Introduction
Previously, our family purchased inexpensive Tigerair Taiwan tickets during an anniversary sale. The round-trip fare from Kaohsiung to Macau was only TWD 1,679 (originally TWD 2,279, discounted by TWD 600 through points), making it an exceptionally attractive deal. We therefore planned a short trip to the neighboring Chinese city of Zhuhai.
Flight Information
Our flight schedule allowed for an early departure and early return. We used a free airport shuttle service provided by a credit card offer in the early morning to reach the airport. For this trip, we did not purchase any checked luggage, bringing only carry-on bags for convenient mobility.
| Segment | Flight Number | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outbound | IT321 | Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) | 08:15 | Macau International Airport (MFM) | 09:50 | Friday, March 7, 2025 |
| Return | IT322 | Macau International Airport (MFM) | 10:40 | Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) | 11:55 | Sunday, March 9, 2025 |
Arrival in Zhuhai
Upon arriving in Macau, we took the Macao Light Rapid Transit Taipa Line to Lotus Station, then transferred to the Hengqin Line and reached Hengqin Railway Station in about two minutes. The entire transit cost MOP 12 and could be paid using a Taiwanese credit card at the service counter, although Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to Taiwanese accounts was not supported.
One highlight of this transit route is the panoramic view of Macau’s iconic cityscape—such as The Venetian Macao and City of Dreams—that may evoke nostalgic feelings for those familiar with the area. Including transfers and exiting, we spent roughly 25 minutes to get from the airport to Hengqin Railway Station.
At the station, we followed signs to the Macau exit hall, queued for Macau exit procedures, and then proceeded to Chinese immigration. The transition was relatively smooth, but there are two key points to note:
- A Republic of China (ROC) passport was used to exit Macau, while a Taiwan compatriot permit was required to enter China.
- The sudden switch from Traditional to Simplified Chinese, and the change in terms (e.g., “的士” to “出租車” and “巴士” to “公交車”), provided a brief sense of cultural dislocation.
Shijingshan
We arrived under slightly overcast skies. After a quick lunch at McDonald’s, we took a taxi to the Jingshan cableway entrance. The combined ticket for Cableway Uphill + Slide Downhill was RMB 80 per person. The cable ride to the summit took about three minutes, offering a wide view of Zhuhai’s cityscape, including the Zhuhai Grand Theatre (Riyuebei) and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.
We then explored the Shijingshan trails on foot. It was a weekday, so the park was not crowded, and we only encountered the occasional stray cat among the birdsong. Since our tickets included the downhill slide, we did not follow the entire trail to the other side to avoid missing the slide exit.
We personally recommend the following:
- Skipping the cableway ride up if you want a more economical option, as the ride is brief. A hike up (about 30–40 minutes) offers scenic views and a better experience.
- The downhill slide is highly recommended. It’s relatively safe, moderately paced, and quite enjoyable.
Zhuhai City Balcony
After descending, we took an underground passage to the City Balcony Mall near the beach. We purchased two drinks at CanTea (簡也茶集) for a total of RMB 20 after discounts—very affordable. With strong winds that day, we decided to take a taxi to Wild Beaver Island instead of walking along the shore.
Zhuhai Live Insect Museum
The Zhuhai Live Insect Museum is located within the Wild Beaver Island Park of Zhuhai’s Xiangzhou District.
Upon arrival, the first sight was the strikingly designed “Riyuebei (Zhuhai Grand Theatre).” Despite its unique structure, the building’s introduction—centered on “sun and moon yin-yang” coceptsn—did not particularly resonate with us. After some quick photos, we followed our map toward the insect museum.
The entry price for two was RMB 69.9. Inside, visitors can observe a wide variety of live insects and reptiles, with opportunities for up-close photos. We recommend actively engaging with the staff, who are enthusiastic about suggesting interactive activities with reptiles. The only minor surprise was that some display cases were labeled “Live specimens available for sale”, which momentarily made us wonder if we were in a pet shop rather than a museum.
The museum was almost empty on a weekday, allowing ample time to explore without crowds. Overall, it’s a worthy destination for those curious about insects or reptiles, providing a rare experiential opportunity.
Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom
On the second day, our main stop was the Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, a must-see attraction.
Official adult tickets cost RMB 395 on weekdays and RMB 450 on weekends, though occasional discounts can reduce the price to RMB 295–335. We purchased two weekend tickets through Trip.com for TWD 2,820 (RMB 620), or roughly RMB 310 per person.
Inside, visitors can enjoy various shows, dining, and attractions without significant additional costs. We arrived at 11:00 AM and left around 7:00 PM. The performances were especially impressive, and the diverse marine life displays added to the value. Overall, we felt this park offered more than most Taiwanese amusement parks and zoos.
Conclusion
On the third morning, after we packed our luggage, we returned to Macau Airport and flew back to Kaohsiung. The short trip was both relaxing and enjoyable.
Including airfare, our total transportation cost was TWD 2,145. Excluding airfare, we spent TWD 466 on transportation alone (nine taxi rides). Unlike Taiwan, taxis in China do not start at a flat rate, so they can be extremely affordable.
For accommodations, we chose a double room near the airport, costing TWD 847 for two nights. Although the location was somewhat remote, the room had a refrigerator, kitchen utensils, and a washing machine. Overall cleanliness was good, but the hot water heater required waiting after about ten minutes of use.
When visiting Zhuhai, we highly recommend Shijingshan Park and Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. While some might suggest The New Yuan Ming Palace, we opted out due to outdated facilities and a lack of genuine cultural appeal. We hope to see the original Old Summer Palace in Beijing in the future.
Overall, a two-day, one-night itinerary in Zhuhai should be sufficient. Evenings can be spent exploring department stores, sampling local cuisine, and shopping for souvenirs.