The Yangjiang Dajiaowan Maritime Silk Road Tourism Area is located in Zhapo Town, Hailing Island, Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, integrating seaside swimming, vacationing, seafood dining, and dried seafood shopping. It is a comprehensive tourism area featuring coastal scenery and Maritime Silk Road culture. The architecture within the area blends marine elements with local traditional styles, with seaside resorts, leisure clubs, and other buildings scattered in an orderly manner. Dajiaowan Beach is spiral-shaped, about 2.45 kilometers long and 50–60 meters wide, covering a total area of 1.5 square kilometers. The sand is fine, and the seawater is clear, making it a natural seawater bathing beach.
History and Culture
Yangjiang has a long history of marine culture, and Hailing Island, where the Dajiaowan Maritime Silk Road Tourism Area is located, is an important node on the Maritime Silk Road. As early as ancient times, this was a必经 route for merchant ships, witnessing the prosperity of maritime trade.
During the Southern Song Dynasty, numerous merchant ships passed through here, transporting Chinese silk, porcelain, tea, and other goods overseas while bringing back spices, jewelry, and other exotic products. In these waters, the famous "Nanhai I" shipwreck was discovered—it is the earliest, largest, and best-preserved ocean-going trading vessel among ancient shipwrecks found worldwide, providing invaluable physical evidence for the study of the Maritime Silk Road.
Over time, the Dajiaowan area gradually developed into an important fishing and tourist destination. Local fishermen preserve ancient fishing techniques and folk customs, such as traditional events like the Fishing Festival, which attract many visitors.
Major Attractions
Dajiaowan Beach
Dajiaowan Beach is the core attraction and one of the most popular spots for visitors. The sand is golden and fine, the seawater is clear and blue, and the slope is gentle with no reefs, making it ideal for swimming and various water activities. The beach is equipped with comprehensive recreational facilities and safety equipment, with professional lifeguards on duty at all times. Visitors can enjoy the sun and sand to the fullest and also participate in water sports such as jet skiing, sailing, and banana boating, experiencing the thrill and vitality of the sea.
Maritime Silk Road Museum
The Maritime Silk Road Museum was built to protect and display the "Nanhai I" shipwreck. Its unique architectural style resembles a giant ship about to set sail. The museum exhibits a large number of artifacts salvaged from the "Nanhai I," including porcelain, gold and silverware, and copper coins, vividly showcasing the glory of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. By visiting the museum, visitors can gain in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of the Maritime Silk Road and experience the trade and cultural exchanges between ancient China and other countries.
Mawei Island
Mawei Island is located at the southwestern tip of Hailing Island, connected to the mountains of Zhapo Town. It is the westernmost point of the island and the best spot to watch the sunset. The coastline of Mawei Island is winding, with many unique rock formations. The seawater around the island is crystal clear, the sand is soft and fine, and the surrounding waters are rich in marine life. Visitors can go sea fishing here or stroll along the coastline to enjoy the beautiful sea views and sunset glow.
Hailing Island Mangrove Wetland Park
This is the best-preserved, largest, and most scenic mangrove forest on the island, with a shoreline length of 4 kilometers and an area of 400 mu (about 26.7 hectares). The park features a southern subtropical mangrove wetland landscape, focusing on ecological protection while also offering sightseeing, leisure, and educational activities. Attractions include Spirit Monkey Hill Island and a cross-sea boardwalk.
Sea Library
This is the first full-sea-view library in Yangjiang, officially opened to the public for free on October 1, 2016. Covering an area of 627 square meters, it features a modern mountain-and-sea design that incorporates the elements of blue sky, sea, beach, and sunshine. Entering the library, visitors can quietly enjoy nature and appreciate the charm of the mountain and sea scenery.
Fei'eling Wind Power Park
The park features scenic spots such as Windmill Valley, Huashan Misty Rain, and Fei'e Cascading Green. The hills are covered with lush trees, flourishing flowers, birdsong, and fragrant blooms, offering a tranquil and refreshing environment. Rows of large wind turbines stand atop the hills, stretching for 5 kilometers.
Suggested Itineraries：
One-day tour: Arrive at the scenic area in the morning, first visit the Maritime Silk Road Museum to see the "Nanhai I" shipwreck and related artifacts, and learn about the history and culture of the Maritime Silk Road. At noon, enjoy local seafood at a restaurant near the area. In the afternoon, head to Dajiaowan Beach to enjoy the sun and sand and participate in various water activities. In the evening, go to Mawei Island to watch the beautiful sunset, then conclude the day's trip.
Two-day tour: On the first day, arrive at the scenic area in the morning and visit the Maritime Silk Road Museum. After lunch nearby, go to Dajiaowan Beach for a full afternoon of fun and water sports. In the evening, explore the night market in Zhapo Town for various snacks and seafood. On the second morning, head to Mawei Island for sea fishing or a coastal stroll. After lunch at a local restaurant, pack up and depart.
Travel Tips：
Check ticket prices and discounts in advance on the official website or travel platforms; purchasing tickets early saves time.
When playing on the beach, take sun protection measures—apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses and a sun hat, etc.
When participating in water activities, always follow the instructor's guidance and wear life-saving equipment to ensure your safety.
When dining on seafood, choose reputable restaurants and pay attention to food hygiene to avoid discomfort from unclean food.
Important Notes：
Protect the environment within the scenic area; do not spit or litter, and keep the area clean.
Swim only in designated safe zones; do not venture into deep water or dangerous areas without authorization.
When visiting the museum, follow the rules; do not touch the artifacts, and check whether flash photography is allowed.
Keep your personal belongings secure, especially in crowded places like beaches and restaurants, to prevent loss.
In case of severe weather such as heavy rain or typhoons, follow the instructions of the staff and promptly move to safe shelters.
Transportation：
Bus: Take a city bus within Yangjiang to Zhapo Town, Hailing Island, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach the scenic area. Specific bus routes can be checked via bus query apps.
Self-driving: From downtown Yangjiang or nearby cities, enter "Yangjiang Dajiaowan Maritime Silk Road Tourism Area" into your navigation app and follow the directions. The area has parking lots for visitors.
Taxi: You can take a taxi directly from Yangjiang city to the scenic area, but traffic congestion may occur during peak tourist seasons.
Opening Hours：
Dajiaowan Beach is generally open from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with extended hours possible during peak seasons.
The Maritime Silk Road Museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Mondays (except statutory holidays). Visitors are advised to check the official announcements for the latest opening hours before traveling to avoid any delays.
Ticket Price：
Admission: 49 RMB per person.