Surfing in China
Including Big Wave Bay, Dongshan Island, and Houhai Village. On the map.
The vibe
Surfing here is an adventurous, off-the-grid pursuit where you are more likely to be hunting for swell in remote areas than paddling out at a crowded, famous break. The best waves arrive with the seasonal winds, so timing your visit to match the regional weather patterns is essential for finding rideable conditions. It is a strictly DIY experience, requiring you to bring your own gear and navigate the coast without the support of a developed surf-tourism industry.
Big Wave Bay, Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong
Minghong / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The most reliable surf spot in Hong Kong, offering a consistent beach break that works best during the typhoon season and strong easterly swells. It is the primary hub for the local surfing community, featuring a laid-back vibe and consistent peaks.
Access. Accessible by bus or taxi from Shau Kei Wan MTR station; local surf shops on the beach provide board rentals and beginner lessons.
Notes. Can get very crowded on weekends; watch for strong rip currents during large swells.
Dongshan Island, Zhangzhou
Fujian
Windmemories / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A scenic island in Fujian with expansive crescent bays like Maliang and Jinhu Bay that provide sheltered flat-water lagoons for kitesurfing alongside rolling beach breaks.
Access. Take the high-speed rail to Yunxiao Station, then catch a 30-minute taxi across the causeway to Dongshan Island.
Notes. Excellent wind statistics from September through April; kite schools operate seasonally.
Houhai Village, Sanya
Hainan
This image was produced by me, David Castor ( user:dcastor ). The pictures I submit to the Wikipedia Project are released to the public domain. This gives you the right to use them in any way you like, without any kind of notification. This said, I would still appreciate to be mentioned as the originator whenever you think it complies well with your use of the picture. A message to me about how it has been used would also be welcome. You are obviously not required to respond to these wishes of mine, just in a friendly manner encouraged to. (All my photos are placed in Category:Images by David Castor or a subcategory thereof.) / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
A bustling fishing village turned surf hub nestled in a sheltered bay near Sanya. Houhai is famous for its mellow, beginner-friendly beach breaks and lively backpacker surf-camp atmosphere.
Access. Accessible via Sanya Phoenix International Airport, followed by a 40-minute taxi ride northeast to Haitang Bay/Houhai.
Notes. Very busy lineup with many surf schools operating simultaneously; best for beginners and intermediates.
Jinshan Beach, Shanghai
Shanghai
CyberCop / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
A primary coastal recreation zone near Shanghai that has developed a dedicated kitesurfing and wingfoiling scene, taking advantage of steady seasonal coastal breezes.
Access. Easily reached from downtown Shanghai via commuter rail lines or highway driving south towards Jinshan district.
Notes. Flat-to-choppy water conditions; swimming zones are restricted, so check local club guidelines.
Nanao Island, Shantou
Guangdong Province
wanghongliu / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A rugged island off the coast of Guangdong boasting wide sandy bays that catch both incoming swells and reliable monsoon winds, making it a prime spot for kitesurfing and wave riding.
Access. Drive across the Nanao Trans-sea Bridge from Shantou city, which connects directly to the island.
Notes. Wind conditions peak during the autumn and winter northeast monsoon seasons.
Pingtan Island, Fuzhou
Fujian
N509FZ / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A massive island renowned across China as a premier windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wingfoiling destination due to its relentless wind tunnels and wide sandy beaches.
Access. Fly to Fuzhou Changle International Airport and take a direct bus or taxi across the cross-sea highway to Pingtan.
Notes. Winds can be extremely strong and gusty; suitable for intermediate to advanced kiters and wingfoilers.
Riyue Bay, Wanning
Hainan
Zhangmoon618 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Widely recognized as China's premier surfing mecca, Riyue Bay offers consistent right-hand point breaks and beach peaks. It frequently hosts international surfing competitions and features a vibrant local surf community with numerous schools.
Access. Fly to Haikou or Sanya, then take the high-speed rail to Shenzhou Station and a short taxi or bus ride to Riyue Bay.
Notes. Crowded on weekends and during contest periods; watch out for local surf etiquette and moderate reef sections.
Tong Fuk Beach, Lantau Island
Hong Kong
Scotted400 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
A quieter, sandy beach break that occasionally produces clean waves during significant southwesterly swells. It is favored by intermediate surfers looking to escape the crowds found at more popular city beaches.
Access. Located on South Lantau Road; accessible by bus from Mui Wo or Tung Chung. Rent gear in advance as there are fewer shops directly on the sand compared to Big Wave Bay.
Notes. Requires specific swell directions to work well; check local surf reports before heading out.
Xunliao Bay, Huizhou
Guangdong
HuiDongXLW RMDa / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
A picturesque coastal resort bay in Guangdong featuring gentle beach breaks and expanding infrastructure for paddleboarding, surfing, and beginner wind sports.
Access. Drive from Shenzhen or Guangzhou via coastal expressways directly to Xunliao Bay.
Notes. Flat and gentle during summer, picking up fun wind-swell waves in winter.