Forget the towering skylines of Guangzhou and Shenzhen for a moment. Further west, the coastal city of Maoming in Guangdong is hiding a crescent-shaped bay with a vast maritime forest—Shuidong Bay–Tongzi Bay (水东湾–童子湾). Recently, it has been named one of the "Four Most Beautiful Bays" in Guangdong.
Shuidong Bay is home to China's largest contiguous artificial mangrove plantation base. From an aerial perspective, the mangroves stretch over 20 kilometers along the tidal flats, creating a unique landscape of the maritime forest. This ecosystem is noted for its clear waters and beautiful beaches, providing a vital habitat where fish and gulls congregate.
Within the entire Shuidong Bay area, the most stunning scenery is the crescent-shaped Tongzi Bay (童子湾). A boardwalk winds its way from the sandy shore to the mountain peak. Ascending the steps, visitors can reach the summit in less than 20 minutes. From the mountaintop observation deck, a dramatic contrast unfolds: to the east lies a rugged beach where waves crash against jagged reefs; to the west is a bustling little fishing port teeming with villagers and fish buyers.
At the foot of the mountain lies a Danjia Market (疍家墟), a cultural hub that weaves together the heritage of Madame Xian (冼夫人), the Li people (俚族), and traditional fishing commerce. It is the perfect sanctuary to capture photographs and immerse oneself in the authentic Danjia culture— traditional culture of the Tanka people.
Author: Dong Han
Photo: Maoming Culture and Tourism (茂名文旅)
