Early Summer Hidden Gems in Huizhou!

Highlights of the Itinerary
✅ West Lake Lotus Viewing | ✅ Shuidong Street Retro Arcade + Night Market | ✅ Picnic by the Dongjiang River
✅ Budget-friendly (around $50 per person) | ✅ Attractions within 10-minute walk/taxi ride | ✅ Jinjiang Inn for cost-effective accommodation

West Lake + Shuidong Street (Artistic Spots + Food)
🌤️ Day 1:
🌅 Morning: Huizhou West Lake (Free Entry)
▪️ 7:30-9:00 ｜Visit Fengzhu Garden early morning for fewer crowds and capture the blooming lotus flowers!
▪️ 9:30 ｜Climb Sizhou Tower for panoramic views and explore the Su Dongpo Memorial Hall.
▪️ 10:30 ｜Rent a small boat (pedal boat 💰$7/hour) for a relaxing ride on the lake.

📸 Photo Spots: Jiuqu Bridge, Fengzhu Garden’s white walls and black tiles, stone benches by the lake.

🍜 Lunch: Local delicacies near West Lake
▪️ Li Ji Diner: Must-try stuffed tofu and Hengli soup noodles!
▪️ Amei Seafood: Salt and pepper mantis shrimp + stir-fried beef noodles, around 💰$7 per person for a hearty meal.

🌇 Afternoon-Evening: Shuidong Street (Retro Arcade + Night Market)
▪️ 3:00 ｜Visit Hejiang Tower (Free entry, enjoy views of two rivers converging).
▪️ 4:00 ｜Take retro-style photos along the arcade streets; recommended café: Unco (industrial-style decor).
▪️ 6:30 ｜Night market opens! Must-try:
✔️ Ah Juan’s Rice Dumplings (Egg yolk and meat filling)
✔️ Dessert stalls (Green bean soup + mango sago)
✔️ Grilled oysters (💰$1 for 5 pieces, garlic flavor is amazing!)
🌟Tips: Shuidong Street’s night lights are stunning, bring a fill light for better photos!

🌊 Day 2: Dongjiang Sand Park + Wild Island Lifestyle Zone (Relaxed Vibes)
☀️ Morning: Dongjiang Sand Park (Free Entry)
▪️ 8:00 ｜Morning jog or walk by the river, very soothing!
▪️ 9:30 ｜Enjoy the sandy area (opens in June) and picnic under the shade 🍉.
▪️ Photo Spots: Riverbank reeds, vintage lighthouse, beach backdrops.

🍛 Lunch: Dongping Commercial Area
▪️ Guangyao Ji: Clay-baked chicken + pot rice, around 💰$6 per person.
▪️ Longchang Restaurant: Morning dim sum like shrimp dumplings and custard buns (served before 11 AM).

🎨 Afternoon: Wild Island Cultural Lifestyle Zone (A must for art lovers)
▪️ 2:00 ｜Explore the artistic community transformed from an old sugar factory:
✔️ Dianwei Café (Vintage green window frames, perfect for photos)
✔️ Mi Bookstore (Spiral staircase + handmade crafts)
✔️ Rooftop sunset views (around 6:00 PM, lighting is stunning).

🚗 Transportation Tips
▪️ Huizhou attractions are close to each other; taxis cost around $1.5 per ride, or use shared e-scooters (⚠️ Check parking zones).
▪️ From Guangzhou/Shenzhen, take a high-speed train to Huizhou Station, then a 20-minute taxi ride to West Lake.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendation: Jinjiang Inn
▪️ West Lake Branch: 5-minute walk to West Lake, super convenient for exploring and dining.
▪️ Shuidong Street Branch: Close to Dongjiang Sand Park, quiet and cost-effective (💰$15-$20/night).
🌟Tips: Book in advance! Choose high-floor rooms; some offer river views.

📌 Notes
1️⃣ Early summer has frequent showers; bring a rain umbrella and sunscreen!
2️⃣ Shuidong Street night market gets lively after 6:00 PM, don’t go too early.
3️⃣ Local specialties: Huizhou preserved vegetables, Grandma’s Call (fried radish cakes).

Huizhou is perfect for a slow-paced early summer getaway! With fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, two days are enough to explore the highlights. Follow this guide for a hassle-free trip!