Wanshan in the islands of Zhuhai has been selected by the provincial Department of Culture & Tourism as one of the first 20 Guangdong Towns of Tourism Allure, the Zhuhai Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism & Sports Bureau announced on Jan 8.

Highlighted by picturesque natural resources and profound folk culture, Wanshan Town has many island tourism products and facilities related to business, sightseeing, leisure, getaways, B&Bs, angling, honeymoons, and marine technology.

Wanshan island scenery [Photo by Cheng Lin / Zhuhai Daily]

Located in the Pearl River Estuary, the coastal town of the Wanshan Marine Development Experimental Zone faces Hong Kong 32 nautical miles to the northeast and downtown Zhuhai 26 nautical miles northwest. Macao is only 19 nautical miles away.

It covers a sea area of 800 sq km (309 sq miles) and land area of 29.83 sq km (12 sq miles) and has jurisdiction over 20 islands such as Dong'ao, Big Wanshan, Small Wanshan, and Baili in the archipelago. Fisheries and tourism account for an average annual income of 22,600 yuan ($3,265) for local farmers.

The two administrative villages of Wanshan and Dong'ao house 1,408 year-round residents. Wanshan is renowned for angling, while Dong'ao – a 4A-level national scenic area – is developing honeymoon vacation products.

Accolades the two have earned include National Famous Tourism Towns & Villages of Characterized Landscapes, National Demonstration Towns of Ecology, Guangdong Towns of Characterized Tourism, Guangdong Leisure Fishery & Angling Base, and Top 10 Beautiful Coasts in Guangdong Province.