Xichong — the longest beach in GD

Xichong Beach is the most eastern point of Shenzhen where is the intersection of Daya Bay and Dapeng Bay. Xichong Beach is the longest natural beach (4km) and non-commercialize environment, in Shenzhen. The driving distance from nearby major cities including Hong Kong is within 2 hours. Comparing the weather between Xichong and the city core of Shenzhen, Xichong is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The average temperature is 17.3C and 30C in the January and July respectively.

WITH five kilometers of coastline, Xichong boasts the longest coast in Guangdong Province and, maybe even more alluring, it is considered to be one of the eight most beautiful beaches in China by China’s National Geographic. (As mentioned in the June 12 beach roundup, Xichong’s pronunciation is the same but its Chinese spelling is different from the beach just east of Xiaomeisha.)

Located at the southern edge of the Dapeng Peninsular of Longgang District, Xichong’s natural beauty — blue bay, white sands, green mountains, black rocks, wild cactus and pineapples — makes it a popular summertime destination. Getting there can be an experience in itself, with the popular hike from Dongchong west along the coast to Xichong.

What some might consider an advantage, the beach is not as fully developed as Dameisha and Xiaomeisha. A diving club offers a brief introduction to underwater activities, including help with underwater photography. A 20-minute class costs 300 yuan (US$37) per person.

A 20-minute speedboat ride from Xichong Beach will take you to Lovers’ Island. Besides romance, visitors can fish and scoop up sea urchins.

Some of the small restaurants near the beach will clean and cook your catch.

For an overnight stay, wooden cabins are one of Xichong’s attractions. Exquisite cabins with twin small beds, bathroom facilities and electricity overlook the sea. The cost is 300 yuan per night on weekends, with a 50-yuan discount Monday through Thursday.

Fees: Beach entrance is five yuan per person. Parking is 10 yuan.

Eating: You can barbecue on the beach but have to bring your own food. Grills and charcoal can be obtained at Xichong.

Visitors can also try the local favorites, fried rice with sea urchin  and roasted big sea shrimp （ on the seafood street  in Nan’ao Township.

Accommodations:

Travelers can choose a wooden cabin or camp on the beach.

Nan’ao Hotel is the only 3-star hotel in Nan’ao Township. Prices range from 200 to 700 yuan.

Nao’ao Hotel: 8440-1666

Seaside cabins: 8442-1196

Getting there:

By car: Luosha Road (through Wutongshan Tunnel, 10-yuan toll; or a toll-free winding road around Wutong Mountain) —Yanba Expressway — Kuichong Exit (10-yuan toll) — Pingxi Road — Nanxi Road

By bus: From downtown Shenzhen, take bus 360 to Nan’ao Hotel to connect with minibus 989. The minibus runs from Nan’ao Hotel to Xichong from 6 a.m.to 5 p.m. The whole trip takes about two hours.