A coastal city in western Guangdong known for the scenic Hailing Island, world-famous Yangjiang knives, and the "Maritime Silk Road" underwater archaeology.
Yangjiang is a prefecture-level city in western Guangdong Province, situated along the South China Sea coast. The city enjoys international fame as the "Knife Capital of China" — Yangjiang produces approximately 70% of the world's kitchen knives and scissors, with a hardware industry that dates back to the Ming dynasty.
The city's crown jewel is Hailing Island, consistently ranked among China's most beautiful islands. With its golden beaches — including the famous Dajiao Bay and the vast Ten-mile Silver Beach — the island attracts millions of visitors annually. The Nanhai No.1 Museum on the island showcases an extraordinary Song Dynasty shipwreck, offering a rare glimpse into Maritime Silk Road history.
Yangjiang's culinary traditions are deeply tied to its coastal location, with fresh seafood featuring prominently. The city is also the birthplace of China's most famous fermented black beans (douchi), an essential ingredient in Cantonese cuisine.
Yangjiang has a history spanning over 1,400 years. The city was established as a county during the Sui dynasty (581-618 AD). Its strategic coastal location made it an important fishing port and maritime trade stop along the ancient Maritime Silk Road.
Yangjiang's knife-making tradition dates back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), when local blacksmiths began forging blades using techniques passed down through generations. The industry flourished over centuries, earning Yangjiang its reputation as China's knife capital. In 1987, fishermen discovered the Nanhai No.1 shipwreck off the Yangjiang coast — a Song dynasty merchant vessel carrying thousands of porcelain, gold, and silver artifacts, providing unprecedented insights into ancient maritime trade.
Yangjiang's economy is built on three pillars: the hardware and knife industry, tourism, and agriculture/fisheries. The knife and scissors industry is the city's most famous sector, with over 1,500 enterprises producing everything from kitchen knives to surgical blades for global markets.
Tourism is the fastest-growing sector, driven by Hailing Island's popularity. The island attracts over 10 million visitors annually, supporting a thriving hospitality and service industry. Agriculture and fisheries remain important, with Yangjiang being a major producer of seafood, rice, fruits, and the famous Yangjiang douchi (fermented black beans). The city's GDP reached 160 billion yuan in 2025, with steady growth across all sectors.
Discover the culinary treasures of Yangjiang, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Yangjiang is served by Zhuhai Jinwan Airport (ZUH) about 130 km away and Zhanjiang Wuchuan International Airport (ZHA) about 150 km away. High-speed rail provides the main intercity connection.
Yangjiang Railway Station on the Shenzhen-Zhanjiang high-speed railway. Direct trains to Guangzhou South in about 1.5 hours and Shenzhen in about 2 hours.
No metro system. Public buses, taxis, and ferries serve the urban area and Hailing Island. Rental cars and bikes are available on the island.
Mar - May
Warm and humid with increasing rainfall. The island is lush and flowers are in bloom. Good for hiking and cave exploration.
Jun - Aug
Hot, humid, and rainy with typhoon risk. Peak tourist season on Hailing Island. Best for swimming and water sports despite the heat.
Sep - Nov
Comfortable temperatures, low rainfall, and clear skies. The best season for island exploration, beach relaxation, and seafood dining.
Dec - Feb
Mild and dry with cool coastal breezes. A quiet season with fewer tourists. Good for museum visits and cultural experiences.
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