Shenzhen Xichong: Blacklisted! My PSA: Just Don't Go.
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Hello, everyone! My recent visit to Xichong Beach in Shenzhen had some surprises and some unpleasant experiences. I'd like to share these insights with those planning to visit there, especially foreign visitors who may not fully understand the situation.
I heard that Xichong is known as "the best" beach in Shenzhen (which locals often refer to it as the “top”) so I scheduled a trip to an observatory nearby.
- After looking around, I noticed that none of the hotels or homestays offered sea-view rooms. Walking for just a few minutes was fine to reach the beach though.
- However, things started going wrong...
Let me elaborate:
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Accommodation Issues
- First off, the so-called luxury room I booked didn’t even have a television!
In China, such rooms typically come equipped with one, surprising, right? - Second, the bathroom only had two small towels and no large bath towels to be found.
- When I asked the owner for one, he happened to be out. His daughter looked in the storeroom but found nothing.
- Just then, the owner reappeared and brought us a bath towel himself. He then explained: if customers don't ask for it, they won't provide it.
️ Travel Tip: Remember to request bath towels when staying at this place, as they may not provide them proactively.
- First off, the so-called luxury room I booked didn’t even have a television!
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The “Real Story” Behind Lover’s Island
- Not to dwell on the need to purchase tickets to access the Xichong beach area (many people already complained about it online).
- I have serious complaints regarding Lover's Island! It was heavily recommended in guides and by local beach goers.
- But when we reached the island via a boat ride, we found it was a bare, empty island! There were no food stalls, no accommodations, only a diving spot.
- The moment you enter Xichong Beach resort, people will kindly suggest taking a boat to the island.
- Despite its beautiful scenery, I couldn't find a single shelter from the sun.
- ️ Travel Tip: If you're heading to Lover’s Island, make sure to mentally prepare yourself for its primal nature and bring all necessary supplies: water, sunscreen, umbrella, etc. A salesperson will try to sell you a ticket near the entrance.
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Motorboat Experience Shortfall
- For 10 minutes on a motorboat in Xichong, it costs 180 RMB.
For a "round-island tour" of 15 minutes, you pay 200 RMB. - Although the price cannot be negotiated, the vendor promised verbally to allow extra playing time.
- On leaving for the boat, my coach checked the time - 3:24. After sailing near the middle point, I questioned when our return would be, and he altered his statement, stating 3:22 as the departure time. (Hmm? Two minutes less?)
- I kept silent first. Then when it was roughly 3:31, the instructor said he would drive towards the coast.
- We arrived on land at around 3:34. I asked him if this was a ‘round-island’ tour.
- He explained we were originally told it would be challenging due to waves and thus allowed personal drive time. (I swear he never mentioned this! )
- "But I paid for a round-island tour!” I protested.
- "The time is more or less enough," he deftly responded. (Hardly sufficient!)
- I didn't feel like arguing and decided not to ruin my vacation experience. Just learned something new...
- ️ Notice: When taking part in activities like motorboat ride, always confirm the duration, route, and price with the instructor beforehand. Make sure everyone has agreed what 'round island' implies and always record your departure time.
- For 10 minutes on a motorboat in Xichong, it costs 180 RMB.
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Surprise Prices
- Where I stayed, a can of “Vita Lemon Tea” cost me 7 RMB - pretty steep. But I don't drink it much, so thought it was the regular hotel price.
- When seeking food, I happened to pass a supermarket:
- Two small bottles of "Wanglaoji", an everyday refreshing beverage, cost 12RMB. Though unfamiliar with normal pricing, I took no notice as yet.
- One Coca-cola plus one Vitamin Water added up to 12RMB, neither realising how expensive it was then.
- These were separate purchases, but the third time, I spent 12RMB on a brand of cheap ice-cream! A stick of "Suibian" normally sells for 2 to 3RMB in towns, let alone being charged 6RMB here! It felt like crazy money making!
- As for seafood in this area charging twice the price outside, I won't elaborate further due to its common occurrence. Overcharging seems rampant.
- ️ Saving Tip: Items inside Xichong’s travel resort can cost substantially more. Buy snacks and drinks at home before arriving. Seek several eateries to compare prices, especially seafood.
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Rules of Night Beach Fun (Supplement)
- Intending to walk along the beachside at the late nights of No.4 beach? You might not be able to as swimming isn't permitted. There's only a nearby bar for drinking but charged of course, unless you drive to the entrance and pay parking fees again.
- ️ Tips: If you plan to visit the seaside at night, first inquire about the stipulations of No.4 beach or if there's any entrance open and what charges apply.
I hope my experiences can benefit you! While the scenic views are indeed alluring, these additional details could affect your mood to some extent.
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The first two photos are from Nanao. The beach is right downstairs, and you can also just chill in the guesthouse gazing at the sea – it's incredibly beautiful and comfortable. The seafood nearby is fresh, tender, and affordable. Highly recommended!
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You don't have to stay right in this area; choosing Nanao or another sea-view room means you can relax and watch the sea from your bed. Then, during the day, head to the observatory – it's stunningly beautiful. For diving 🤿, you can go to Lover's Island. If you're not diving, you don't necessarily need to go to the island. I can't swim, but if I could, I'd definitely want to get in the water.
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Totally agree! The accommodation in Xichong is... well, it's hard to even comment on. Just a few drinks from a small nearby supermarket cost 40-50 yuan. I'm so glad I checked out the next day and moved to Nanao – it's way more comfortable over there.
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I came here from Nanao, and the difference is stark.
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Come buy drinks from me! I also deliver, and water is just 2 yuan – normal prices.
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Awesome! I'll definitely go there next time I'm in the area.
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Nanao Island is honestly my number one! I've been twice. I visited Xichong a few years ago, and it was really beautiful back then – there wasn't much there, and no entrance fee either.
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Xichong is still beautiful, especially the observatory. I feel like just going for a day trip to explore would be a pretty good experience.
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Stay here at Youshan Meidi, near Nanao. It's a 10-minute drive to the beach, they have parking, and it's peaceful. Only a little over 200 yuan a night.
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My biggest mistake was initially staying in a sea-view place in Nanao and then moving to Xichong. I hadn't originally planned to stay in Xichong, just wanted to visit the observatory. The observatory itself was genuinely beautiful, though – definitely worth the visit.
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I can't really agree with this 'don't go' advice... People working in the city love going there.
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Alright.
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Anyway, for those of you planning to visit Xichong, I'd suggest just coming for a day trip. I'm heading to the observatory tomorrow morning.
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The observatory is pretty good, absolutely stunning. The 50 yuan yacht
️ ride is definitely worth it. -
Yeah, I got ripped off with the accommodation in Xichong, and it was super expensive too!
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Hey dear, which hotel is that in your first two pictures?
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Shenzhen Nanao Xiyu Seaview Guesthouse.
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Hi! I saw your post about Xichong. We're a family of four, including a toddler (over 1 year old), planning a 3-day trip. We're looking for a place where the beach is right outside the door, as we can't move around too much with the little one. Do you have any recommendations for spots or guesthouses like that?