Wailingding Island

Historical Overview

First inhabited by fishermen during the Ming Dynasty, the island gained fame in 1982 when it was developed into a tourist zone. Key milestones include the 1990 construction of the first passenger pier, the 2005 establishment of a marine protected area, and the 2018 opening of the “Sky Bridge” suspension walkway. Today, it hosts the annual Wailingding Island International Ocean Race and serves as a base for marine research.

Structural Layout

The island is divided into four zones:Harbor Area: Features the ferry terminal, seafood markets, and the “Fishermen’s Village” with traditional stilt houses.

Beach Zone: A 2-kilometer crescent-shaped shoreline with coral reefs and a diving center.

Mountain Zone: Home to Lingding Peak (311 meters), connected by 1,200 stone steps and offering panoramic views of Hong Kong and Macau.

Village Zone: Preserved Hakka-style houses and the 18th-century “Tianhou Temple,” dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu.

Major Attractions

Lingding Peak: Hike to the summit for sunrise views over the “dolphin Bay” and a 10-meter-tall “Lingding Stone” engraved with poetic verses.

Sky Bridge: A 200-meter-long glass-bottomed walkway suspended 50 meters above sea level.

Moonlight Bay: Snorkel or kayak in calm waters teeming with tropical fish.

Fishermen’s Village Museum: Exhibits on pearl cultivation and traditional fishing tools.

Tianhou Temple: A 250-year-old temple with a 6-meter-tall Mazu statue and incense ceremonies on 1st/15th day of the lunar calendar.

Coral Reef Dive Site: Certified divers can explore 30+ species of hard coral (seasonal: March–October).

AR Lighthouse Trail: Scan QR codes at 5 historic lighthouses to unlock augmented reality stories.

Suggested Itineraries

•  Half-Day Adventure (4 hours):

Ferry arrival → Beach Zone (snorkeling) → Sky Bridge → Lingding Peak (partial ascent) → Fishermen’s Village (lunch).

Highlights: Quick immersion in nature and culture.

• Full-Day Explorer (7 hours):

Ferry arrival → Lingding Peak hike → Moonlight Bay kayaking → Tianhou Temple → AR Lighthouse Trail → Beach Zone sunset.

Highlights: Panoramic views, marine life, and cultural sites.

• Overnight Retreat (2 days):

Day 1: Ferry arrival → Village Zone (Hakka house tour) → Lingding Peak sunset → Beachside campfire.

Day 2: Moonlight Bay diving → Sky Bridge → Departure.

Highlights: Stargazing, diving, and local cuisine.

Ticket Purchase

Ferry Tickets:

Zhuhai Xiangzhou Port → Wailingding: ¥140/adult (round trip), ¥70/child.

Macau Maritime Terminal → Wailingding: ¥200/adult (round trip), weekends only.

Book via “Zhuhai Ferry” WeChat mini-program (up to 7 days in advance).

Island Fees: Free entry to all zones; diving/kayaking rentals extra.

Transportation

By Ferry:

Zhuhai Xiangzhou Port: 8 AM–4 PM daily (70-minute ride).

Macau Maritime Terminal: 10 AM–2 PM weekends (50-minute ride).

On-Island: Golf carts (¥20/person) or rental bikes (¥15/hour).

Taxi: Not available; shuttle buses operate between zones (¥5/ride).

Best Time & Tips

Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays (Monday–Thursday) or March–June (before summer peak).

Weather: October–December is driest; July–August is hot but ideal for diving.

• Essentials:

Reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, and water shoes (sharp rocks on trails).

Cash for village markets (limited ATMs).

Mosquito repellent for dawn/dusk hikes.

Prohibited: Littering, coral collection, and drones without permits.