Key Takeaways:
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Huizhou offers a balance of mountains, lakes, beaches, and traditional culture that you can enjoy in any season.
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Whether you’re into hiking, hot springs, temples, or city walks, Huizhou provides year-round options without the tourist crowds.
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The city is ideal for weekend escapes, peaceful stays, and anyone looking to explore southern China beyond the big-name cities.
Located in Guangdong Province, Huizhou is a coastal city that offers the perfect fusion of nature, heritage, and leisure. With a history dating back over 1,400 years, it was once a key trading center and cultural hub in southern China. Today, Huizhou charms visitors with its stunning West Lake, mountain retreats, Hakka villages, and subtropical climate that makes outdoor exploring possible year-round. Locals and travelers alike love its slower pace compared to nearby Shenzhen and Guangzhou, while still offering modern amenities and scenic escapes. From coastal adventures to ancient temples, Huizhou invites you to explore a side of China that’s calm, rich in history, and endlessly photogenic.
Table of Contents
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Wander Around Huizhou West Lake
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Relax at Xunliao Bay Beach
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Explore Luofu Mountain’s Taoist Temples
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Stroll Through Huizhou Ancient City
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Unwind in the Natural Hot Springs of Tangquan
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Hike the Gaobang Mountain Forest Trails
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Visit the Huizhou Museum and Art Center
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Take a Boat Ride at Honghua Lake
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Discover Hakka Culture in Luofu Town
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Experience the Lantern Festival in Huizhou
1. Wander Around Huizhou West Lake
Huizhou West Lake is the city’s crown jewel, offering a scenic retreat right in the heart of the urban area. Modeled after Hangzhou’s famous West Lake, this tranquil destination features willow-lined walkways, historic bridges, lotus ponds, and quaint pavilions. Locals often come for early morning tai chi or sunset strolls, while tourists are drawn to its serene views and photo-worthy spots. The lake is surrounded by parks and traditional architecture, making it ideal for walking, biking, or simply enjoying nature.
Throughout the year, West Lake transforms with the seasons—from blooming lotus flowers in summer to misty mornings in winter that give it a poetic charm. Several temples and pagodas around the lake are open to visitors, adding spiritual and cultural depth to your walk. There’s also a small cruise you can take to explore the islands dotted across the lake. Whether you visit during a warm spring day or a crisp fall evening, West Lake always delivers a peaceful experience.
2. Relax at Xunliao Bay Beach
Located along the eastern coastline of Huizhou, Xunliao Bay is one of Guangdong’s most picturesque beaches. Known for its soft white sand and clear waters, it’s a favorite for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The bay is also framed by rolling hills and fishing villages, giving it a unique balance of natural beauty and local charm. It’s clean, family-friendly, and less commercialized than many of China’s coastal resorts.
Visitors can enjoy banana boat rides, jet skiing, or take a scenic walk along the beach promenade. In the evenings, seafood restaurants pop to life with fresh catches grilled to order and a relaxed beach town vibe. Xunliao Bay is enjoyable year-round thanks to Huizhou’s mild winters and breezy summers. For those looking to escape the inland heat or just enjoy a slower pace by the sea, this beach offers the perfect getaway.
3. Explore Luofu Mountain’s Taoist Temples
Luofu Mountain, one of the most sacred Taoist sites in China, is a mystical escape just northwest of central Huizhou. The mountain is home to over a dozen Taoist temples and historic sites nestled within lush forest trails. Visitors hike through bamboo groves, pass ancient stone carvings, and discover quiet prayer halls that have stood for centuries. It’s a place where nature and spirituality coexist harmoniously.
Aside from its religious significance, Luofu Mountain offers panoramic views, cool breezes, and diverse plant life that make it popular for hikers and wellness seekers. In every season, the mountain reveals a new face—bright green foliage in spring, colorful blooms in summer, misty peaks in autumn, and still, clear air in winter. Bring water and comfortable shoes for the hike, and allow a full day to explore its multiple scenic spots. Whether you’re spiritual or just curious, the experience is grounding and unforgettable.
4. Stroll Through Huizhou Ancient City
Huizhou Ancient City offers a fascinating look into the area’s historical past through well-preserved streets, gates, and architecture. The old city walls, traditional courtyards, and stone-paved alleys give a glimpse into life during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This area is compact and easy to explore on foot, with plenty of signage and small shops selling local snacks and handicrafts. You’ll also find quiet temples and ancestral halls that tell stories of the region’s development over centuries.
It’s particularly lively during festivals, when lanterns hang from doorways and performances fill the streets. Local street food like rice dumplings and oyster pancakes are must-tries as you wander the alleyways. The area is lit beautifully in the evening, making night strolls magical. Year-round, the Ancient City delivers a relaxed, cultural experience away from the modern bustle.
5. Unwind in the Natural Hot Springs of Tangquan
If relaxation is high on your list, the Tangquan hot springs in Huizhou provide the perfect answer. Nestled among green hills and far from urban noise, these geothermal pools are naturally heated and mineral-rich, offering therapeutic benefits for the body and mind. Many resorts in the Tangquan area offer open-air soaking tubs, private baths, and even herbal pools infused with traditional Chinese medicine.
Open all year, the hot springs are especially popular in winter and shoulder seasons when the weather is cool but not freezing. The peaceful mountain surroundings and soothing waters make it an ideal escape for couples, families, or solo travelers. Some resorts even include spa services, tea houses, and outdoor fire pits to enhance the experience. For a break from sightseeing, few things compare to a long, quiet soak with a mountain breeze.
6. Hike the Gaobang Mountain Forest Trails
Gaobang Mountain, located just southwest of the city center, is a local favorite for hikers and nature lovers. The mountain is relatively gentle in elevation, making its trails accessible to both beginners and experienced hikers. As you ascend, you’ll pass dense bamboo groves, stone steps, scenic overlooks, and open-air pavilions where locals gather to rest or practice tai chi. The peak rewards visitors with panoramic views of Huizhou’s skyline and the distant Dong River.
This forested escape is beautiful in all seasons, with spring wildflowers, summer shade, and golden leaves in autumn. Morning hikes are especially popular, as the mist gives the area a peaceful, almost spiritual atmosphere. There’s no entry fee, and the well-marked trails make it an easy spontaneous outing. Whether you’re looking for a casual nature walk or a more energetic hike, Gaobang Mountain delivers a healthy, scenic adventure.
7. Visit the Huizhou Museum and Art Center
To get a deeper understanding of the city’s cultural and artistic heritage, the Huizhou Museum is a top-notch stop. The museum houses exhibitions on Huizhou’s history, from ancient artifacts and calligraphy to exhibits on local minority groups and maritime trade. It’s modern, well-organized, and surprisingly immersive, offering English signage for most displays. Best of all—it’s free to enter.
Next door, the Huizhou Art Center showcases rotating contemporary art exhibits, often featuring Guangdong-based or regional Chinese artists. The sleek architecture and creative installations make it just as enjoyable to explore the building as the exhibits themselves. Both venues are air-conditioned and open year-round, providing a welcome indoor activity on rainy or hot days. If you enjoy culture, this is one of the most enriching ways to spend an afternoon in the city.
8. Take a Boat Ride at Honghua Lake
Honghua Lake is one of Huizhou’s most scenic freshwater spots and a great place to relax with a view. Surrounded by rolling hills, gardens, and walking paths, the lake is also home to small paddle boats and rowboats available for rent. A boat ride here is a slow, peaceful way to appreciate the city’s natural charm—perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers looking for quiet.
You’ll pass under arch bridges, beside lotus-covered areas, and near quiet coves where birds and fish gather. On land, there are plenty of shaded spots for a picnic or reading session. The lake is especially beautiful in early morning or late afternoon, when the light reflects off the water. Whether you’re on the water or enjoying it from the shore, Honghua Lake is a timeless, year-round destination.
9. Discover Hakka Culture in Luofu Town
Luofu Town, located near Luofu Mountain, is a traditional Hakka village where visitors can experience Guangdong’s rural heritage firsthand. Known for its circular walled houses, cobbled lanes, and handmade food, this area is one of the best-preserved places to see Hakka architecture and customs in real life. Friendly locals still live in the ancient homes and often invite visitors to sample rice wine, tofu, and sweet potato dishes made from scratch.
The village also hosts small cultural performances and seasonal fairs, where you can watch lion dances or try on traditional costumes. With its peaceful vibe and beautiful rural surroundings, Luofu Town feels like stepping back in time. It’s a fantastic place to photograph and learn about the diversity of southern Chinese culture. Make sure to try the local snacks—they’re unlike anything you’ll find in the city center.
10. Experience the Lantern Festival in Huizhou
One of the city’s most magical events, the Lantern Festival marks the end of Lunar New Year with dazzling displays throughout Huizhou. Parks, temples, and lakeside areas come alive with glowing red lanterns, paper dragons, and colorful light installations. Families gather to enjoy sweet rice dumplings, watch fireworks, and take part in traditional riddles and games. It’s both festive and culturally rich, giving travelers an unforgettable look into Chinese New Year traditions.
Even if you miss the exact festival date, Huizhou lights up for weeks with decorative lanterns and public performances. West Lake and the Ancient City are two of the best places to enjoy the atmosphere, often hosting lion dances and night markets. The event falls in late winter or early spring and is one of the best times of year to visit. It’s a joyful, beautiful reminder of Huizhou’s deep-rooted community spirit.
What to do if you have kids?
Huizhou is an excellent destination for families, offering outdoor activities, safe parks, and cultural experiences that kids will enjoy. West Lake and Honghua Lake have open spaces for picnics, paddle boating, and kite flying. Tangquan hot spring resorts often have family pools and mini slides, and local museums offer interactive exhibits for younger audiences. The Huizhou Zoo, while smaller than others in China, is an easy half-day outing with pandas, monkeys, and bird shows. With stroller-friendly paths and family-friendly restaurants across the city, it’s easy to plan a trip with children year-round.
Where can I find free events in Huizhou China taking place this weekend?
To discover free events happening in Huizhou this weekend—like cultural performances, park yoga, outdoor music, or food fairs—visit https://planmyweekend.ai. It’s the fastest way to find fun, alcohol-free things to do across 1,500+ cities, updated every week. Whether you’re in town for a few days or a local looking for something new, the platform makes it easy to plan a great weekend without spending a dime. You’ll uncover hidden gems and connect with local vibes wherever you are.
Final Thoughts
Huizhou is a city that effortlessly blends natural beauty with rich culture, offering a laid-back yet meaningful travel experience all year long. Whether you’re soaking in a hot spring, walking through an ancient village, or watching lanterns float over a lake, there’s something calming and memorable about every moment here. Its unique position near both the coast and mountains makes it one of southern China’s most diverse destinations. For solo travelers, couples, or families, Huizhou invites you to slow down, explore deeply, and enjoy every season in peace and style.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
