Ling Wu
I've been guiding tourists along Zhuhai's coastline for over a decade. And every time someone asks me "how to get to Lovers' Road", I know they're expecting a simple answer. But the truth? The journey matters almost as much as the destination. Let me save you from the common mistakes I've seen countless visitors make—especially if you're arriving from abroad.
Lovers' Road (情侣路) isn't a single spot; it's a 28-kilometer undulating promenade that hugs the coast from Gongbei Port near Macau to the picturesque Yeli Island. It's free, open 24/7, and dotted with sculptures, gardens, and stunning sea views. But if you follow Google Maps blindly, you'll end up confused—the road is long, and not every section is equally accessible. Let's break down the exact logistics.
Why Lovers' Road Is Worth Your Time
You don't need a ticket, a reservation, or even a plan. That's the beauty of it. Unlike China's many gated attractions, Lovers' Road is a public space. But here's the catch: the most photographed parts—the Zhuhai Fisher Girl statue and the Sun Moon Bay Opera House (日月贝)—are about 8 km apart. If you start at the wrong point, you'll waste time backtracking.
Best Ways to Get to Lovers' Road
Let's cut to the chase. Below is a comparison of your options, followed by my personal recommendations.
| Transport | Time from Gongbei | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Route 9 or 99) | 25-40 min | 2 CNY (≈$0.30) | Budget travelers; get off at "Yeli Island" or "Fisher Girl" stop |
| Taxi / DiDi | 15-20 min | 20-30 CNY | Couples or small groups; convenient door-to-door |
| Bicycle (shared) | 40-60 min | 1-3 CNY per 30 min | Active explorers who want to cover the whole road |
| Walking from Gongbei | 1.5-2 hours | Free | Only if you're staying nearby; otherwise too tiring |
Bus – The No-Fuss Way
Catch bus number 9 or 99 from Gongbei Bus Station (near the port). Tell the driver you want to get off at "Fisher Girl" (渔女) or "Yeli Island" (野狸岛). The buses run every 5-10 minutes from 6 AM to 10 PM. Important: Pay with your Alipay or WeChat—cash is not accepted on most buses. If you don't have Chinese mobile payment, buy a Zhuhai Transport Card at the station (20 CNY deposit, can be refunded).
Taxi or DiDi – Fast but Watch the Rush
Open DiDi (ride-hailing app) and set destination to "Zhuhai Fisher Girl" or "日月贝". A ride from downtown or Gongbei costs about 25 CNY. Pro Tip: Avoid DiDi between 8-9 AM and 5-7 PM when traffic on the coastal road crawls. Take the bus instead during those hours. Always have your destination written in Chinese: 情侣路渔女雕像.
Bike – My Favorite Way
Unlock a Hello Bike (哈啰) or Meituan bike using their app. You'll need Alipay or WeChat to rent one. Cost is about 1.5 CNY per 30 minutes. Start at the Gongbei end and ride north. The dedicated bike lane runs the entire length, and you can stop anytime for photos. I always tell my groups: "Bring a scarf or windbreaker—the sea breeze gets strong by afternoon."
What to Expect Once You're There
Lovers' Road is not a single attraction but a 28-km linear park. The most iconic stretch runs from the Fisher Girl statue (情侣南路) to the Sun Moon Bay Opera House (情侣北路). The road is wide, well-maintained, and lined with palm trees and flower beds. No entrance fee, no guards, no opening hours. You just walk or cycle in.
Payment & Connectivity
- Alipay / WeChat Pay are used everywhere for snacks, bike rentals, and even some street vendors. Bring a backup credit card (Visa/Mastercard) for hotels.
- Google Maps is unreliable in China. Install Apple Maps or AMap (高德地图) before you arrive. AMap has an English mode but it's buggy—I suggest using Apple Maps for navigation.
- VPN is essential if you need Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp. Download it before entering China.
- Public restrooms are available every 1-2 km along the road. Look for the blue signs. But the ones near the Fisher Girl statue often have long queues—use the restroom at a nearby McDonald's or convenience store before you start walking.
Insider Timing & Crowd Hacks
Here's where most online guides get it wrong. They tell you to go at sunset. But the crowds from 5 PM to 7 PM are insane, especially on weekends. I've seen tourists queuing just to take a photo with the Fisher Girl. My hack: arrive at 7 AM. The light is soft, the air is fresh, and you'll have the entire promenade almost to yourself. By 9 AM, the tour groups start pouring in.
If you're a night owl, come after 9 PM. The Opera House lights up beautifully, and the sea breeze cools down. But note that most food stalls close by 10 PM, so grab dinner first.
Photography Tips
- Fisher Girl statue: Best shot at sunrise or just after. Avoid mid-day harsh shadows.
- Sun Moon Bay Opera House: The shell-shaped building is stunning from the boardwalk. Use a wide-angle lens. Afternoon light (3-5 PM) gives a golden glow.
- Couples' benches: Scattered along the road. Great candid shots.
Nearby Attractions to Pair With
Don't just do Lovers' Road in isolation. Combine it with these spots for a full day:
- Zhuhai Fisher Girl: The landmark statue itself. 5 minutes to snap a photo.
- Sun Moon Bay Opera House: Walk inside for a coffee or catch a show (book tickets on Trip.com).
- Yeli Island: Connected by a bridge at the northern end. Rent a tandem bike and circle the island in 1 hour.
- Gongbei Port Underground Market: If you arrive by bus from Macau, this market is great for souvenirs and cheap electronics.
"I once had a client who tried to walk the entire 28 km in one afternoon. He ended up with blisters and missed the opera. My rule: pick a 5-km stretch, enjoy it, then take a bus or cab to the next section."
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