Plan at a glance
Location, gates and entry
Huguangyan is in Huguang Town, Mazhang District, about 15–20 km from central Zhanjiang. Use the West Gate for the lakeside lawn, Oxygen Trail and concentrated scenery; the East Gate is closer to Guangdong Ocean University and nearby food, and works well as the start or finish of a full route.
The park opens 07:30–18:00 year-round. Adult entry is CNY 50, student and senior entry with valid ID is CNY 25, and children under 1.2 m enter free; online group tickets are CNY 40, while a three-year pass is CNY 50 when bought at least 24 hours ahead. Buy through the Huguangyan Scenic Area WeChat account and carry your ID card for entry.
Time and physical scale
Come for the maar lake, volcanic geology and temple, or for a quiet lakeside walk. Allow 1.5–2 hours for a short visit, 3–4 hours for a first visit, or 5–6 hours for the full 7–8 km lake circuit.
There are few steep climbs, but the full circuit is still a substantial walk. Arriving after 15:00 suits visitors who want the lawn, lakeshore and sunset together, but plan to leave before dark.
Ready to book?
Use the standard admission package for the core shuttle route; confirm the visit date and current opening hours before checkout.
Book Ticketsvia Trip.comChoose your visit
1.5–2 hours: West Gate lakeside loop
Enter through the West Gate, walk the lakeside lawn and Oxygen Trail, continue to the waterside at Lengyan Temple, then return to the West Gate. It is the best choice for a short scenic stop, photos or a relaxed late-afternoon visit.
The West Gate is closest to this route's main sights. Bring water and simple snacks before entering, as on-site supplies are limited.
3–4 hours: volcano and lake highlights
Enter through the East Gate, visit the Volcano Geology Museum, climb Wanghai Tower for the maar-lake view, continue to Lengyan Temple and the lakeside path, then leave through the West Gate. This route combines geology, a high viewpoint and the main walking section for a first visit.
Use the park train or electric cart for part of the circuit if needed. Visitors focused on photographs should place Wanghai Tower and the temple waterfront in the softer afternoon light.
5–6 hours: full lake walk
Enter through the East Gate and leave through the West Gate, following the circuit past the bald cypress grove, Li Gang Drunk Moon sculpture, Baiyi Nunnery and suspension bridge. It suits confident walkers and should not be started close to closing time.
Wear sports shoes and keep a pace that matches your group. A mixed plan of walking and park transport is more realistic than forcing every visitor to complete the full circuit on foot.
Build your day
Start with the maar lake and geology
From the East Gate, begin at the Volcano Geology Museum, then climb Wanghai Tower to understand the lake and the circuit below. On a clear day it is the main elevated view over the maar lake and toward Donghai Island.
Continue along the lake to Lengyan Temple, whose main hall sits in a natural volcanic-rock cave. Treat the temple as a quiet part of the lakeside walk rather than a rushed photo stop.
Connect lawn, shore and sunset
From the West Gate, take the Oxygen Trail first, then the lakeside lawn and the Lengyan Temple waterfront. The lawn works for a short rest, while the waterfront suits a slower sunset stop with lake views.
The lake is too large to rush between every named stop. If you enter and leave through the West Gate, return on the same side; if you finish at the West Gate after entering from the East, arrange your pickup in advance.
Get there
Driving and taxis
Navigate to Huguangyan West Gate Parking Lot; parking is CNY 10 per day. East Gate parking is also available, with some free roadside spaces, while the West Gate is better for short routes and the East Gate for a museum-to-circuit visit.
A taxi from central Zhanjiang takes about 30 minutes and costs around CNY 50; from Zhanjiang West Railway Station it takes about 40 minutes. The site is outside the main city area, so arrange a return ride in advance on holidays.
Bus and park transport
City buses 9 and 6 serve the Huguangyan East Gate/West Gate stops, but holiday services are sparse. Plan your return before entering if you are not driving.
The fixed-stop park train costs CNY 20 per person. Shared electric carts cost CNY 48 per half-hour for two people, CNY 68 for three, or CNY 88 for four, with a CNY 200 deposit; they often sell out on holiday afternoons, and bicycles and skateboards are not allowed.
Know before you go
Walking, food and supplies
The full loop takes more than three hours, so use comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and snacks; the food street opposite Guangdong Ocean University near the East Gate is a practical low-cost option, while West Gate villages suit self-drivers.
Arrange any local meal, such as volcanic-mud roast chicken or fish casserole, before or after the visit rather than relying on park food. Sorting out supplies before a long walk avoids an unnecessary detour.
Mosquitoes, sun and closing time
Dense vegetation brings more mosquitoes after sunset, and clear days have strong UV. Carry repellent, sun protection, a hat and light cover for open lawn and shore sections.
There is no night lighting in the park and the West Gate side becomes particularly dark. Finish the final walking section and reach your exit or parking area before nightfall.
---