Huizhou

Location: Situated in the southeast of Guangdong Province, Huizhou is off the Dayawan Bay of the South China Sea and is neighbor to Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

History: Early in the Neolithic Age, human beings started to live in this area. In 591 of the Sui Dynasty (581-618), the government set up Xunzhou, which then became one of the political, economic and cultural centers of Guangdong. The name of Huizhou came into being in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). In 1949 when the new Republic of China was established, the government set Huiyang County as the capital of Dongjiang Area. In 1994, Huiyang County was changed into a prefecture-level city.

Physical Features: In the north and east parts of Huizhou lie ranges of mountains and hills while in the middle covers large areas of plains. The south of Huizhou is decorated with long meandering coastline which brings charming sceneries.

Climatic Features: Huizhou belongs to the subtropical monsoon climate zone, with the Tropic of Cancer crosses the city. The climate is mild and humid. The annual average temperature is about 22C (72F). Rains are frequent from April to August.

When to Go: Due to the pleasant climate all year round, it is marvelous to visit Huizhou at any time of a year. However, it's better to avoid the rainy period that is from July to August. From September to October, it is sunny and good time for visit.

Local Highlights: Huizhou is the historical and cultural city of Guangdong as well as one of the 'China Top Tourist Cities'. Scenic spots are varied in mountains, rivers, seas and forests. The local tradition is quite interesting such as Dragon Dance in the Spring Festival and Moon Admiring on Mid Autumn Festival, which is the second most important festival in Huizhou. Yao ethnic minority group in Longmen County has special customs, adding more charm to Huizhou. In addition, Huizhou has become the largest battery and laser head production base in the world, the largest telephone and computer mainboard production base in Asia and the largest television, camera and other advanced electronical productions base in China. 17 of the world's top 500 enterprises have branches in Huizhou.

Special Local Products: orange, mango, longan, mustard and cool tea

 Famous Tourist Spots:
Luofu Mountain: Off the Dongjiang River, Luofu Mountain is one of the ten most famous mountains in China. It is also renowned for the Taoism culture.
Nankun Mountain: Located in southwest of Longmen County, it is famed as 'Green Land on the Tropic of Cancer'. Family inns and summer escape are the distinctive features of this mountain.
West Lake: This West Lake was once as famous as the Hangzhou West Lake in the history. The reputed Song Dynasty literate Sushi has been there and left many stories.
Xunliao Bay: Situate in the Dayawan Bay, it is an unpolluted, quiet paradise for those sea-lovers. The pure water, shinning white sand make it a 'Green Emerald' and 'White Golden Beach'.
Pinghai Ancient City: It is a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) city in Huidong County. Boasting a long history of more than 600 years, it is honored as the 'live fossil' of southern China culture.

Other Spots: Longmen Hot Spring, Tangquan Hot Spring, Yongji Ecological Garden, Gangkou National Turtle Protection Area, Lantian Yao Ethnic Minority Group Flavor Garden, Dongsheng Fishing Village

Tourist Tips: Huizhou is easily accessible. Huizhou Airport (HUZ) is about 25 kilometers (16 miles) east of the city. It has direct flights to Beijing, Xian, Hangzhou, Wuxi and other important cities in China. Shuttle buses ply from the inner city to the airport. Huizhou is only one to two hours drive to the two largest airports Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) and Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX). Two railway lines cross Huizhou, extending to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shantou, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Nanchang, Changsha, Yueyang and many other cities. Almost all the counties and towns are linked by highways. In addition, more than ten scheduled buses run to Hong Kong every day. Visitors can wait for them in nearly all the hotels in Huizhou. Huizhou Harbor has direct sea routes to lots of harbors in the world with goods transportation. It takes only 40 minutes from there to Hong Kong. Air-conditioned city buses are cheap and comfortable for around-city tour.