a "book bud" collection with thousands of books. Bookworms will absolutely love it here, and they'll be spoiled for choice! Parents can enjoy a cup of tea and a chat at the coffee table. If you can't stay any longer, cycling through the fields or hiking through the ancient village are also great options, where you might even encounter a variety of small animals!

The most popular activity among children must be picking fresh vegetables, then BBQing in the yard and enjoying the success of their labor.

The homestay is equipped with a swimming pool with a depth of 1.2 meters. Children can bring swimming rings and have fun in the water.

Tips:

Room type: The homestay has a total of 24 rooms, including 12 double rooms and 12 twin rooms, of which 6 are suites with living rooms; the double bed is 1.8 meters and the twin beds are 1.2 meters. The suite living room is equipped with tea sets, refrigerators, Bluetooth speakers, massage chairs, etc.

Catering: The B&B provides a free healthy country breakfast. If you want to eat dinner at the B&B, you need to make a reservation one day in advance. There are also farms nearby to choose from.

Enjoy the following benefits when you stay: breakfast, tea breaks, swimming pool, rooftop hot spring bath, meeting room (reservation required), regular activities in the hotel (seasonal picking, handicraft workshops, astronomical viewing (according to weather arrangements), field cycling) and other benefits.

Conclusion

Children are growing up slowly, and their childhood may be lost in our busy weekends and holidays. From now on, let us pay attention to every child's childhood and create the warmest and happiest memories for them. China-TravelNote will accompany every child as they grow up!