Just returned from a 3-day trip to Hailing Island, total cost only $493 – budget travelers rejoice!

Guangdong Maritime Silk Road Museum · Hailing Island Mangrove National Wetland Park · Complete Hailing Island travel guide with local insights and scam-avoidance tips to help you conquer this "Oriental Hawaii"!

🚗 Itinerary Suggestions (3D2N)

1. Day1: Classic Coastline
- Dajiao Bay: Must-visit beach for surfing & jet skiing (choose licensed operators, check safety gear).
- Mawei Island: Best sunset spot! Arrive before 4pm – walk to Lovers' Island at low tide for shell collecting.
- Stay at Dajiao Bay: Convenient but avoid cheap B&Bs (poor soundproofing). Recommend Poly Silver Beach sea-view rooms for value.

2. Day2: Nature & Culture
- Mangrove Wetland Park: Walk wooden trails to see egrets & mudskippers (check tide tables – best at high tide; bring mosquito repellent).
- Nanhai No.1 Museum: Explore Song Dynasty shipwreck artifacts (less crowded mornings).
- Tianlu Mountain Windmill Park: Panoramic island views – No.45 windmill platform is most photogenic.

3. Day3: Hidden Gems
- Washai Bay Beachcombing: Check tides, rent tools from local stalls (cheaper than tourist spots).
- Zha Po Fish Market: Buy fresh seafood at 6am – have it cooked at "Ruiji Restaurant".

🌟 Must-Do Activities
- Water sports: Jet ski, parasailing, etc.
- Secret photo spots:
- Sunrise: Abandoned viewing deck at Oriental Silver Beach (caution advised).
- Night shots: Nanshai Release Platform with flash for atmospheric photos.

⚠️ Scam Alerts (Crucial!)
1. Transport Traps
- Avoid tolls on Hailing Island Bridge – take National Highway 234 instead.
- Rent e-bikes for island travel; don't drive to Windmill Park (dangerous roads).
2. Seafood Scams
- Drain water before weighing seafood at markets, confirm cooking fees upfront (Zha Po Old Street recommended).
- Avoid "wild seafood" restaurants near attractions – often farmed and overpriced.
3. Shopping Tips
- Be cautious with jackfruit purchases
4. Other Tips
- Skip beach BBQs – seafood often stale.
- Never drive onto beaches – expensive towing if stuck.

🍴 Food Guide
- Must-try:
- Zhuchanglu rolls ($0.7 each), Chengbo Fansha Shop (taro & salted egg yolk).
- "Huihui Big Bowl Noodles" in Zha Po Old Street: $3 bowls with more seafood than noodles.
- Avoid: Viral fruit drinks (artificial coloring), tourist-area clay-baked chicken (MSG overload).

🏡 Accommodation Tips
- Best value: Poly Silver Beach sea-view rooms – new facilities near attractions.
- Luxury option: Beiluo Secret Realm infinity pool hotel (private white beach).
- Avoid: Old, noisy cheap B&Bs at Dajiao Bay – compare prices across platforms.

Final Tips:
- Sun protection! Use both physical & chemical methods, avoid 2-4pm sun.
- Wear water shoes against shells, carry cash for poor signal areas.
- Visit during off-season (May-Jun/Sep-Oct) for fewer crowds and cheaper hotels.

Follow this guide to dodge crowds and scams while enjoying Hailing Island's blue skies and seas!