# Wailingding Island: A Hidden Gem in the Pearl River Estuary, Concealing the Most Romantic Blue

If you ask where Zhuhai's most healing secret spot is, the answer must be hidden in the azure waves of Lingding Bay—Wailingding Island. This small island, just a 30-minute boat ride from downtown, is like a glass globe forgotten by time. The water is so clear you can see cloud reflections, the reefs are covered with the textures of age, and even the wind carries the salty taste of freedom. --- ## Geographic Background: A "Sea Paradise" Just 30 Minutes from the City Wailingding Island is located at the southeast corner of Xiangzhou District in Zhuhai, with an area of only 2.8 square kilometers, yet it condenses all the romance of mountains and sea. A 40-minute boat ride from Xiangzhou Port, crossing an emerald sea, brings you to this solitary island embraced by white waves. The highest point on the island, Lingding Peak, stands at 311 meters above sea level. From the summit, you can see the blue sea supporting scattered islands like spilled sapphires, while the Tsing Ma Bridge of Hong Kong appears faintly in the distance, making it hard to distinguish between reality and a painting. --- ## Travel Highlights: Every Frame Looks Like a Movie Screenshot ### 1. The Blue Where Sky Meets Sea Will Fill Your Camera Memory The moment you disembark, you'll be struck by "Lingding Blue"—shallow waters like mint candy near the shore, turning to Tiffany green further out, then blending into deep cobalt blue in the deep sea. The coastal boardwalk is perfect for photos. Walking along the winding wooden path on the hillside, you'll have cliffs and splashing waves on one side and fishing villages with rising smoke on the other. At Stone Scenery Park, you'll see naturally formed "conch" and "turtle" rock formations. When waves crash against the reefs, they splash like shattered jade—more stunning than any filter. ### 2. Wait for a Sunset at the Lighthouse The Wailingding Lighthouse is the island's soul landmark. Built in 1980, this white lighthouse emits a warm yellow light in the evening, reflecting the sunset that turns the sea golden red. Sitting on the rocks beside the lighthouse, listening to the waves wrapped in salty wind entering your ears, you suddenly understand the saying "the bright moon rises over the sea, and we share this moment across vast distances"—the solitude and vastness here evoke a tender feeling. ### 3. Go "Beach Combing" with Fishermen In the early morning, follow the rowing fishing boats out to sea. Cast a net and harvest not only palm-sized general's hat shells and dog claw snails with tusks, but also learn seafood selection techniques from fisherwomen. In the evening, visit Stone Scenery Bay fish market, where freshly caught general's hat shells cost only 15 yuan per pound. Have the guesthouse owner steam them on the spot—the chewy texture is sweeter than any hairy crab. --- ## Local Culture: The Flavor of Life Between Mountains and Sea ### 1. The Incense of Beidi Pavilion Holds Fishermen's Faith The island's only ancient building, Beidi Pavilion, enshrines the water god Beidi. Fishermen must come to kowtow before sailing. The weathered wood carvings and faded red silk inside record hundreds of years of prayers and safe returns. If you happen to visit on the thirteenth day of the sixth lunar month, Beidi's birthday, you can see the lively dragon and lion dances. ### 2. The Slow Life in a Bowl of Seafood Porridge There are no trendy restaurants on the island, but the seafood porridge at every food stall brings happiness. At four in the morning, fisherwomen throw freshly caught shrimp, crab, and shellfish into wood-fired stoves, brewing a milky white thick soup. Paired with a freshly grilled general's hat shell, when the umami flavor explodes on your tongue, you'll feel that even breathing should slow down. --- ## Travel Tips: Details to Make You Feel Like an "Islander" 1. Choose the right ferry: During peak season (May-October), there are two ferries daily at 8:20 and 14:00. The early one is recommended, giving you 3 extra hours to chase the sunset. 2. Stay near the lighthouse: "Lingding Bay Guesthouse" is recommended—open the window to see the lighthouse and harbor, and the owner will give you handmade dried fish for breakfast. 3. Beware of "sweet traps": Lychees and longans can be picked freely on the island, but don't be greedy—fishermen say "eat three lychees, get sunburned for three days." 4. Bring corrosion-resistant shoes: The reef area is slippery. Crocs are better than sneakers for grip and can go directly into seawater. --- ## A Final Secret: Wailingding Island has an unwritten "rule"—don't take shells when leaving. Locals say: "Shells are the sea god's earrings; taking them will wake the waves." Instead, pack your memories in your suitcase and return with the next tide to hear new stories from this solitary island.