Stone houses become bed 'n' breakfasts on Guishan

A dozen former dwellings on Guishan Island have been converted into Bed & Breakfasts offering 50 bedrooms in all. The number of such restored stone houses that had been vacated by local fishermen is expected to rise to 18 with 79 rooms in time for the Oct 1 National Day Golden Week.

Called Blue Coast B&Bs, the latest tourist accommodations were unveiled on March 5. The original architectural style of the cottages has been preserved. Camphorwood, recycled ship planks, ash, and old doors were kept as reminders of traditional handiwork and former prosperity. Designers from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts intend to add more island-themed elements and provide insight into the culture of the South China Sea area.

B&Bs on Guishan Island hillside

The first two phases were funded and carried out by Zhuhai High-Speed Passenger Liner, a subsidiary of Jiuzhou Holdings Group. A complete B&B community is likely to take shape before National Day, with total floor space of 3,028 sq m (3,621 sq yd).

Transportation between islands also is improving, with 200 million yuan ($31.5 million) having been invested by the ferry company in four additional vessels.

Guishan Island, located on the east side of the Pearl River Estuary, is rich in natural and human resources. It features scenic spots such as the Disembarkation Site of the Guishan Warship Heroes and Guishan Martyrs Memorial Park. Housing more aboriginals than any other island in the Wanshan Archipelago, Guishan has become the regio's maritime transport hub.

Balconies with sea views

Ever since becoming a model project, Guishan has upgraded two fishing villages, each with its own aesthetic and improved infrastructure. The innovation in accommodation services came with a detailed plan, said a local official. Residents' sense of well-being will see a marked improvement, he added.

The project is seen as a boon to the marine economy and tourism development of the Wanshan Marine Development Experimental Zone. It also marks a step forward in building the Marine Economic Cooperation & Development Zone into a world-class marine resort of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.  

Strong B&B wood motif [Photos by Ning Rui / Zhuhai Daily]