Plan at a glance
Area, layout and practical entry point
Red Bay is a coastal area on Zhelang Peninsula rather than one enclosed attraction. Zhelang Wonder, Stone Islet, the Sea Castle, the coastal road and several beaches are spread out and need to be linked into a route. Zhelang Service Centre is the most practical anchor for transfers, rentals and access to the different sections.
Tickets, opening times and visit length
Most coastal stops are free. Zhelang Wonder costs CNY 16 per person, Nanhai Guanyin Temple costs CNY 10 per person, and Fort Park costs CNY 10 per person. Most areas can be visited throughout the day, while Zhelang Wonder is open 8:30–17:00; allow around six hours at minimum, or stay overnight if you also want to visit Windmill Island and Hou'ao Glass Sea.
Who it suits
Red Bay works well for photographers, couples, families and weekend coastal breaks. If you want one beach with more complete facilities, use Red Bay’s main beach; if you prefer a quieter shore, add Hou'ao Glass Sea, but do not treat it as a family swimming beach.
Ready to book?
Use the standard admission package for the core shuttle route; confirm the visit date and current opening hours before checkout.
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Six-hour coastal highlights
Start at Zhelang Wonder to see the different sea conditions on the two sides of the peninsula, then continue to Stone Islet, the Sea Castle and the Rainbow Coastal Road. Stay by the sea for sunset and finish at the waterfront night market. This route is best for first-time visitors with limited time.
Two-day Red Bay route
On day one, visit Fort Park, Nanhai Guanyin Temple, the Sea Castle and the seaside coffee street. On day two, go to Hou'ao Glass Sea, Shallow Water Bay and Furi Bay on Windmill Island, then return along the Sea Highway. This is more relaxed than trying to cross the peninsula repeatedly in one day.
Family and easy-going route
For families, focus on Red Bay’s main beach, Stone Islet and Shuiguoliao Market. The main beach has better facilities and lifeguards; Stone Islet offers waterfront coffee stops, and the market is a practical final stop for local snacks.
Build your day
Morning: start with the two-colour sea
Begin at Zhelang Wonder, where the two sides of the peninsula create contrasting sea conditions. Continue to Stone Islet for rocks, waves and waterfront coffee stops; do not step onto wet, unprotected rocks for photos.
Afternoon: coastal travel and the ruins
In the afternoon, continue to the Sea Castle and then drive or cycle along the Rainbow Coastal Road. Plan your longest seaside stop after 15:00, when the light is softer and the water often looks clearer.
Evening: sunset and food
After 17:00, stay by the shore for sunset, then continue to the waterfront night market or Erma Road for dinner. If you are staying in Red Bay, there is no need to rush back after sunset; if you are staying in the city, leave enough time for the night journey.
Get there
Driving and parking
Navigate to “Red Bay Zhelang Scenic Area” or to the specific stop for the day. From the Pearl River Delta, allow around two to three hours; driving is the most flexible option because the sights are widely spread. Scenic-area car parks are usually around CNY 10 per visit, with additional options on coastal roads and around guesthouses.
High-speed rail and Bus 116
From Shanwei Railway Station, take Bus 116 from the basement level of the station square to Zhelang Service Centre. The journey costs around CNY 5 and takes about 40–50 minutes. From the service centre, continue on foot, by rental or by short local connection according to the day’s route.
Getting around the peninsula
Electric scooters usually cost CNY 30–40 per day, and motorcycle taxis or three-wheelers are also available. Some roads restrict electric scooters, so confirm which areas are reachable, check the battery and make sure a helmet is included before setting off.
Know before you go
Best time and crowd patterns
15:00–19:00 is usually the most useful coastal window, with better water clarity and sunset light. Weekdays are more relaxed; in summer and on public holidays, avoid the morning tour-group peak where possible.
Beach choice and safety
Red Bay’s main beach costs CNY 16 but has more complete facilities and lifeguards. Hou'ao Glass Sea is free and quieter, but it is undeveloped, has more rocks and lacks management. Do not enter the water or tidal areas simply for photos when weather, wind or tide conditions are unsuitable.
Food and accommodation
Confirm seafood prices before ordering. If you want to choose seafood yourself, Shuiguoliao Market is an option before asking a restaurant to cook it. Stay near Erma Road for night markets and food, or stay around Red Bay for sea views and an easier start to the next day; book early where possible.