Shanwei Travel Guide

Population: 3,153,600

Area: 5,271 square kilometers (2,035 square miles)

Nationalities: Han

Administrative Division: 1 district (City Zone); 2 counties (Haifeng, Luhe); 1 county-level city (Lufeng)

Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0660-3364163
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184

Location: Situated in the coastal area of southeastern Guangdong Province, Shanwei city is bordered by Jieyang, Huizhou and Heyuan, facing southwards to the South China Sea. It has a 302 kilometers (188 miles) long coastline with totally 93 islands of all size in its sea area.

History: Before the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC), this area was dwelled by the Yue (a collection of many clans and tribes). During the Qin and early Han dynasties (206BC-220AD), Shanwei belonged to the Nanhai Shire. It has a history of more than 2,100 years from the year of 111BC that Haifeng County, the primary form of Shanwei, was established.

Physical Features: Shanwei city lies in the south foot of Lianhua Mountain facing south to the sea. The northern part of the city is mainly consisted of mountainous areas, while the hills and terraces are generally distributed in the central area. The south coastal part of Shanwei is occupied by plains. On the whole, the mountainous and hilly areas make up the major land of the city.

Climatic Features: The city enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with obvious oceanic features. The weather is temperate and it is rich in rainfall and sunshine. Usually, its rainy season begins from the late March to early April and ends in the mid-October. The average temperature in the coldest January and hottest July are respectively 14C (57F) and 28C (82F).

When to Go: For the moderate weather of the whole year, Shanwei is favorable for visiting at any seasons. Rain gear should be the primary priority during the flood season (April to September).

Special Local product: sea product, rice wine, tea, shell carving

Scenic Spots:
Zhelang Peninsula Tourist Zone: The Zhelang Peninsula is an exerted part between the Honghai Bay and the Jieshi Bay, 18 kilometers east of the Shanwei city proper. It looks like a barrier making the sceneries of both sides widely different, one side with billowing waves while the other side with a calm and vast expanse of blue water. There are two kilometers of seashores at both sides, which is no doubt ideal destination for sea-bathing.
Other Scenic Spots: Fengshan Ancestor Temple, Lianhua Mountain Scenic Resort

Tourist Tips: From the Guangzhou Tianhe Bus Station, buses to Shanwei depart every 30 to 60 minutes taking about three hours and a half. Shenzhen Yinhu Bus Station and Luohu Bus Station also offer buses to Shantou costing about two and a half hours. Shanwei central bus station is situated in the Hebaoling, Haishan Road, where buses to around cities and counties are provided.