Ask Macao residents what there is to do in Hengqin, and you’ll often get the reply “Not a lot.” That may have been true when the area first began developing. But these days Hengqin – administratively a suburb of the neighbouring mainland city of Zhuhai – will surprise you. Among the newly erected office towers and shiny apartment buildings, you’ll find lots to see and do.
The story of Hengqin is one of profound change and rapid development. Originally consisting of two islands, Xiao (Small) Hengqin and Da (Big) Hengqin – known to the Portuguese as Dom João and Montanha – the area has been transformed into one single 106-square-kilometre landmass over the past several decades through land reclamation.
[See more: Here are 10 of the best things to do in Zhuhai]
Its economy has similarly undergone a major shift. Once a rustic destination known for oyster farming, Hengqin is now home to an array of industries, including finance, sci-tech research, and traditional Chinese medicine. It has also become intrinsic to Macao’s economic development, given the SAR’s shortage of land. Currently, more than 20,000 people from Macao live in Hengqin – and by 2035, almost a quarter of Macao’s population could be living there.
The opening of the LRT’s Hengqin Line last year brings the two places even closer – and that means you really ought to get familiar with Hengqin if you haven’t already. Most people already know about Chimelong Ocean Kingdom and its world famous aquarium, but read on to find out more about the other attractions that await.
Xiao Hengqin Mountain Trail
Located to the north of Hengqin, Xiao Hengqin Mountain Trail (小橫琴山步道) isn’t a “mountain trail” in the real sense of the term. It’s a concrete path – but it does allow you to get a panoramic view of Hengqin and Macao.
Currently, there are two routes. One runs 1.8 kilometres between Shanhai Yizhan (山海驛站) and Baoli Guoji Guangchang (保利國際廣場). The slightly longer 2.8 kilometre walk goes between Sumlodol (星樂都) and Shunde Commune (順德公社).
[See more: Here’s how to get from Macao to the Zhuhai airport using public transport]
The walk itself isn’t particularly arduous and there are steps to assist you with your ascent to a viewing platform at the peak, where you’re able to view landmarks like the Macao Tower, the Grand Lisboa, the Zhuhai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Hengqin Bridge.
Be warned. With limited hiking opportunities locally, the trail can get busy during peak periods. Local media reported that 77,000 people made the climb in 2023, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but the trail can be a bit of a thoroughfare at weekends. Go at off-peak times, if you can.
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Admission: Free
Hengqin Central Street
Following Hengqin’s rapid development, a large number of the oyster farms and fisheries that once populated the island were torn down and replaced by high rise buildings and other developments. But thankfully the island’s culinary heritage lives on at various restaurants that feature the large Hengqin oysters as a key ingredient.
One of these is Hao Da Xian (蠔大仙), which has a branch located in Hengqin Central Street (横琴中央匯), a major food mall with at least 20 restaurants and tea shops to choose from. Hao Da Xian is a must-visit for local cuisine. The hotpot style restaurant offers a plate of six fresh Hengqin Oysters for just 58 yuan, as well as other ingredients such as prawns, crabs, beef, noodle and vegetables at very reasonable prices.
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If you’re not partial to oysters, check out Yukee Restaurant (漁記茶餐廳), a Hong Kong style cha chaan teng; Jiangnan Yihao (江南壹號), a Korean-style barbecue; or Rong Ji (榮記潮粥), a restaurant that specialises in freshly made congee.
Only feel like a beverage? Hengqin Central Street has also got you covered, with well-established chains like Starbucks, Ting Tea, Gu Ming and Hey Tea.
If you’re still feeling peckish or want more options, check out the Hengqin Huafa Mall. The shopping centre opened last year, and is divided into a north and south wing, with restaurants and other shops populated across three levels.
Address: No. 10 Xiangjiang Road, Hengqin, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province
Hengqin Flower Corridor
Can’t make it to Japan for cherry blossom season? No matter. Take a stroll down the Hengqin Flower Corridor (橫琴花海長廊) late in the year. The 13.6 kilometre corridor has a 6-kilometre stretch lined with 4,700 silk floss trees, whose pink leaves put on a spectacular show and reach full bloom in November and December.
The promenade also boasts kapok and flame trees, sunflowers, China rose and azalea, as well as a viewing tower, art installations and walkways decorated with pinwheels and windchimes. There are dedicated bike lanes too. You can easily rent any of the Hello or Meituan shared bikes found across the city using their mobile apps.
[See more: The LRT’s Hengqin Line will launch trial operations next month]
Hengqin Flower Corridor has also become a popular site for families looking to go camping, with some areas reserved for tents. Many campers make for the rest stop at the end of the corridor for great views of the sunset.
Over the past two years, the local authorities have also been organising a Hengqin and Macao Blossom Carnival, as well as other events to attract more visitors. The carnival has met with great success, with events such as choral performances, cultural activities and art displays helping to draw a crowd of around 127,000 participants in December 2023.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Address: Qianhai Road, Hengqin, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province
Novotown
Established in 2019, Novotown (創新方) is a centrally-located one-stop shop for all your tourism, entertainment, dining and lifestyle needs. The development – set to open in five phases – consists of several major areas, including the 6-floor Novotown Shopping Mall, the Hyatt Regency Hengqin, the Harrow Innovation Leadership Academy and the Huixing studio office building.
Most visitors will invariably gravitate towards the shopping mall, which has a wide range of offerings. Here you’ll find around 20 restaurants and beverage shops. There is also a myriad of entertainment options, with one of the highlights being the National Geographic Ultimate Explorer, a 4,500 square metre indoor edutainment centre where visitors can engage in immersive installations and attractions that make use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Through these experiences, visitors will have the chance to learn about the natural environment, animals and the world at large.
[See more: Driverless vehicle testing in Hengqin is in full swing]
If that’s not enough, you can also try out the Pokiddo Trampoline Park, which consists of more than 33 games spread out across more than 4,000 square metres; Xiao Iron, a 24-hour self service billiard venue; Snow Alarm, an indoor skiing centre, and Kaicheng Yule, an indoor go-kart race track.
Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm (Novotown Shopping Centre)
Address: Novotown, No. 111, Tianyu Road, Hengqin, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province
Sumlodol Camping Town
It’s camping, but not as you know it. Those seeking a restful getaway amid the splendours of nature should head further afield, but if you’re after an activity-packed and affordable local break with the kids, you could do worse than Sumlodol Camping Town (橫琴星樂度 – 露營小鎮).
One half of this sprawling site is a busy amusement park where children and adults can enjoy activities from pedal kart racing to a Mayan themed playground (of all things) with bridges and slides, a water playground and an indoor play area. There are multiple dining options on site, including a bar in a pirate ship and a buffet restaurant.
[See more: Hengqin hails growing economic ties with Macao]
Accommodation comes in the form of RVs, tents, log cabins, with all the hard work done and everything set up for you. Don’t fancy life under canvas? There are also container homes and the very comfortable Hilton Garden Inn Zhuhai Hengqin Sumlodol located just around the corner.
Opening hours: 10 am to 7 pm (Mon to Thurs), 10 am to 8:30 pm (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Admission (amusement park): 129 yuan (Standard weekday ticket), 158 yuan (Standard weekend ticket)
Address: No. 108 Huandao North Road Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province
Chillhouse Beach Bar
Located directly across the sea from Coloane Pier, and something of a best-kept Hengqin secret, Chillhouse Beach Bar (萃嵐) offers not only mouthwatering food, but also fantastic scenery. According to the restaurant’s official WeChat page, the brand emerged from a collaboration between international students from the US, France, the UK and Macao, and is aimed, no less, at transplanting the beach spirit of Miami and Lyon to Hengqin, providing guests with a relaxing area where they can, well, chill.
The modern design and great waterfront scenery certainly help, as does the large selection of food, including handmade pizzas, fried platters, salads and pastas. Wash it down with the wide range of local and overseas beer, cocktails, wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks, including Bundaberg fruit juice and coffee.
[See more: Competition from Hengqin hotels is healthy, says local hotelier]
Chillhouse Beach Bar’s location close to the Hengqin Ferry Terminal makes it a great spot for fueling either before or after your trip to one of the nearby islands (see below).
Opening hours: 12 pm to 11 pm
Address: No. 5000, Building 2, Room 101 Huandao East Road, Hengqin, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province
Telephone: (82) 0756 6969001
Mangzhou Wetland Park
One of the best things about Hengqin is that you’re never very far away from green spaces and serene spots like Mangzhou Wetland Park (芒洲濕地公園). Covering 66 hectares, the park is teeming with flora and fauna.
Amid mangrove forests, reeds, coastal flats, lotus ponds and a massive freshwater lake that covers much of the park, you’ll find a number of migratory birds, including thousands that fly from the south to the north to take shelter in the area between October and March of the following year. Getting a good view isn’t difficult, as the park has three different platforms, including one designed for birdwatching, as well as an observation tower.
[See more: Hengqin is allowing more kinds of empty buildings to be converted into hotels]
There’s also a marine ecosystem exhibition hall. The 2,000-square-metre educational centre features displays of some of the wildlife that inhabit the area and documents local marine conservation efforts.
While Mangzhou Wetland Park is great for a stroll, you can also cycle around on a bike or rent out an electric vehicle that costs 40 yuan for 30 minutes. Better yet, hit the waters by hopping on one of the canoes that are available for rent for 88 yuan per hour.
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 6 pm
Admission: Free
Address: Qianhai North Road, Hengqin, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province
Telephone: (82) 0756 8868934
Ponto Legend
The name and look of this shopping centre may be familiar to those living in Macao and with good reason – it’s owned by Macau Legend Development, the SAR-based company known for properties such as Macau Fisherman’s Wharf and Legend Palace Casino.
With Ponto Legend (勵駿龐都廣場), the company has attempted to transplant Macao’s Portuguese architecture to Hengqin by having SAR-based architect Carlos Marreiros design a 14,000 square metre complex using a 17th century century style of Portuguese architecture known as Manuleine – known for its rich ornamentation, arches, fancy window frames and nautical imagery. The unique exterior is predictably a hit with tourists and couples who have their wedding photos taken outside.
[See more: There were 10 million crossings at Hengqin Port in the first half of 2024]
The six-storey centre houses a large collection of stores and restaurants, including a Spar supermarket, grocery stores, hair salon, restaurants, clothing stores, beauty parlours and a cinema.
Business opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm (Mon-Fri), 10 am to 10:30 pm (Sat-Sun)
Address: No. 38 Qinzheng Road, Hengqin, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province
Hengqin Cultural and Art Centre
The Hengqin Cultural and Art Centre (橫琴文化藝術中心) is one of the newest landmarks in Hengqin, opening on 14 September 2024. Covering an area of 140,000 square metres, the complex is the island’s inaugural large-scale cultural venue, featuring nine different facilities – a concert hall, a library, a cultural centre, a multifunctional exhibition area, an archive centre, a science museum, a women and children’s activity centre, an elderly centre and a youth activity centre.
Construction began back in May 2020, with local authorities hoping that it would give Macao performers more opportunities to showcase their talents, in addition to enriching the cultural offerings of Hengqin.
[See more: More than 20,000 people from Macao are now living in Hengqin]
The landmark is already making a name for itself, hosting a wide range of events, including events for the 2nd Macao International Comedy Festival and a craft market with artisans from both Hengqin and Macao. Of course, the venue is also worth visiting for its striking design, which sets it apart from the other buildings in the area.
Address: Qinlang Road Road, Hengqin, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province
The islands
Out of Zhuhai’s 146 islands, Hengqin is by far the biggest. While a vast majority of the other islands are uninhabited, there are a few that are populated, with a thriving tourism industry to boot.
Some of these islands include Wailingding (外伶仃島), Wanshan (萬山島), Dong’ao (東澳島) and Guishan (桂山島), which are all accessible via the Hengqin Ferry Terminal. Tickets can be purchased onsite or via the Hengqin Ferry Terminal’s official Wechat account.
Just 12 kilometres from Hong Kong’s Cheung Chau Island, Wailingding offers an idyllic atmosphere and activities from scuba diving to fishing. Local restaurants serve freshly caught fish, mussels, crabs and other seafood. The island has several hotels, including budget options, as well as camping facilities.
[See more: Multiple entry Hengqin-Macao visas approved]
Wanshan Island offers a similarly relaxed seaside environment. The island has become extremely popular with fishing enthusiasts, hosting the Wanshan Island Sea Fishing Festival. Accommodation wise, the choices on Wanshan Island are somewhat limited, although you should be very comfortable at the Dreamland Resort, which offers a range of luxury rooms and suites starting from US$205.
Dong’ao Island is rather more developed, with a number of attractions such as the Honeymoon Pavilion, Nansha Bay Beach and Lingding Coast Fishing Port (Food Street), as well as shuttles taking you to different parts of the island. If you’re intending to stay overnight, the Gree Dong’ao Hotel is popular with holidaymakers, with a location right next to Nansha Bay Beach.
The last of Zhuhai’s four main tourist islands is Guishan Island, another tourist-friendly area with plenty of attractions from the Guishan Ship Memorial Park and Guishan Lighthouse to Wentiangxiang Square, Guishan Village Square and Aimin Road. The island has plenty of accommodation to choose from ranging from hotels such as Holiday Inn Express to simple guesthouses like Liyuan Guxi.
One-way ferry fare:
Hengqin-Wailingding: 140 yuan (1 hour 15 minutes)
Hengqin-Wanshan: At the time of writing, service between Hengqin and Wanshan Island was unavailable, although it is possible to travel to the island from the Xiangzhou Terminal for 130 yuan, with the journey lasting between 1 hour 5 minutes to 2 hour 10 minutes.
Hengqin-Dong’ao: 80 yuan (40 minutes)
Hengqin-Guishan: 100 yuan (50 minutes)
