If you go down to the coast ?today youíll find a big surprise. . .
   Twenty years ago, it was a sleepy fishing village. Today, it's preparing for six luxury marinas to become the yachting capital of South China. Welcome to the new Zhuhai, a city where the economic tide is rising in tandem with the new Macau. Of course, it's going to take a few more years before the bridge linking Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai is finally complete, but now is the time to get acquainted with the subtle splendors of this Pearl River seaside city. Try our tourist sampler list for size. . .

Ambient dining destinations

Alain's Belgian Beer Bar
It's a perfect setting for amorous pairs or amicable get-togethers over supper.
Here they serve a great selection of fresh Belgian ales, chicken steaks and scrumptious chips. The long dripping candles, large tables and buttery walls will also remind you that Zhuhai is a very special economic zone indeed. Reservations for at the weekend are suggested.

Closed on Monday. Opens 6 pm.
58 Shi Hua East Road
Tel: 86-756-333-5671

Cohiba Bar & Restaurant
A place for lovers and simple romantics.
Yes, you can get a real cut of filet mignon and a spot of fois gras for 88RMB. Better still, you can dine al fresco under lovely weeping willows. Cohiba is arguably the most romantic spot in Zhuhai, with its lacquered tables, Portuguese-inspired décor and super menu. It's also nestled a block away from "Lover's Lane South".

For reservations, call: 86-756-889-2444
Address: 203 Shui Wan Road

The Cellar
If you want some fine wine and fresh sea air, this is the place to be. . .
Guangzhou and Shenzhen are not the only places where the wine boom is in full flow. Here they have international wines (both old world and new) in a French designed cellar with deep-red brick walls and inviting wooden tables. You can linger for sampling or just taste and take away your tipple.

For reservations, call:
86-756-818-1894
231 Shui Wan Lu

Hidden treats and secret legends

Ryan's Bar.
Seriously, they've got the best burgers in the Western Delta here — even better than the burgers found over in Macau. Freshly grilled and served hot on the spot on sesame seed buns, you can have your mean meat meal with a fried egg on top, if the mood merits. This is also a popular expat watering hole after work that can make sublime gin&tonics for 25RMB. Unbeatable! And every Thursday at 7pm, it's free vodka for the gals at their very popular Ladies Night. Located on a small street behind Jusco, just look out for the large Carlsberg sign. Ask for the affable owner Ryan (from Big Thunder Bay, Canada).

Zhuhai At A Glance
Zhuhai is found at the south end of Guangdong Province. The city is not only a special economic zone but an immensely important trading port. Presently, it is estimated that around 615,000 citizens inhabit the city. Of that, a very mixed and varied foreign community stretches to about 2,500. This, however, will certainly increase by the end of 2008. Zhuhai is located at the southern edge of the Zhujiang Delta. It is known as the "Island City" because there are over a hundred  islands dotting the coastline. There are also an amazing amount of rivers and tributaries to be found around the western parts of the city. Like Macau, the mean temperature is a balmy 22C.
Zhuahi is famous in South China for its industry. The main businesses here are essentially electronics, foods, chemicals and textiles. There is also a growing presence of multinational firms.
Naturally, being situated plum on the coast, seafood is one of the main cuisines. Here you can try everything from fat lobsters to tasty squid to an almost endless variety of crabs. And all for a great price.

The Angel of Zhuhai
Are we sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin. . . A long time ago, long before we knew of war and murder, an angel from heaven came down to earth and landed in Zhuhai. This beautiful angel, for she was a woman, fell in love with the place at once and refused to return to the heavenly clouds. So what did she do? She transfigured herself into a "simple fishing girl" and earned her living at the harbour, weaving nets. There she used her powers to heal the sick and give sight to the blind. Naturally, the villagers went tits out for this new member of the community and guarded her with zealous love. But then do you know what happened? She met a young fishermen named Peng and she fell in love. The locals became very jealous. However, the girl was so much under the glow of love that she relinquished her magical powers and fell into his arms, asking to be saved. Having loved a mortal, she died instantly. So, to honor her brief visit on earth, the Zhuhai villagers came together and built a gigantic pearl at the seashore in her remembrance. The end.      

Five-star stayovers

Grand Bay View Hotel
This five-star business stay is excellent if you want to live it up along Shui Wan Lu. Better yet, it's just a five-minute drive from both the Macau border and the Jiuzhou Ferry Terminal to Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The beds are as cozy as the views of the South China Sea, which are wide and sweeping.

Tel: 86-756-8877-998
Fax: 86-756-8878-998
Web: www.gbvh.com

Imperial Hot Spring Resort
Soak your bones in the luxury of Zhuhai's Imperial Hot-Springs. It's a bit removed from the city, but that's fine. With Japanese décor, gardens and lavish dining, the hot-spring experience here is well worth writing home about. Don't miss out on this experience. Located in Doumen (the western part of Zhuhai).

Tel: (86-756) 579-7128
Fax: (86-756) 579-8541

Holiday Inn
Nestled in the heart of the Jida part of Zhuhai's throbbing city center, this global brand offers all the amenities and services associated with the famous hotel company. It's located a few blocks south from a duty free shopping mall.

Tel: (86-756) 322-8888
Fax: (86-756) 322-8899
Web: www.holidayinn-zhuhai.com

Harbour View Hotel & Resort
Nicely located along a quiet stretch of Lover's Lane Middle Road, this hotel is convenient for seafood dining. It's also close to the famed Fishing Girl Statue. By taxi, it's 10 minutes to the Shui Wan Bar Street and 15 minutes to the Gongbei border. The second floor tea-room is popular for weekend brunch.

47 Lover's Lane Middle Road
Tel: 86-756-332-2888
Fax: 86-756-332-2385
Web: www.harbourviewhotel.com

Zhuhai Zobon Business Hotel
This new five-star stay will appeal to the Hong Kong power set, which means it has a very chic appeal. Also, the business lounge has great sea views.

33 Lover's Lane Middle Road
Tel: 86-756-322-0333
Fax: 86-756-326-5909
Web: www.zobonbusinesshotel-zh.cn

Five ways to while away the weekend

Kiss your lover by the Fishing Girl statue
Stroll along the rocky banks and pay homage to the legendary Fishing Girl, who is the main symbol of Zhuhai.

Get some Imperial Spa Treatment
Spa treatment at Zhuhai Imperial Hot Springs Resort includes seaweed, mud and many bubbles. You name it, they have it. This was the first hot-spring resort of its kind in China and helped usher in a spate of similar destinations in the city. Don't miss.

Head out for a Pearl River Island picnic
A day trip to Dongao Island from Xiangzhou Port is well worth your time in Zhuhai. The port itself is about a 25-minute taxi ride from the Gongbei border. The island itself is 23 nautical miles away and also underscores Zhuhai's moniker as "the city with a 100 islands". Dongao Island is an example of some of the picturesque islets (there are actually 146 islands to be precise) in the Pearl River Delta. It's perfect for secret picnics. Contact the Xiangzhou Port for ferry times: 86-756-211-1033.

Visit the Agricultural Science Garden
This botanical garden is laden with local horticulture that stuns the senses. They grow plenty of off-season fruits and vegetables too. Excellent at any time of year. Located in the northwest of Zhuhai along Meixi Road near the Meixi Royal Stone Archways.

Enjoy the splendor of the Yuanming Garden Palace
Visit this miniature replica of the Qing Dynasty's seaside resort in Beijing. The real place was set to torch by the Brits in 1860. The rascals. For details call 86-756-861-0388.

So what about that Zhuhai bridge?
In a word, it's going to be mega. . .
At almost 30kms in length, the awesome Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which is still under construction, will serve as a mobility link for people moving between the three areas. Official reports state that HK is putting up around 50 percent of the finance, with Guangdong standing at 35 percent and Macao propping up with 15 percent. It's a multi-billion-dollar project, with figures standing around 30 billion yuan (USD$4.2 billion).
Hong Kong is responsible for the construction of the connecting roads (some 12.6kms in length). Guangdong, meanwhile, will build around 14kms of access roads in and around Zhuhai.
The bridge will include a six-lane expressway, a link-up tunnel, two artificial islands, and navigation channels to Guangzhou and Shenzhen ports.

FROM GUANGZHOU TO ZHUHAI
Many buses come and go from Guangzhou every day. Almost all of them travel by the Jingzhu (Beijing-Zhuhai) Highway. You can catch them hourly from The Marriott Hotel, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, The Garden Hotel, The Provincial bus station, and Tianhe Dasha bus station. The cost should be no more than 65RMB and, depending on the traffic, will take you around 2.5hours. Free water is available on most coaches. Bring some headphones.