Huizhou City Guide

Local food focuses on Hakka cuisine and seafood. You can find growing international options too. Vegetarian and vegan choices exist but might be limited. Many places stay open late with street food.

Nightlife centers around karaoke (KTV), bars, and some clubs. It's less busy than bigger cities but enough for casual evenings out.

Coffee culture is growing with chains and some specialty cafes but tea remains more dominant.

Tipping is not expected or customary in China, including for restaurants, taxis, and services.

SIM cards can be bought at official stores of China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Registration needs a passport and sometimes a local address. eSIMs are rarely available for tourists.

Streets are generally clean in main areas, but some neighborhoods are less tidy. Waste pickup is regular but recycling is developing.

Many convenience stores open 24/7. Late pharmacies and clinics exist but are limited. Street food is often available late.

Supermarkets like Walmart and Carrefour carry some international products; fresh markets offer local produce. Stores are usually open 8 AM–10 PM and also on Sundays. Bargaining works at fresh markets, but not in supermarkets.

Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are used for nearly all purchases. Cash is hardly needed and some small vendors don’t accept it.

ATMs are common in banks and malls, accepting international cards such as Visa and Mastercard. Watch for withdrawal fees from your bank or local ATMs.

International schools like Huizhou Foreign Language School offer English and Chinese instruction. Check directly for admission details.

There is no strong digital nomad community. Most networking happens via expat groups or online forums.

Good access to parks like West Lake and Huizhou Botanical Garden with shaded paths and running routes.

Popular running paths include West Lake and Dongjiang River. Areas are generally safe and scenic.

Multiple gyms including chains and those in residential areas.

Tennis courts can be found at sports centers and residential areas, often requiring booking.

Padel courts are less common but starting to appear.

Yoga studios and wellness centers offer various classes; English-speaking instructors are rare outside hotels.

Martial arts schools offer traditional styles like Tai Chi and some modern classes such as boxing and Muay Thai.

No ski resorts due to subtropical climate.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are available at coastal spots like Xunliao Bay, with equipment rentals common.

Limited local surf spots with better options further south in Guangdong.

Few dive sites nearby with limited marine life and few certification centers.

Public hospitals provide decent care; private clinics may offer more English-speaking staff at higher cost. Pharmacies are common with pharmacists giving advice. Emergency numbers: 120 (Ambulance), 110 (Police), 119 (Fire).

Tap water should be boiled or filtered. Bottled water is widely used.

The city has playgrounds, kid-friendly cafés, and attractions such as West Lake and Huizhou Botanical Garden. Baby supplies are easy to find.

Acceptance is limited and conservative. Few safe spaces exist and public displays of affection may not be accepted.

Pet policies vary widely. Veterinary care is available but dedicated pet parks and pet-friendly places are limited.