'''Zhuhai''' (___C ''Zh?-H?i'') [http://www.zhuhai.gov.cn] is the name of a city, and Special Economic Zone (SEZ), in Guangdong province, China. Located in the Pearl River Delta, Zhuhai borders Jiangmen to the northwest, Zhongshan to the north, and former Portuguese colony Macau to the south. By sea, former British colony Hong Kong and Shenzhen are just across the bay to the east. The provincial capital Guangzhou is about 150 km to the north.
The name 'Zhuhai' means Pearl Sea; Zhuhai is where the Pearl River (___] ''Zh?-Ji?ng'') flows into the South Sea (___C ''Nan-H?i'').
Zhuhai is known for its beautiful long coastline, waving palm trees, open spaces, low population density, and its many islands; Zhuhai's nicknames are "the city for lovers" and "the city of a hundred islands". Zhuhai serves as the gateway to Macau, as a tourist destination for Chinese, and as a playground for hedonistic Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan visitors who come for Zhuhai's very colorful nightlife and widely available 'female companionship' at mainland prices.
Understand
The Zhuhai area has been inhabited for thousands of years. Until the 1970s, Zhuhai was a group of fishing villages with a population of around 100,000. Since 1980, when it was designated a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by the central government, Zhuhai has expanded to include nearby areas and is now a fast-growing modern city with well over a million inhabitants.
Zhuhai is a modern city, and among the faster growing ones in China. However, it is still not as large and developed as neighboring cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Zhuhai's northern districts of Jinding and Tangjia, as well as the western district of Doumen, are less developed factory-driven areas that retain a deeper working-man, salt-of-the-earth quality.
Zhuhai is one of China's cleanest and prettiest cities, and received numerous accolades for its excellent ecological development efforts. In 1998, it was awarded the ''International Award for Best Practices in Improving Living Environment'' by the United Nations Center for Human Settlements. It is also commonly agreed to be one of the best cities in China to retire in. With a lower population density compared to other larger cities in China, Zhuhai is unsurprisingly greener. Parks and open spaces dot the cityscape, and waving palm trees line the extensive coastline and many of the major streets.
The weather in Zhuhai is sub-tropical. Temperature varies between 10C/50F degrees in winter (Dec to Feb) to a hot and humid 35C/95F degrees in summer (Jun to Sep). Typhoons are also a possibility in summer. The best times to visit are during spring and fall.
Districts
The city of Zhuhai itself is composed of '''Gongbei''', '''Jida''' and '''Xiangzhou'''. The other areas mentioned are districts within the Zhuhai Special Economic Zone.
North to South along the coast, the main districts are:
'''Jinding''' (___C ''J?n-D?ng'') ? Zhuhai's northernmost district is a factory town whose main attraction is a very large and lively nighttime outdoor BBQ; see the Eat section for details. Jinding definitely has a 'working class edge', and is worth visiting for the BBQ alone, but wandering around may give you a different perspective to the ones you've previously experienced elsewhere in Guangdong Province. If you visit before it closes, be sure to venture up the stairs in the 'Jinding Market' (in the building right behind where the BBQ sets up; there is a sign in English) and check out the bizarre cuts of every type of meat imaginable being hacked up and put on sale. Visit Jinding to experience the 'real China' before heading back to your more affluent Guangdong stomping grounds. Jinding can be reached via the #3, #10, or the #02 sightseeing bus.
'''Tangjiawan''' (_____p ''Tang-Ji?-W?n'') ? Tang-Ji? is moderate sized town located between Jinding and Xiangzhou. Like Jinding, Tangjia's salt-of-the-earth qualities are more evident than its southern neighbors. Best known for the large '''Dragon Union Opera House''' which, as the name suggests, puts on live variety shows semi-regularly, its primary function is serving as a gigantic karaoke house that mixes karaoke with 'all-inclusive' adult entertainment. The '''Old Chinese Junk''' is very nice a western pub with a rooftop deck and good western food, and is owned and operated by a very friendly Englishman. It is one of the best expat bars in Zhuhai, and is currently the only western owned bar in northern Zhuhai. See the 'Drink' section for more details.
'''Xiangzhou''' (___F ''Xi?ng-Zh?u'') ? Government offices, big department stores (including '''Jusco'''), and some bars and restaurants are scattered throughout this district. This is the area where the locals mainly go shopping.
'''Jida''' (_g__ ''Ji-Da '') is along the coast between Xiangzhou and Gongbei. This district has a lot of offices, high-end hotels and shopping complexes. This is not a particularly useful district to mention for directions, except for the fact that a Jida location assures you that the location is fairly near to the water and that a taxi driver will likely take the road right along the coast until you get there.
'''Gongbei''' (_i_k ''G?ng-B?i'') is the main tourist area with a wide variety of inexpensive hotels, clothing, electronics, souvenirs, food, drink, and colorful entertainment in relatively close proximity to the Macau border crossing. '''Lianhua Lu''' (Lotus Road ?___H ''Lian-Hu?-Lu''), sometimes called '''Walking Street''' (?_s_X Bu-Xing-Ji?) while interesting any time of day, is truly a Zhuhai (or China for that matter) 'must-see' spectacle at night, with dozens of small outdoor-bar stalls which are always packed at night. Here you can see people drinking, playing dice with bar girls, and watching (or interacting with) 'working girls' and passers-by on the crowded pedestrian-only street that is filled with shops and street-food vendors (see the Drink section for more details). There is also the more upscale '''Bar Street''' (__?_X ''Ji?-B?-Ji?''), a modern strip of nicer upscale bars with indoor and outdoor seating, some featuring live music (many blasting loud music inside). Most of these cater to Chinese businessmen and moneyed tourists. At the southern edge of Gongbei is a '''cavernous underground shopping center''' and the '''Macau border crossing''' (see Buy section for more details).
Going West from Gongbei are other districts:
'''Wanzai''' (_p_e) has a '''ferry station to Macau''' and a '''Seafood Street''' where you get to select your own live seafood before they are prepared for your dining pleasure.
'''Doumen''' (_l? ''D?u-Men'') is in the Southwest. It is a bit out of the way, in that most of Zhuhai spreads north along the coast. The '''Zhuhai airport''' is here. The very scenic '''Jintai Buddhist Temple''', built at the end of the Song Dynasty is over 1,000 years old and is well worth a visit if you are in the area. Get the full treatment at the '''Imperial (Yu Wenquan) Hot Springs Resort''' in Doumen, the first Japanese outdoor garden-style hot springs resort in China, with over 20 kinds of hot springs.
Islands
One of Zhuhai's nicknames is "the city of a hundred islands" (146 to be exact), and it has a number of islands that are accessible from ports by ferries. An often overlooked aspect is the fact that each of the islands has a unique character. Some have decent beaches, and some are eerily quiet fishing islands. Each trip is a noticeable escape from the hustle and bustle of living in Chinese cities. A trip to the islands is arguably comparable to leaving the country. High-quality seafood abounds. Information about where to go or what to do can be difficult to come by because most locals don't visit due to cost of transportation. As a result, most tourists don't get a chance to explore these beautiful places at all, and most of the information available on the internet regarding Zhuhai focuses on the urban areas. Nonetheless, the curious expat or adventurous traveler will be generously rewarded. From the Xiangzhou '''Northern Wharf (___F_k__??)''', you can get to the '''Wanshan Islands (___R_Q?)''':
'''Dong'ao Island''' has diving facilities, clear waters, and a nice beach.
'''Wai Linding Island''' is also a nice getaway with clear waters and nice beaches.
'''Hebao Island''' is less developed and visited, and is a good spot for those who like wilderness.
'''Guishan Island''' has a sleepy fishing island town feel with exceptional seafood.
While not as distant and not part of the Wanshan Islands, '''Henquin Island''', '''Qi'ao Island''', and '''Gaolan Island''' can all be reached by bus via a bridge.
Remember to take plenty of cash with you on these island excursions because some islands do not have ATM bank machines.
Get in
Most visitors to China will require an advance visa, which can be obtained in Hong Kong or Macau. See Visas for details.
If you're only visiting the Zhuhai area, three-day visas upon arrival are available at the border. Upon entering the Gongbei immigration building, after passing all the duty free shops, the visa office is behind a green door on the right hand side of the hall. Follow the stairs and you will find the office on the left. You need to complete a small white form, pay the fee and have your photograph taken with a webcam. The visas are then processed within minutes. As of December 2008, this costs \160 for most nationalities, but Americans cannot use the service and Brits have to fork out \450. Hong Kong dollars are not accepted. Currency can be converted at the China Tourist Services office back downstairs in the main immigration hall, but usually at an awful rate. Once the visa has been issued, proceed to the immigration hall to complete the immigration process.
By plane
'''Zhuhai Airport''' (IATA: ZUH) [http://www.zhairport.com]. This is a moderately sized, modern airport that connects the area with many Chinese cities, but not many international destinations. It is located west of downtown in the Doumen district. Budget carrier Spring Airlines [http://tour.china-sss.com/] flies here daily from Shanghai. Zhuhai can also be easily reached by bus from the Guangzhou airport (see below).
To reach Zhuhai from outside China, fly to Hong Kong, Macau or Guangzhou. All three cities have large, modern airports with many international connections and all are within an hour or two of Zhuhai.
From the '''Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport''' (IATA: CAN) [http://www.baiyunairport.com], a frequent express bus service that goes to Zhuhai is available. It costs \80 and takes approximately 2.5 hours with one stop in the northern part of Zhuhai before going on to the Gongbei border gate to Macau.
From the '''Macau International Airport''' (IATA: MFM) [http://www.macau-airport.gov.mo], the best way to get to Zhuhai is via the '''''Express Link''''' service, skipping the Macau immigration and customs altogether. Once you deboard the plane, instead of going through immigration, look for the Express Link (China) sign and follow it. This will lead you past a transit security scan station where you must pick up an Express Link card, and upstairs into the departure hall. Go to the ticket counter at Gate 8, present your card and buy a ticket for the coach that goes to the Gongbei border (past Macau, before Zhuhai). The coach fare is \52 and the ride takes only 15 minutes. Coach departure times are 11:00h 11:30h 12:00h 12:30h 1:00h 2:45h 5:00h 5:30h 6:00h and 6:45h. If you need to check in any bags for your flight, remember to have them "blue tagged" during your flight check-in procedure for this Express Link service. The blue tag is not a necessity, merely a convenience. Present your luggage tags at the above-mentioned coach ticket counter and pick up your bags at the bus bay later.
The option to skip the Macau immigration is not available on the return. Allow ''at least'' three hours to get from Gongbei to the Macau airport. Immigration formalities can be very time-consuming, particularly on the Chinese side during the weekends. Once out of the Chinese customs (before entering Macau), there is a little ticket booth to the left where you can get a shuttle bus ticket to the airport for \35. The buses will be waiting on the left once you leave the Macau immigration hall. They run at 10 minute intervals.
From '''Hong Kong International Airport''' (IATA: HKG) [http://www.hongkongairport.com], one option is to take the [http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/train/ae_intro.htm Airport Express] to the Kowloon station (at the cost of 90 HKD), then hop on the free Airport Express transit bus K2 to the China-Hong Kong Ferry Terminal (s:___`__?? t:___`______) to take a ferry to Zhuhai. See below for ferry timetable.
Another option from Hong Kong is to catch a ferry from the HKIA Skypier to Macau and then cross into Zhuhai via the Gongbei border gate. Immigration and custom procedures can be skipped at the Hong Kong end. Full instructions can be found at [http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/aguide/skypier.html#airflow here]. The ferry journey takes about 50 mins and runs hourly (usually).
A third option from HKIA is now available in the form of long-distance buses that go overland to Gongbei. The journey takes 3.5 hours and costs 200HKD. Departure times are 0700h 0800h 0400h 500h 1700h and 1900h.
A new ferry service was just introduced (twice daily for now) that brings travelers directly from HKIA to the Jiuzhou Port in Zhuhai. The ferry leaves at 1215h and 1700h. The one from Zhuhai to HKIA leaves at 0930h and 1530h. The trip takes approximately 50 minutes.
By boat
'''From Hong Kong''': There are several ferries per day from '''Hong Kong International Airport''', '''HK-Macau Ferry Terminal''' _`_S?? (Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong), '''China Ferry Terminal''' ___`__?? (Kowloon, Hong Kong) and '''Shekou Ferry Terminal''' _____` (Shekou, Shenzhen) arriving at the '''Zhuhai Jiu Zhou Ferry Terminal''' ___F_`. There is a taxi rank and bus stops directly outside. Visas can be purchased here for most nationalities (not American citizens).
The HKIA-Zhuhai ferry is operated by '''Chu Kong''' [http://www.cksp.com.hk/eng/skypier/timetable/main.html], who charge HK$260/¥280 one-way to/from Zhuhai.
'''From Macau''': There is a ferry service operating from Macau's Inner Harbour's Pier 14 ("Yuetong Pier", _S?____??) to Wanzai. Daily departures roughly hourly from 8am to 4pm.
By car
It is possible to drive across the border from Macau. Note that, unlike Macau, China drives on the right.
Only vehicles with dual plates are allowed to drive across the border.
By bus
Hundreds of buses come from Guangzhou every day, usually via the Jingzhu (Beijing-Zhuhai) Highway (________). You can catch one at:
China (Marriott) Hotel (_________X)
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (___B___]__?) just inside the Arrival Hall
Garden Hotel (__?___X)
Provincial bus station (___D?__)
Tianhe Dasha bus station (_V______?__)
Liuhua bus station (____?__) directly opposite the provincial train station
From any of these locations, the trip will cost \60 to \65 and take about 2.5 hours. Buses leave every half hour and go to Gongbei. Along the way, they usually make a stop at '''Xiangzhou''' (___F ''Xi?ng-Zh?u'') and '''Suidaonan''' (______ ''Sui-Dao-Nan'').
Zhuhai has several bus stations:
One is underground, accessed from the lower level of the underground shopping center at the Gongbei border crossing (the Macau border).
The main Gongbei bus station is within a few hundred meters from the Gongbei border crossing. It's off to your right as you leave the underground shopping center by the Northeast Exit.
Xiangzhou also has a large intercity bus station. Take #2 or #10 city bus to reach it from Gongbei.
On foot
You can walk across the border from Macau at Gongbei. The border is open from 7am to midnight.
An alternative crossing is via the Lotus Bridge in Macau's Cotai area to the island of Hengqin. This border crossing point is open from 8am to 8pm. After crossing the Macau side, take a shuttle bus across the bridge to the China side (fare \3, no change given so carry the exact amount). From the Hengqin side of the border take bus number 14 to Xiangzhou, or catch one of the Kee Kwan air-conditioned minibuses to Wanzai or Gongbei (\5).
By train
The Guangzhou - Zhuhai Light Rail Service is due to open in 2010. Until then you'll have to catch a bus to Guangzhou. These terminate very close to the train station.
Get around
Zhuhai is quite spread out. The terrain is coastal plain broken up by mountains or, seen from the sea, a series of bays and headlands. There are many clumps of development separated by hills, often parkland.
Within any district, you can walk or take a taxi from \10.
To move between districts, use buses. These are \1 to \3, depending how far they go and whether they are air-conditioned. The #10 bus will cross of all of the Zhuhai SEZ north to south or south to north. By taking the #10 bus it is possible to conveniently move between Gongbei, Xiangzhou, Tangjia, and Jinding. The #10 route terminates in the south near the Macau border in Gongbei and terminates in the north on the mainstreet of Jinding. The #3 bus will allow you to reach Jiuzhou ferry port for trips to Hong Kong or Shenzhen.
The double decker '''sightseeing bus''' bus goes to most areas between Gongbei and Jinding for \3. Padded seats and good air conditioning make it a lot more comfortable than city buses for long trips. The last sightseeing bus is at about 7pm.
Talk
Cantonese is the indigenous language of Zhuhai, it being a part of the Pearl River Delta. Nevertheless, due to the massive influx of immigrants from other parts of China over the last two decades, Mandarin is now considered the ''lingua franca''. English is not well understood here.
See
Be sure to see the 8.7m tall '''Fisher Girl statue''' (?__ ''Yu-N?''), the city's symbol, along '''Qinglu Lu''' (Lovers' Road __?_H ''Qing-L?-Lu''). Take the sightseeing, 9 or 99 bus.
:Legend of the Fisher Girl: Legend has it that an angel descended to earth one day and fell in love with the beauty of the land. Reluctant to return, she turned herself into a fisher girl, weaving nets and searching for precious pearls to earn a living. In addition, she unselfishly used her knowledge and powers to heal villagers who were ill, and so was well loved by one and all. Soon she met a young fisherman named Hai Peng and they fell in love. Not long after, however, Hai Peng heard and believed malicious accusations, and demanded the fisher girl to give him her magical bracelets as proof of her affection. The fisher girl tearfully explained the origin of the bracelets. While she was still the daughter of the South Sea Dragon King, the eight bracelets were given to her by the eight palace mistresses, to guard her against the thought of abandoning immortality. She would die if she even removed one. Tragically, Hai Peng did not believe her story and turned to leave. The fisher girl, to prove her love for Hai Peng, removed her bracelets and died in his arms instantly. Hai Peng was filled with remorse and grief. His great sorrow moved the Jiu Zhou Huan Elder, who taught him the way to bring the fisher girl back to life. For this he had to travel to the Jiu Zhou Island to find the Resurrection Grass, which must then be fed with man's blood. After much difficulty, Hai Peng found the grass and grew it with his own blood. Days turned to years, and the grass was finally ready and used to revive the fisher girl. Henceforth, the fisher girl became a true mortal. On the day of their wedding, all the girls together found a gigantic, magical pearl at the seashore. In gratitude, the fisher girl presented this to the reverent Elder.
Take a walk along the coastline by '''Qinglu Lu''' (Lovers' Road). It offers a majestic view of the Macau skyline across the border, but the sea tends to be brown and muddy.
'''Pearl Land''' (____?? ''Zh?n-Zh?-Le-Yuan''), an amusement park for children in excess of 40,000 square meters, is on the coastal road north of town near the Zhuhai International Circuit. Entrance fee is \60 for adults and \30 for children under the height of 1.4m. Take the sightseeing, #3, #10, #68 or 69 bus.
The '''New Yuanming Palace''' (?___V? ''Yuan Ming Xin Yuan'' ) is located at the foot of Big Shilin Mountain of Jiuzhou Lu,to the northwest of Zhuhai City. The New Palace is an immitation of the Yuanming Palace in Beijing and it covers an area of 1.39 square km. Inside the park there is also 80,000 square meters of lake. Along the lake are many places to hire motor boats and pedelos. The park has many attractions from ancient emperors' artifacts and clothes to floating restaurants and traditional Chinese architecture. It offers amazing photo opportunities with the mountains as a backdrop and there are many little pagodas to distract yourself with. In the evening, at the Northern side of the park, there are impressive stage shows depicting traditional Chinese dances and stories in a Broadway style musical presentation. This is a must-see. Also, in the Northern most part of the park there is a sea-battle re-enactment using real boats, explosions and also a troop of cavalry to add to the realism. These shows are included in the entrance fee although premium tickets for good seats can be purchased for \5. When you leave, you also have the opportunity to dress in the Emperor's clothes and have your picture taken for \40, which is quite expensive. You are allowed to take the pictures with your own camera. Entrance to the park is \120 before 6:30pm and \60 thereafter. The park closes at 11pm. It is a 15 minute bus ride from Gongbei Lu. Take bus 1, 25, 30, or 60.
The scenic '''Jintai Buddhist Temple''' in Doumen, built at the end of the Song Dynasty, is over 1,000 years old and is well worth a visit if you are in this area.
'''Zhuhai's many islands''': One of Zhuhai's nicknames is "the city of a hundred islands" (146 to be exact), and it has a number of islands that are accessible from ports by ferry boat (see the 'Districts' section for more information).
Do
Motorsports
Go to the '''[http://www.zic.com.cn/zicen/default.asp Zhuhai International Circuit]''' (___C__????) where you can:
Watch and enjoy the atmosphere of international auto and motorcycle racing, including the FIA GT Championship, A1GP (World Cup of Motorsports), Asian Formula 3 Series, Asian Festival of Speed and ZIC's very own Pan Delta Super Racing Festival.
Take the ride of a lifetime by buckling up on board Asia's one-and-only 2-seater formula car and being driven by an ART Motorsports professional racing driver. Receive expert instruction and spend a half hour on the actual race course in a formula car for 1500 HKD. Enjoy the ride yourself, or with a group of friends in a full 30-minute session doing 2 to 3 laps each.
Rent go karts and motorcycles for use on a separate track.
Golf
There are several golf courses in the area. These are popular with Hong Kong players who come on weekends as they are cheaper and less crowded than those in Hong Kong. For more details see Golf in China. There is also a driving range in Jida. This is accessible via the #4 bus.
Golf equipment is readily available and cheap in Zhuhai, but all 'branded' clubs are knock-offs of varying qualities. There are several small golf shops in the underground shopping complex at the Macau border, several on Lianhua Lu (Lotus Road) in Gongbei, and two larger ones across the road from the driving range in Jida.
Hot Springs
'''Imperial Yu Wenquan Hot Springs''' in Doumen is the first Japanese-style open air hot spring in China. There are over 20 kinds of hot springs, massage rooms and sauna rooms. This is considered to be one of the best spa resorts in China. Take bus #609. Phone: 756-5797128
Swim, Sunbathe & Dive
Swim, sunbathe or go diving at a number of islands which are approximately 50 mins away by ferry (see 'Zhuhai Islands' section for more details).
Learn
'''Zhongshan University''' (___R___w Zh?ng sh?n Da xue OR Sun Yat-Sen Da xue) and '''Harbin Institute of Technology''' are located along the main coastal road between Xiangzhou and Tangjia. You can get there by buses #3, #10, #69 or sightseeing bus.
'''Beijing Normal University''' (_k__?_____w pinyin: B?ij?ng Sh?fan Daxue or _k?__ pinyin:B?i Sh? Da for short) and '''Beijing Institute of Technology''' are both located on a side road just before Jinding. Take the #69 bus from town, #70 from Jinding, or #10A from Gongbei to get there.
'''United International College''' is a liberal arts university co-funded by Hong Kong Baptist University and Beijing Normal University located near the BNU campus. Classes are taught entirely in English.
Several universities are located further west, towards the district of Doumen.
Buy
Currency
The legal tender is the 'Yuan', is also called 'Renminbi' ('people's money') or simply RMB. The associated dollar unit is commonly referred to as 'kwai' (pieces or units). Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) and Macau Patacas (MOP) used to enjoy a one-to-one exchange rate with the RMB, but with the RMB's appreciation in value over the last few years, they are either no longer accepted or accepted by converting from RMB according to the current rate.
Cash is king. Carry cash and do not expect to use your credit card except in some bank machines. You should ask (not assume) to use a credit card. Credit cards are, however, accepted in some surprising places. Don't be surprised if the proprietor goes down the street to use a credit card machine elsewhere. Multiple shops are sometimes owned by the same family and they share a credit card machine. Always make sure you verify that you have been given back your own card and not a similar one.
ATMs are plentiful, and usually found at banks. If you have a western card, you may have more luck using an international bank like Bank of China or HSBC etc. Chinese banks don't always recognize western cards even if it shows the correct system affiliation. Look at the symbols on the machine to see what affiliations the ATM has, for example 'Cirrus' for Mastercard. While it may take some trial and error to locate a suitable ATM, you will be able to use your foreign card to obtain cash advance. In smaller towns, islands or more isolated areas, do not assume your overseas cards will work. Most will allow you to draw a cash advance against your Visa card so make sure you have a PIN for that as well. The ATMs are more reliable if you access a savings instead of a checking account. When traveling to the islands, make sure you take plenty of cash as some islands do not have ATM machines. Like in any country, make sure you cover the keypad while inputting your PIN. There have been scams in Zhuhai where ATMs had a false slot which collects your card swipe and a keyhole camera that attempts to get your PIN.
The official receipt issued by merchants in China (for the purpose of tax collection by the government) is called '''Fa Piao''' (?_[ ''F?-Piao''). Always ask for one if you need to declare your expenses. They are available from hotels, taxis and restaurants etc. This is particularly important in case you leave something in a taxi as the Fa Piao has the registration number of the taxi printed on it.
Shopping in Gongbei
There is a '''huge underground shopping complex (_i_k_n____? ''G?ng-B?i-Di-Xia-Gu?ng-Ch?ng'')''' right below the Macau border crossing in Gongbei. The entire open concrete area in front of the border crossing has two floors of shops under it. Take the escalator or walk down the stairs, and find several hundred shops, many with goods targeted at tourists, such as clothing and shoes, jade and other jewelery, handicraft e.g. Tibetan accessories, and consumer electronics. There are also many CDs and DVDs for sale at cheap prices, although they are unlicensed copies. Also available in abundance are imitation watches with incredible resemblance to the real ones (Rolex, Breitling, Patek Philippe, Movado, and Omega, just to name a few). Even among these knock-offs, differences in grade can be seen for the same model in different shops. Whatever you buy here, always bargain and bargain hard.
'''Yingbin Lu''' (_}?_H ''Ying-B?n-Lu'') is the main street that goes straight north from the border. Number one and number two north exits from the underground complex lead to opposite sides of Yingbin Lu. It has several large shopping complexes with everything from cheap Chinese goods to trendy pricey international brands. On the left, there is '''Wanjia Department Store''' (_____S? ''Wan-Ji?-B?i-Huo'') which is the most recognizable landmark in Gongbei. Any local or taxi driver will know where it is. Slightly further up, there is also the '''Yingbin Plaza''' (_}?__? ''Ying-B?n-Gu?ng-Ch?ng'') on the right which has a McDonald's on the ground floor and a KFC right above it. Most of the shops here sell clothing.
'''Lianhua Lu''' (Lotus Road ?___H ''Lian-Hu?-Lu''), sometimes called '''Walking Street''' (?_s_X Bu-Xing-Ji?), is a pedestrians only street. It is parallel to Yingbin Lu (mentioned above) and a block east of it. At the south end, it starts on the west side of the bus station, opposite the northeast exit from the underground complex at the Macau border. The merchandise available here is similar to what you find in the underground shopping mall, primarily clothing and electronics. There is also a Bank Of China branch here with ATMs for foreign cards.
Always inspect the product before paying for it and leaving the shop. Also, note down where you bought the item. You will never get a refund, but "Gongbei" shop owners are surprisingly diligent about protecting their reputation, so they will more than likely exchange defective merchandise.
Shopping in Jida
The main drag in '''Jida''' is J?ngsh?n Lu (_i_R_H) and it has two blocks of nice department stores:
'''Zhu Hai Shopping Mall''' (___C_S? ''Zh?-H?i-B?i-Huo'')
'''Duty Free Shopping Mall''' (______? ''Mi?n-Shui-Sh?ng-Ch?ng'')
'''Your Family Store''' (______ ''You-Y?-Ji?'')
'''Tong Luo Wan Shopping Mall''' (??_p ''Tong-Luo-W?n'')
From Gongbei, take the #2 bus.
Shopping in Xiangzhou
'''Xiangzhou''' has plenty of shops, and is generally less touristy than Jida or Gongbei. Many locals shop here to buy their Chinese brand name clothing. The main street has the Japanese department (and grocery) store '''Jusco'''. There are also a number of other shops and several fairly large shopping complexes along the street north of Jusco. From the border, take a #2 bus or the sightseeing bus to reach this area.
On the second corner south of Jusco (bus-stop: Wanzai Sha) are two large buildings full of computer and electronics shops. This is the place to go in Zhuhai for anything computer or electronics related.
Eat
Street Food
'''The Jinding Barbeque''' is by far the largest outdoor street barbeque in Zhuhai. The BBQ is over 100 meters long, on Jinding's main street, with scores of proprietary stalls and tables (who vigorously compete against one another). Steam rises, motorcycles whiz by, and music blares from shops as dozens of proprietary stands that serve up street specialties (such as spicy grilled squid tentacles) well into the night to a lively crowd seated at plastic tables and chairs. Meals are served on plastic bag covered plates and beer from the thinnest plastic cups in the world! Come here to experience regular Chinese street life, and leave full and satisfied. The BBQ opens around 5:30pm and ends around midnight. Jinding can be reached via the #10 or #3 bus.
There also are a multitude of '''outdoor eating establishments''' with high quality seafood in Gongbei near the Macau border. Simply wandering around would probably work, but one large area with many such establishments is just Northwest of the border. If you are standing at the border facing North, follow the street running West parallel to the border around 100 meters past the border area and several of the hotels, and then take any side street North and wind your way into a large outdoor eating area with scores of low key outdoor restaurants. Only a 5 minute walk from the border, any type of seafood can be had here (crab, oysters, prawns, large fish and the more exotic variety) as well as other non-seafood dishes that are just as good. They are authentic and much cheaper than anything you can find in the more pricey restaurants. Keep an eye out for the people cleaning large stacks of oysters.
Other tasty local grub in Gongbei can be found on any of the side streets off of Lianhua Lu (Lotus Road).
For a cheap and filling snack, look for the tiny noodle places run by Muslims. One good one is next to WanZaiSha bus station in Xiangzhou.
Restaurants
Cantonese cuisine is common place, but restaurants featuring food from all over China are also easiy found. Seafood is a local specialty.
One large and popular high-end seafood place is on an impressive looking boat in Xiangzhou harbour. To reach the '''Deyuefang Seafood Restaurant''' from Gongbei, take #9 or the sightseeing bus along Qinglu Lu (Lovers' Road) until you see the ship and bridge on your right, just as the bus turns left. Get off the bus and walk across the bridge. From Jusco, walk south along the main street to the first corner and turn left. The bridge is one block ahead.
'''Shi Shen Seafood City''' has two locations, one in a interesting old building a bit north of town on the coastal road (#3, #10 or Sightseeing bus) and one near the border, a short distance along the road by the clock tower.
May Flower Restaurant. uang Chao Wu Yue Hua. 86-756-3330000. offers excellent seafood. As in many places in this area, you pick your fish from tanks. You may also pick your own vegetables and specify the cooking methods. This is not the kind of place to come if you like to pick things off a menu, but if you're willing to select your food while it's still swimming, it's a great choice. There is a large airplane attached to the front of the building.
Jenny's Cafe. enny's Cafe. iangzhou. us 69 one stop past Jusco, its on the right. verage. is a neat, cozy, jazz infused cafe serving mostly Chinese food but with an extensive and reasonably priced drinks menu that includes coffee, tea and some alcoholic drinks. It's past the Xinhua book store on your right, but can be a bit difficult to find. Look for a small sign above a doorway. If you see the cinema/convention center on your left you've walked too far.
Food from '''other regions of China''' is also available. Hunan and Sichuan food is common. Within walking distance north of Jusco on the main street, there are many restaurants:
:- Turn right at the first corner (KFC) for a big seafood restaurant and a good Sichuan restaurant.
:- Turn left at the seafood restaurant, and 20 meters along the side street will be an alley on your right with an assorted row of cheap local restaurants.
:- At the end of the alley, turn left again for more of the same, including some good Muslim noodles place about half a block along on your right.
:- Back on the main street, turn left at the first pedestrian overpass for good Dongbei (Northeast China) food.
:- There is a fine Xinjiang restaurant on the #4 bus route, one stop north of the Jida ferry port. That is part of a cluster of mid-range restaurants in a newly developed area.
Pizza
There are two pizza places run by local expats, both good:
'''Dynamics Pizza''' is in Xiangzhou, set back from the street on the main street a couple of blocks North of Jusco, opposite the Post Office. Prices are reasonable, \8-10 for beer and \15 to \50+ for pizza. The owner is a South African called Peter. Tuesday nights are informal "Quiz Nites."
'''Mr Pizza''' is in Jinding (#3, #10 or the sightseeing bus. Alight at the first bus stop after you turn into Jinding, then cross the street). Pizza price ranges from \40 to \80. Happy Hour from 5:30pm to 7:00pm with beer at half price. Imported wine is available here. The restaurant also has a small deli where you can buy cheese and other goodies. The owner is an Englishman named Ken.
There is a '''Pizza Hut''' (Jida, next to Hita Plaza) and a '''Papa John's''' (Jida), but Dynamics and Mr Pizza are much better and considerably cheaper (American pizza chains in China have approximately half the cheese and toppings as usual). Pizza can also be found in other local restaurants, including a local chain called Pizza Coffee, but the pizza is not very appealing to Western tastes.
Pub Food
'''The Old Chinese Junk''', in Tangjia, is a nice new rooftop pub/bar run by a friendly Englishman serving great food including burgers, steaks, British specialties such as 'fish & chips' and 'bangers & mash', and ice cold Carlsberg on tap. The pub has a nautical theme including a ship-shaped bar, hence the name. It is an expat oasis of sorts as it is one of the only truly western bars in Zhuhai and currently the only one in northern Zhuhai. It is located on the 4th floor of the 'shopping-center-like-complex', near the Dragon Opera house. The bar is connected to the Longmen Hotel and can reached using their elevator. Address: 'Tang Jia Shi Chang, Long Men Jiu Dian' Phone: +86-756-3319668.
'''Ryan's Bar''', with good pub food, is located just behind Jusco in Xianzhou. It is popular with expats, particularly when international sporting events are on TV. Address: directly behind Jusco. Phone: +86-13824121280 (mobile).
Alain's '''Belgian Beer Bar''' (next to Jewel of India) has good food, generally large portions and a fine selection of bottled beers. It seems to be more of a restaurant than a bar. Address: 28/7 Hua Jing Xi Yuan Shi Hua Dong Lu 58, (opposite Hai Wan Hua Yuan), Zhuhai.
Indian
'''Indian Kitchen''', Jida ? #4 bus, 2 stops south of the port - Fairly decent Indian food (Southern Tamil) with sometimes bizarre entertainment including dancing girls. You'll spend at least \60 per person. Address: 26-28, Sek Fat Tong Road, Huajing Garden, Dongyuan, Jida, Zhuhai. Phone: +86-756-3345784.
'''Jewel of India''', in Jida, is another Indian restaurant on the same street at Belgian Beer Bar. It serves authentic Northern Indian food and is famous for its Tandoori Chicken. They also deliver food anywhere in Zhuhai. You will spend about \70 per person. Address: 28-1 Hua Jing Xi Yuan Shi Hua Dong Lu 58, Zhuhai. Phone: +86-13192221216 (mobile) or +86-756-3321770. They
open from 11am to 2.30pm and from 5pm to 11pm.
Japanese
There are several notable Japanese restaurants in Zhuhai:
'''Jusco''' has a good conveyor belt style sushi restaurant on the third floor. It is a bit pricey though.
There is a large upscale Japanese restaurant along Qinglu Lu (Lovers' Road) in Gongbei, a block from Bar Street.
'''Takumi Ken''', on the #4 bus route, is one stop South of the port.
Other
Around the border shopping area, there are a number of good and reasonably priced Thai restaurants.
'''Holiday Inn''' in Jida does an excellent breakfast buffet with Western, Japanese and Chinese dishes. It costs \60 if you are not a hotel guest.
'''Indian Restaurant'''? Located in Gongbei, this restaurant's name refers to the 'Native American Indian' decor of the restaurant, not curries and nan bread. The specialty is high priced steak that is no more than tolerable. However, you might consider going for the decor, which is American Plains Indian with a few pieces of Northwestern coastal art. The waitresses there wear fringed skirts with feathers in their hair. The restaurant is a couple of blocks north of McDonalds on the main street (Yingbin Lu) running north from the border.
Western Groceries
To shop for '''imported groceries''', including items such as cheese, chocolate, and milk, try Jusco on the main street in Xiangzhou, Carrefour near the end of the #7 and #9 bus lines, or the Zhuhai Deli [http://www.macauzhuhai.com/drupal/webpages/zhuhaideli/Zhuhai%20Deli.html]. Jusco has a reasonable bakery which carries a few odd items like tuna doughnuts.
Drink
Zhuhai is known for its nightlife due to its status as a tourist destination for Chinese nationals, and as a playground for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan businessmen looking for female company. Whether it's enjoying Chinese street life, mixing it up with all walks of life on Walking Street, sipping cocktails on Bar Street, or hitting the wild electronic discos, Zhuahi has what you're looking for!
For a truly unique experience, have a beer or coffee at one of the couple dozen open-air bar booths along '''Lianhua Lu''' (Lotus Road ?___H ''Lian-Hu?-Lu''), sometimes called '''Walking Street''' (?_s_X ''Bu-Xing-Ji?'') because it is a pedestrian-only street. It is parallel to Yingbin Lu (mentioned above) and a block East of it. It runs North-South, starting on the Western side of the Gongbei bus station, opposite the Northeast exit from the underground shopping complex at the Macau border. By day, it is a busy shopping street with numerous shops. It transforms into a spectacular must-see atmosphere at night. This area is filled with a couple dozen individual proprietary outdoor stalls for drinking and playing dice with the bar girls. Casual approaches by 'working girls' are common, as are passers-by and beggars who sing, shine your shoes, play makeshift instruments, present their pet monkey, or simply point to their baby sadly in order to get a small tip from you. There are two groups of outdoor bars with the one further South nearer the border emphasizing food (nothing special) and the one a little further North emphasizing drinks_BThere is a stretch of shops in between the two areas. Drinks are cheap (\10 or \15 for a bottle of beer, fresh fruit juice or cup of coffee), and you get to meet all sorts of travelers, expats, Hong Kong and Macau residents coming over for shopping or cheaper entertainment, local wannabes, and 'working girls'. Hanging out here is by far one of the most interesting things to do in Zhuhai. Use common sense late at night, as things can get pretty wild. Most stalls are open till 3am. A few stay open until later for enthusiastic customers.
'''Bar Street (__?_X Ji?-B?-Ji?)''' is a new, approximately 300 meter long, modern strip of more upscale bars, some featuring live music. This strip primarily caters to Chinese businessmen, Chinese yuppies, and moneyed or uninformed tourists. It is one block inland and a 20 minute walk from the Gongbei border. Follow the street with the clock tower until it becomes Bar Street. Some, particularly "Cohiba", are expat hangouts. These are generally expensive (\20 to \30 for beer, more for cocktails), but may be worthwhile if you crave pseudo-Western food or live music.
There are numerous '''discos''' in Zhuhai that will allow you to continue your night into the morning. There are several in Gongbei within a short cab ride of either Bar Street or Walking Street. One with lots of action and open until 6am is located on Walking Street near the food stands closer to the Macau border (look for the escalator going down from the street). Another popular disco is Yesterday & Tomorrow which adopts an ancient Egyptian theme. Yesterday has the usual ear-splitting terrible Chinese Euro-trance music. Tomorrow has a marginally better selection. There are several slightly smaller, dance type clubs located right on Bar Street, most famously '''Red Bar''', an often packed-to-the-gills meat-market. The Xiangzhou and Jida areas also have popular discos. Your best bet is to hit your bar of choice first and then inquire and explore. The discos tend to be large, intense, and heavy into generic Chinese imitation euro-trance music, and popular with the young and rebellious. Cover charges may or may not apply, drinks are expensive by Chinese standards (generally \30 or more). Be careful with your possessions as these places are notorious for pickpockets.
Although pricey, the '''Holiday Inn''' has quite a number of beers on tap in its classy bar in Jida. It features live western music performed by Filipino groups, among others, on some nights (usually weekends). The crowd can be a little dry though if you don't like chatting with the hotel guests (businessmen from all over the world). The bar is called '''The Blarney Stone''' but appears to have nothing particularly Irish about the decor.
'''Ryan's Bar''', with good pub food, located just behind Jusco in Xiangzhou, is popular with expats, particularly when international sporting events are on TV. Address: directly behind Jusco. Phone: +86-13824121280.
'''The Old Chinese Junk''', in Tangjia, is a nice new rooftop pub/bar run by a friendly Englishman named Mike. The bar has a nautical theme including a ship shaped bar, hence the name. 'The Junk' has ice cold Carlsberg on tap and serves great western food including burgers, pasta, and British specialties such as 'fish & chips' and 'bangers & mash'. It is an expat oasis of sorts as it is one of the only truly western bars in Zhuhai and currently is the only one in Northern Zhuhai. It is located on the 4th floor of the 'shopping-center-like-complex' in Tangjia. It is also connected to the Longmen Hotel, and can be accessed by using their elevator. ddress: 'Tang Jia Shi Chang, Long Men Jiu Dian' Phone: +86-756-3319668.
'''Dragon Union Opera House''', also in Tangjia, is a large entertainment venue, occasionally featuring live, perhaps tacky, variety shows with acrobats, jugglers, rope climbers and singers, etc. Beer is expensive during shows. There is also a floor dedicated to massages. There are quite a few karaoke rooms available, complete with furniture, beds, food, drink, choice of girls, and optional adult entertainment options to fulfill your every need no matter how unusual. Known even in Hong Kong as a destination for those seeking an 'all inclusive' karaoke experience, it can be as tame or as involved as you want it to be.
Come to '''The Jinding Barbeque''' for a unique dining experience and beers aplenty (see eating section above) and then go to '''Jinding Karaoke Bar Street''', an off-the-beaten-path strip of about 10 truly hole-in-the-wall karaoke bars located Northeast of the main street in Jinding. Come here if you want to experience where real salt-of-the-earth working class Chinese people go to get their drinks and howl at high decibel levels into a microphone. It is not easily reached by walking if you do not know where you are going, but it is easy to flag down any of the locals and get a ride on their motorcycle (takes about 3 minutes and costs \5) or take any of the taxi vans parked all around the middle of the main street. Just motion that you want to drink and sing and point in a Eastward direction from the center of main street to convey the message. You will be popular here and may be encouraged to join someone's table and drink gratis as most locals will be surprised a foreigner would come here. Drink plenty of beer or bring earplugs or both to dull the volume of the howling.
Sleep
Where to Stay
Hotels in Zhuhai are reasonably priced. Travelers on tight budgets can opt for budget or midrange hotels. Most people choose to stay in '''Gongbei''' due to its proximity to attractions, nightlife, the Macau border, and its variety of conveniently located and reasonable hotels. '''Jida''' has primarily upscale hotels that business travelers sometimes opt for, which are usually conveniently located. Some are further away and require taking taxis or the bus. Further out, '''Xiangzhou''' also has a variety of options at different price ranges. The Northern districts of '''Tangjia''' and '''Jinding''' are further removed from the action of Zhuhai and offer very cheap hotels.
Gongbei: Budget & Midrange Hotels
There are at least a dozen hotels within short walking distance of the Gongbei border, mostly either cheap or mid-range (\150 to \400) ones. You can bargain the prices down and normally they have "special prices", around half the listed price. On the other hand, it is not uncommon to see a low price on the sign, but find when you go in that only more expensive rooms are available (sometimes this is true, sometimes it is an effort to coax you into a more expensive room). Adventurous single male travelers can scout around for rock bottom prices, and may be able to find a room for as little as \120 to \130 if they can talk these 'Chinese only hotels' into accepting them (which isn't always possible). Single female travelers, those with young families, or those fearing excessive street noise or noise from other guests should have no trouble landing a room for \175 to \275 (with an elevator, bellhop, restaurant etc), that anyone would feel more than comfortable staying in. Most of the hotels located around the border fall into this category. The available optoins are plentiful so looking around for a hotel that suits you may be the best plan.
'''Friendship Hotel''', just opposite the Gongbei border. If you are at the border, facing town, it is just to the left of the bus station. It is almost directly across the street as you emerge from the Macau border crossing. The hotel is at a convenient location for accessing the Macau border crossing, or Walking Street for commencing the night's activities. Price for a basic room is around \180 to \200 on weekdays and \230 on weekends. A room upgrade for another \30 is worth the price. It is nothing amazing, but it is clean and safe, having typical hotel services.
Taking Yingbin Lu North from the border, turn left at the first street for two fairly large mid-range hotels. Or turn right at McDonalds for several more including some fancier ones.
'''Jiuzhou Hotel''' ? find the road that goes North along the East side of the bus station. The hotel is about half a block along it on the right. The sign in the window says \120.
In the middle of the Walking Street bar area is '''Da Hai Hotel''' with clean rooms, television and air-conditioning, at \130 a night. Some rooms even have bathtubs, which is unusual in China. This is a great place to stay, provided you don't mind a few flights of stairs, the music from nearby bars which is audible until the wee hours, or the fact that some rooms are rented by the hour.
Xiangzhou
If you turn left (South) on the main street as you come out of Jusco, there are three hotels in the first block. There are two large ones on your right (across the street) and a small one a block along on your left costing \80. Several more are on various back streets North of Jusco, in the \100 to \120 range.
Budget Housing Cheaper than Hotels
Most budget travelers opt for low end hotels, and there are a number of legitimate cheaper hotels in '''Gongbei''' with low prices between \160 to \230. Talking your way into 'Chinese only' hotels may land you prices in the \120 to \150 range. Some hotels in '''Xiangzhou''' can be had for as little as \100 to \120, and in the Northern districts of '''Tangjia''' or '''Jinding''' hotels can be had for as low as \80 if you look around. However, for those who truly want rock bottom prices somewhere other than a hotel, there is budget lodging in the form of hostels, and private rooms offered by individuals or families.
There is a HI youth hostel in Zhuhai which is located in the "Zhuhai Holiday Resort". This is in Jida, on number #4 bus route.
On the Walking Street in Gongbei there are at least three massage parlours. If you arrive after 9pm you may pay \60 to \88 (depending on the room type) for two hours traditional Chinese massage and they will let you sleep until mid-day without additional payment. In one establishment you may have the room to yourself. It has television and air-conditioning. In the others you share a room with four other guests.
Touts outside the Xiangzhou bus station offer accommodation, often in private apartments with the family on bunk beds in the living room so the bedrooms can earn money. \50 a night is usual. These are usually clean and have a TV in every room, but up several flights of stairs and with a squat toilet.
My Residence in Zhuhai
_g___i_R_H 188 __
388-0388
Home Inn _@_________X
_g_________H 58 __ 26 __
337-5111
Youth Hostel _x_______X___N____
_g_________H 9 __
333-3838
Sunferia Inn
_O_R____________ 15 _w
853-4821
Splurge
Most higher end hotels are located in Jida or Gongbei. Gongbei situated hotels are more convenient for accessing the Macau border crossing, colorful nightlife and walking around and exploring. Jida locations vary, depending on the address of the hotel as some are essentially in Gongbei, while others are well north of that and are a taxi ride from the heart of the action.
'''Dehan Hotel & International Conference Center''' - Located in Jida. This large hotel is very recognizable due to its unique quasi-romanesque dome and its location near the beach in Jida.
'''Harbour View hotel''' ? Located in Jida next to the only decent beach in downtown Zhuhai. It has a good restaurant. About 1K from the ferry terminal.
'''Zobon Business Hotel''' ? Located in Jida, this hotel is now called the Lexington Plaza. It is 100m from Harbour View. You can negotiate a good price here. Try negotiating \450 a night for a good room (5-star) and a western restaurant.
'''Holiday Inn''' (_______X ''Jia-Ri-Ji?-Dian'') ? Located in Jida. This hotel is western managed and has clean rooms. It is within walking distance to the shopping belt. For American travelers, this is a high-end Holiday Inn, not the budget chain that is found in the U.S. Expect hefty prices for nicer accommodations. The rooms are large, if somewhat worn. On the executive floors you'll find laundry, internet, local calling and breakfast are complimentary, making it quite attractive for business travelers. Nightly live music is available in the Irish bar downstairs. Floors two and three are owned by a separate Macanese company and offer massage, a large bar, karaoke and other entertainment. Not within walking distance of Gongbei nightlife, but if you're staying here you can afford the taxi fare. +86-756-3228888. No. 188 Jingshan Lu.
'''Grand Bay View Hotel''' ? Located in Gongbei, this hotel has nice views of Macau overlooking the sea.
'''Nanyang Seascape''' (___m_C_i ''Nan-Yang-H?i-J?ng'') ? Located in Gongbei, this hotel is not well kept, with uncomfortable beds and smelly lobby and lifts. The location, however, is very good.
'''Yindo''' (?_s ''Yin-D?''), Gongbei ? This was the first 5-star hotel in Zhuhai but it has gotten old. Feels more like a 3.5-star now.
'''Zhuhai Holiday Resort Hotel''' ? Located in Gongbei this hotel is considered a 5-star hotel, but by Western standards closer to 3 or 4. It is 5 minutes from the ferry terminal.
Contact
The area code for Zhuhai is 0756. When calling from overseas, dial +86 756 XXXX-XXXX
Stay safe
In general, Zhuhai is a safe and friendly city. However, it is heavily infested with pickpockets, especially in the crowded shopping areas and on buses. Using a razor to get a wallet out of a hip pocket on a bus is a favorite tactic.
Many vendors in the Gongbei market sell a wide variety of western knockoff products. Quality varies widely and prices are generally negotiable.
Zhuhai is famous for rent-a-hottie services, but it is ''not'' Thailand. Prostitution is illegal in China, and if you are caught with one by the police, the consequences could be dire.
As in anywhere else in China, do not drink the tap water, avoid undercooked meats, watch out for counterfeit bills (especially 50s), and be very cautious about traffic.
As in anywhere else in Asia, some tour guides will take you to shops that pay them commission. Those shops are often overpriced, and the usual advice is to never let any local except a trusted friend take you to any tourist shop. One Zhuhai variant involves outrageously priced herbs from a Chinese medicine company called Bai Chao Tang (_S____).
Get Out
The bus to Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, costs \60 to \65, runs every half hour and takes 2.5 hours from Gongbei or 1 hour 45 minutes from Tangjia. You can board one at the underground station in Gongbei to reach Garden Hotel in Guangzhou (__?___X), or one from near the Gongbei border to get to the Provincial bus station (___D?__) or Tianhe Dasha bus station (_V______). Additionally, it is possible to take the bus from Tangjia in northern Zhuhai to get to the Guangzhou airport, or Guangzhou proper.
Neighbouring Macau can be reached on foot or by car through the Gongbei border crossing, by ferry from Wanzai area, or on foot or by car through the Lotus Bridge from Hengqin.
Hong Kong can be reached by a 1-hour ferry boat trip from Jiuzhou Port (___F_`). Bus #3 will take you to the ferry terminal. Ferries run regularly all day, with the last boat to Hong Kong leaving at 9:30pm.
Shenzhen, district of Shekou, can be reached by a 1 hour ferry boat trip from Jiuzhou Port (___F_`).
There are also buses to most nearby cities including Shenzhen (cheaper than the ferry), and overnight buses to Guilin, Xiamen, Zhanjiang and Beihai.
The Xiangzhou and Gongbei bus stations have overnight buses to Guilin or Yangshuo. These are fairly uncomfortable. Unlike most overnight buses, they have no on-board toilets, but they do make several stops during the 12-hour trip.
Flying can either be accomplished by using the Zhuhai airport in the western Doumen district of the city, or taking the bus to the Guangzhou airport. Times vary for transportation depending on how far south in Zhuhai you are departing from. If leaving from Xiangzhou, Tangjia, or Jinding it is nearly as fast, and more perhaps more convenient, to get to the Guangzhou airport. If leaving from Gongbei or Jida the Zhuhai airport would be nearer.
Please note that the photo of the A380 is from the China Airshow that is held in Zhuhai every second year. Planes from Zhuhai airport are typically A320 or 737's.