Discover Huizhou
Huizhou is well known for its mountains, hills and valleys, particularly in the north and the east. The southern part of the city is home to a long, meandering coastline. These beautiful natural wonders offer visitors a diversity of charming scenic spots to explore.
Fire Dog Show
Originating from the Lantian Yao Township, which has a history spanning over 300 years, the Fire Dog Show is a puberty rite for unmarried girls of the Yao ethnic group, representing a historical legacy of the ancient matriarchal society within the clan. The show was inscribed on the first batch of the Guangdong provincial-level list of intangible cultural assets in 2006.
Every year, on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, the Fire Dog Show is organised to honour the dog deities for nurturing the Yao people and protecting the clan from evil spirits. During the rite, girls from the clan dress as ‘Fire Dogs’ by wearing bamboo hats, tying yellow ginger leaves around their arms and waists, and carrying incense sticks. The festive occasion culminates in magnificent displays of folk dances and songs, eliciting cheerful cheers and applause from spectators.
Honghua Lake Water Park
Covering a total area of about 30 hectares, Honghua Lake Water Park is one of the top places to visit in the Honghua Lake Scenic Area in West Lake, Huizhou. With a capacity to accommodate 5,000 park-goers at the same time, this expansive, state-of-the-art water park prides itself on having facilities designed to suit all age groups — from a kids’ zone to exhilarating rides for adrenaline seekers who brave thrilling heights and plunges.
The park also features additional family-friendly attractions: a gigantic bouncy castle, a mega outdoor ball pit, and a dinosaur-themed park, among others.
Huizhou Chaojing Gate
A stronghold with multiple gate towers, Huizhou Ancient City was acclaimed as the Fortress of East River in the past, and Chaojing Gate was the most famous gateway of the city. Constructed in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty, Chaojing Gate once faced the direction of the ancient Chinese capital and now stands amidst the bustling city of Huizhou.
Due to damage from wars, the gate was rebuilt in 2006 and is considered one of the best restored cultural attractions in Huizhou. In the daytime, pedestrians and anglers are often seen appreciating the picturesque scenery along the East River. The West Lake is also only about 100 steps away from the Chaojing Gate. Following the instructions on the signage next to the gate, visitors will ascend to the top of a gate tower and find themselves awe-struck by the breathtaking view below. From this vantage point, Chaojing Gate delineates the boundary between West Lake and East River, leaving visitors captivated by the splendid vista.
Huizhou MuseumHuizhou: Mazu Cultural Tourism Festival
Every year, on the 23rd day of the third month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the birthday of Chinese sea goddess Mazu is celebrated. The long-standing faith in Mazu has taken root in Huizhou, as people living in this coastal city would pray to the goddess for the safe return of their loved ones after fishing trips. The cultural significance of this worshipping practice explains why there are a total of 12 Mazu temples in Xunliao.
As one of the ‘Three Major Chinese Festivals’, the Mazu Festival is celebrated across villages in Xunliao every year. To add to the fun of the folk celebrations, the Mazu Cultural Tourism Festival brings together a rich variety of activities, including a grand praying ceremony, a fireworks display, Huangmei opera performances, a parade featuring a golden statue of the goddess, as well as sailing of fishing boats out in the sea. All these represent a cultural feast for locals and visitors alike.
Xihumen Food Street
Xihumen Food Street is located at Qiaoxi Market, which is opposite to the main entrance of the West Lake Scenic Area in Huizhou. With a of history of more than a century, Qiaoxi Market is hailed as ‘Small Hong Kong’. Since being revamped in 2020, the market has been recognised as an attraction that — along with the Su Causeway of West Lake and Chaojing Gate — reflects the grandeur of the Southern Song Dynasty whilst arousing interest in the rich historical and cultural heritage of Huizhou.
An emerging tourist attraction of Huizhou, Xihumen Food Street is now a popular night market, divided into three areas for speciality snacks, gourmet restaurants, and leisure and culture respectively. The stalls in the street open day and night throughout the year, welcoming all visitors to try their delicious offerings and shop for special souvenirs.
Reprinted from the website of the Hong Kong Tourism Board，click here.
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