Clipper 2019-20 Race: Zhuhai, The City of Islands
by Clipper Round the World 10 Mar 2019 19:53 NZDT
Statue of the Fisher Girl, one of the most well known symbols of the city of Zhuhai - Clipper 2019-20 Race © Clipper Race
Eyes will be turning to the Chinese city of Zhuhai in the spring of 2020, when the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race makes its debut visit.
Recently voted one of the happiest places in China, Zhuhai is surrounded by mountains and boasts the longest city coastline in the country. A trip to Zhuhai and its abundant islands will easily fill a week and easy transport links from Hong Kong make it perfect for a long weekend stopover too. It's a speedy 70 minute ferry trip from Hong Kong to Zhuhai or even less time journeying on the newly opened Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macau Bridge, the world's longest sea crossing bridge.
Zhuhai, nicknamed 'The City of Islands' is a city framed with a beautiful backdrop of greenery and home to diverse pursuits. With its adrenaline fuelled motor racing track, impressive Zhuhai Opera House and plenty of local dishes to enjoy, Zhuhai is rightly becoming a key holiday destination in Asia.
The City of Islands
Zhuhai has 146 islands, many of which can be visited. Daytrippers can lounge on sandy beaches, take a dip in the sea or energetic hikers will be rewarded with glorious vistas from hilltop trails. Local restaurants make the most of the abundant seafood from the surrounding waters with many delicacies for foodie explorers to try. One island getting ready for visitors is Sanjiao Island. Due to be opened for tourism in 2020, Sanjiao Island is undergoing ecological redevelopment, which will restore the island's beaches and mountain terrain.
Zhuhai Opera House
Inspired by a Botticelli painting and shellfish from the waters of the Pearl River, the seashell-shaped Zhuhai Opera House strikes a stunning pose on the city's waterfront. Both national and international companies take to the stage here, where audiences can enjoy performances of ballet, symphony orchestra and, of course, opera.
Lovers Road
Take a stroll along Lovers Road and you can't miss the stunning statue of the Fisher Girl holding a glistening pearl which is one of the most popular symbols of the city. This artwork is the masterpiece of famous Chinese Sculptor Pan He and you'll find locals and tourists alike strolling along this 17km long coastal route, enjoying the temperate weather of the city and stunning views of the surrounding islands.
New Yuanming Palace (Zhuhai Cultural Park)
Visitors shouldn't miss a tour of the New Yuanming Palace, a free attraction, with 40 scenic spots to explore. Designed to replicate the exact size of the old Summer Palace in Beijing, the park has a central theatre, gardens and Fuhai Lake at its centre, the perfect picnic spot.
Zhuhai International Circuit
Petrolheads looking for some fast and furious speed will find plenty at the Zhuhai International Circuit. The track is home to the Pan Delta Super Racing Festival. Held in the spring, it is one of the few racing events in the world to host four types of racing at the same time, including touring, formula car, drifting and motorbike racing. The festival has a carnival feel and is very family friendly too.
Zhuhai is a diverse city where travellers can enjoy a fun filled city break or relaxing downtime on its beautiful coastline. In 2020, the Clipper Race will be firmly putting Zhuhai on the must-visit map so get ahead of the game and starting planning your trip now.