Trip Overview
When: September (end of summer, perfect beach weather)
Duration: 2 days
Travelers: Couple (husband and wife)
Budget: ~1,000 RMB (~$140 USD)
Transportation: Self-driving
Why Yougan Bay?
Before getting married, my husband's friend Lin ge told us that married couples should occasionally escape for a romantic getaway—leaving the kids with grandparents and taking a short trip or having a romantic dinner together. This keeps the romance alive. I've held onto this advice and put it into practice.
A child's happiness comes not only from parental companionship but also from seeing their parents' loving relationship. Not every trip needs to be a family vacation—sometimes it's nice to be a bit selfish and have a trip that belongs just to the two of us. When traveling with kids, we always tend to focus the camera on them. But on a couples-only trip, I can be the most beautiful princess in your lens again—no matter how the photos turn out, time freezes those happy moments for us to cherish forever.
I wanted to catch the tail end of summer, feel the sea breeze on my face, leave the bustling city, and watch the sunset by the sea. The last weekend of September brought clear skies. After dropping our daughter at her grandma's place, my husband and I packed light and drove to Royal Yougan Bay Resort (皇庭柚柑湾度假酒店) in Shenzhen (深圳).
I believe that where there is love, anywhere can feel like the Maldives. What's more, Yougan Bay's ocean really can rival the Maldives.
About Yougan Bay
Yougan Bay—chances are this is your first time hearing this beach name. While many people know about Nan'ao Island (南澳岛), most beach-goers stop at the tourist-crowded Nan'ao Seafood Street (南澳海鲜街) or the overly commercialized Jiaochangwei Beach (较场尾).
But Royal Yougan Bay Resort is like a well-guarded treasure—a hidden paradise tucked away near Egong Bay (鹅公湾) in Dapeng Town, Nan'ao. Even locals from Shenzhen barely know about this gem. Calling Yougan Bay Shenzhen's most beautiful beach? Not an exaggeration at all.
Here, there's no city noise or endless streams of tourists. Under the resort's private management, you'll find only blue skies, azure seas, soft white sand, lush vegetation, and the peace and tranquility of the beach.
How to Get There
The location of Yougan Bay Resort is relatively remote—no public buses reach here. Most visitors are discerning travelers who drive themselves.
After your navigation takes you to Nan'ao Town, continue driving up a mountain road—the resort lies at the end of this road. It's not a dangerous cliff-edge road, but some sections climb uphill while others slope downward. If your driving skills are average like mine, take your time—some parts of the mountain road are narrow, so when meeting other cars, be patient and let each other pass slowly.
Driving along the winding mountain road, you'll be pleasantly surprised to discover a humble century-old village nestled halfway through the mountains.
The mountain road journey might be tiring, but the scenic views along the way are a reward in themselves! Most importantly, when you finally see that mountain and sea view at the end of the road, you'll feel it was all worth it—your mood will expand into something suddenly clear and bright!
Checking Into Paradise
After three hours of driving, my husband and I finally escaped the concrete jungle and arrived at Royal Yougan Bay Resort.
The resort's front desk, unlike the Royal V Hotel next to Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center (深圳会展中心), has less urban glamour and golden grandeur. Instead, it offers a refreshing return to nature with cozy wooden cabins surrounded by lush green mountains and clear waters—pure relaxation.
The entire Yougan Bay resort has only about 70 rooms, all built into the hillside with sea or forest views. If traveling with a group of friends or family, consider the mountain view villa rooms—fully equipped, you can even play mahjong to pass the time.
Led warmly by the housekeeping staff, we arrived at our sea-view room. Getting from the front desk to our room, we passed wooden boardwalks and saw flowing water—full of playful charm. What reassured me most was that the resort uses private closed management—whether returning to our room or heading to the beach, we needed to swipe our room card, ensuring no outsiders can enter freely.
Opening the door to our room, my heart was filled with delight:
On the right side of the entrance is a walk-in closet where we could store luggage and clothes.
A few steps forward, you'll find a bathroom with both a bathtub and shower. Clean, quality bathroom fixtures and exclusive custom toiletries—subtle luxury at its finest.
The spacious, comfortable room blends perfectly with the sea-and-sky view outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. I couldn't wait to kick off my sandals, walk barefoot to the room's large balcony, and gaze out at the sea view.
Gazing at this stunning view of mountains on three sides and sea on the fourth, I truly wish I could linger in this face-the-sea paradise for longer—much longer...
Afternoon Bliss: Sparkling Tranquility
Compared to the crowded Little Meisha Beach (大小梅沙), Yougan Bay offers a rare serenity.
After settling in, we used our feet and eyes to fully experience Yougan Bay's beauty.
The late summer/early autumn breeze gently brushed my face. I relaxed completely, lounging like a laid-back potato in the resort's western restaurant.
The western restaurant is the perfect spot for afternoon tea and enjoying a beautiful afternoon. The interior is simple and fresh, specializing in light meals, desserts, coffee, and flower/fruit teas. The menu is hand-drawn on a blackboard in chalk—full of character. A few potted plants bring a vibrant touch of green.
The window-side sofa spot immediately won me over. Nestled in the sofa, enjoying the warm sunlight streaming down, sipping a caramel macchiato and lemon tea—the comfort and coziness are unbeatable.
Best of all, right outside the window is a sea view. Without even trying, little artistic and refined vibes slowly start to emerge.
If you want to fully bask in the sunlight, the outdoor leisure area is perfect. Sitting at simple rustic wooden tables and chairs,发呆 (daydreaming) quietly, watching the sea quietly.
Basking in the seaside sunlight, doing nothing—time is meant to be wasted here. That's what real living feels like.
Afternoon sunlight sparkled on the shimmering sea surface. With sleepy cats and dogs, I sat on the open-air viewing platform, slowly sipping coffee in my cup, looking up to admire the endless blue.
Love Means Taking Her to Yougan Bay
Walking down the stone steps from the western restaurant, you'll see an infinity pool that seems to merge with the sea. When the three shades of blue—sky, ocean, and pool—collide, the first glance is stunning!
Even if you don't want to swim in the pool, just sitting by the pool playing with water is wonderful.
The beach is just one step away from the pool. The sunset beach has a different kind of beauty.
The sun is warm but not glaring; the sea breeze is gentle with a hint of salt.
Rolling waves rush toward the soft, white sand. Walking barefoot on the soft fine sand, letting the seawater wash over you without restraint.
Sitting by the sea, blowing in the wind, gazing at the boundless sky, meditating quietly. This beauty will always make people reluctant to leave.
Epilogue
In this gloomy September afternoon, I wanted to leave this bustling city. I decided to go to the sea to watch the sunset—let the autumn sea breeze wake me up.
I thought of last night's wind-moving evening, sitting by my side were all my friends. Years have made us become quieter; no one talks about tomorrow anymore.
There are some hopes and ideals, the most beautiful melody in our hearts. But now this real life plays a chaotic rhythm.
It's like war, the opponent is ourselves—at least I won't escape anymore. The ideal shore may not exist, but I will still walk on this journey.
---from Xu Wei's song "September"