Introduction
Overview & Essential Info
History
Huizhou (惠州) has a recorded history stretching over 2,200 years, referenced as early as the Qin Dynasty. It served as the seat of Huizhou Prefecture during the Tang Dynasty. The celebrated Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo (苏东坡) was exiled here from 1094–1097 and left a lasting cultural imprint, composing many famous works beside its scenic West Lake. The city later became a stronghold for the Hakka people and played a key role in the 1911 Revolution.
- Qin Dynasty settlement (~221 BC)
- Tang-era prefecture seat (618–907 AD)
- Su Dongpo's exile (1094–1097)
- Hakka cultural heartland
- Revolutionary base — 1911 Uprising
Why Go?
Huizhou offers an authentic alternative to the mega-cities next door. It's easy to reach from Shenzhen (40 min by high-speed rail) yet feels worlds away: tranquil West Lake, historic Hakka villages, jade-green hot springs, surfable beaches at Xunliao Bay, and a vibrant local food scene at a fraction of Hong Kong prices.
- Su Dongpo's beloved West Lake
- Hakka earth buildings & tulou villages
- Award-winning hot springs resorts
- Undeveloped beach coves & surfing
- Authentic Dongjiang cuisine
When to Go?
Huizhou's subtropical climate means year-round warmth, but the best months are October through April when humidity drops and skies clear. Summers (June–August) are hot and wet — typhoon season peaks in late summer. Spring (March–May) brings lush greenery but occasional rain.
- Best: Oct–Nov (golden autumn, festivals)
- Good: Dec–Feb (cool, dry, hot springs ideal)
- Busy: Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb)
- Rainy: Apr–Jun (plum rains)
- Avoid: Jul–Sep (typhoon risk, extreme heat)
General Information
- Language: Mandarin, Hakka, Cantonese dialects
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY / RMB ¥)
- Time Zone: CST (UTC+8)
- Dialling Code: +86 752
- Emergency: Police 110 · Fire 119 · Ambulance 120
- Tourist Hotline: 12301
- Nearest Airports: Shenzhen (SZX), Guangzhou (CAN)
🌤️
Huizhou Weather — Monthly at a Glance
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain Days | Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18°C | 10°C | 6 | 70% | Cool, dry, sunny — ideal for hot springs |
| Feb | 18°C | 12°C | 10 | 78% | Mild, foggy mornings |
| Mar | 22°C | 15°C | 14 | 82% | Warm, plum rains begin |
| Apr | 26°C | 20°C | 15 | 85% | Warm, frequent showers |
| May | 30°C | 23°C | 16 | 87% | Hot, humid, rainy |
| Jun | 32°C | 25°C | 18 | 88% | Hot, heavy rain |
| Jul | 33°C | 26°C | 15 | 85% | Very hot, typhoon risk |
| Aug | 33°C | 26°C | 16 | 86% | Very hot, peak typhoon season |
| Sep | 31°C | 24°C | 13 | 83% | Warm, typhoons possible |
| Oct ✦ | 27°C | 20°C | 7 | 74% | Ideal — warm days, cool evenings |
| Nov ✦ | 23°C | 15°C | 5 | 68% | Beautiful, crisp and clear |
| Dec ✦ | 20°C | 11°C | 4 | 65% | Cool, very dry, excellent visibility |
📋 Quick Facts — Huizhou 惠州
Full Name
Huizhou City (惠州市)
Province
Guangdong (广东省)
Area
11,347 km²
Population
~6.04 million
GDP (2023)
¥620 billion
Districts
Huicheng, Huiyang, Huidong, Boluo, Longmen
Coordinates
23.11°N, 114.42°E
Elevation
Sea level — 1,350m (Nankunshan)
River
Dongjiang (East River 东江)
Sister City
Shenzhen (GBA neighbor)
Industry
Electronics, Petrochemicals, Tourism
Known For
West Lake, Hakka culture, Hot Springs
📍 Huizhou — Interactive Map
23.1101°N · 114.4152°EWhat to See & Do
Highlights & Activities
Attractions
Sights & Destinations
Where to Stay
Hotels & Accommodation
Eat, Drink & Explore
Food, Restaurants & Drinking
Retail & Souvenirs
Shopping
Getting There & Around
Transportation
High-Speed Rail
Huizhou South Station connects to Shenzhen in ~40 min, Guangzhou ~1 hr. Huizhou Station on the Guangzhou–Kowloon line.
Airports
Nearest airports: Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX, ~60 km) and Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN, ~100 km). Direct buses available.
Long-Distance Bus
Frequent coach services from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Hong Kong (Futian Port).
Metro (Under Dev.)
Huizhou Metro Line 1 is under construction. Existing city buses and BRT routes serve the main urban area.
Ride-Hailing
DiDi (滴滴) is widely available. Motorbike taxis common in smaller towns. Bike-share (Meituan, Hello) in urban core.
Ferry
Seasonal ferry services along the Dongjiang River. Zhongkai port handles some cargo routes.
🗺️ Getting Around — Practical Tips
City Buses
¥1–2 flat fare; use Alipay or WeChat for transit pay
DiDi Taxi
Most cost-effective option, app in English available
Car Rental
Available from Shenzhen airport; Chinese licence required
Bicycle
West Lake area ideal for cycling; Meituan bikes rentable via app
Maps
Baidu Maps recommended; Google Maps limited inside China
Payment
WeChat Pay & Alipay universal; carry some cash for villages
Travel Blogs, Websites & Links