Hong Hai Bay Surf Break 88 (Honghai Bay (Chengqu))

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Bodyboard
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Hong Hai Bay (Surf Break 88) is an exposed sandy beach break in the Zhelang Peninsula area near Shanwei. The waves work as both lefts and rights, and conditions are described as dependable enough to find rides throughout the year, though quality is not guaranteed on every day. Across reports, the best surfing setup is a South swell combined with offshore northwest wind. The spot is also described as lacking shelter from cross-shore breezes, so wind direction matters: when winds come onshore (especially from the east or south), the surf can become choppy or “blown out,” and wave quality tends to drop. Safety is a key consideration. Rip currents are possible, particularly during larger swells, and anglers’ presence near the launch zone means fishing boats and buoys can appear around the waterline. Beach management safety flags are specifically recommended, and during typhoon warnings water access may be restricted. Seasonally, warm water and more active swell periods cluster in summer through early autumn, with typhoon-season storms (noted as July to September in regional context) bringing higher-energy swell events. Early mornings are often cleaner before sea-breeze effects build in the afternoon.

  • Offshore northwest wind with South swell is the reported best combination
  • Lefts and rights on a sandy beach
  • Generally easy beach access and wide sandy launch area
  • Seasonal rescue is limited; rip currents are a known hazard
Great for
Surfing bodyboardKitesurfing freerideWingfoil freerideBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Sand bottom and accessible beach area with easy launch
  • Waves run as both lefts and rights
  • Best surf conditions are reported when a South swell lines up with offshore northwest wind
  • Generally described as having minimal crowding issues at baseline
Heads up
  • Exposed beach break with no shelter from cross-shore breezes
  • Rip currents possible, especially on larger swell
  • Onshore winds from the east/south can quickly make conditions choppy/blown out
  • Crowds can increase during national holidays and summer weekends
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW
Offshore directions
NW
Wind Type
Mixed — Wind is influenced by monsoon/thermal patterns; offshore northwest winds are best for surf, while summer can be more thermally driven.
Reliability
62% blown (monthly blown percentage).
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Reported gustiness is generally light.
Best Months
August
Shadow Zones
Some shelter on the western side of the peninsula; conditions are still described as generally exposed at the beach itself.
Thermal Window
Other · Afternoon · +0 kts · Months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug · Dir: N · A reliable sea-breeze/thermal pattern is most pronounced in the afternoon (about 12pm–5pm).

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sand bottom and soothing sand is noted.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Waves are described as small overall; a working swell range is reported up to around 2.0 m.
Chop Level
Light chop — Onshore east/south winds can increase chop and blowout conditions.
Launch
Big — Wide sandy beach with easy access.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
18–30 °C
Water Temperature
14–33 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 3/2mmMay–Oct: rash guard / boardshorts
Crowds by Season

Peak crowds during national holidays and summer weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

Typhoon season typically runs from June to September (bringing heavy rain and higher-energy swell events).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Occasional kitesurfing during summer monsoon conditions; sandy beach provides space for launching. The spot is primarily known for surfing.

Freeride
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Beach-break conditions can work for foil surfing, though wingfoiling infrastructure is limited.

Foil Friendly
Limited
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed sandy beach break working as both lefts and rights, generally shelterless from cross-shore breezes.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S, SSE, E, SE
Swell Height
0.5–2 m
Optimal Tide
All tides
Shelter
Exposed — Open, exposed beach break with no meaningful shelter from cross-shore breezes.
Wind Effect
Offshore northwest winds are best; winds from the east and south make conditions choppy and can blow waves out.
Bigger Swell
Can close out when swells exceed about 2.5 meters.
Wave Quality
Average — Overall wave quality is described as average.
Wave Power
Moderate — Waves are described as having moderate power overall.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Conditions can vary; one report describes a mushy shape.
Peel Speed
Medium — Reported peel speed is medium.
Ride Length
Medium — Rides are commonly described as medium length.
Typical Ride Length
50–100 m
Ride Length Details
Typically offers rides between 50 and 100 meters depending on swell quality.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Hong Hai Bay Surf Break 88 (Honghai Bay (Chengqu)) in the full forecast view.

Hong Hai Bay Surf Break 88 (Honghai Bay (Chengqu)) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
6–16 ktsGusts 23 kts
Direction
ENE73°
Strongest day
Wed, Oct 2816 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
0.2–1.0 m5s period
Temperature
22–32 °C

Over the next 7 days, Hong Hai Bay Surf Break 88 (Honghai Bay (Chengqu)) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.2–1.0 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • rip currents, especially during larger swells
  • fishing boats and buoys
  • onshore winds can make conditions choppy/blown out
  • crowds during holidays
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashImpact vestWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguards are reported as seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Coastguard/local maritime authorities monitor the bay; dedicated water-sports rescue is mainly provided by local surf/kite clubs during daylight hours.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Shanwei City (~20–30 minutes away). Emergency numbers: medical 120, police 110.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Generally relaxed atmosphere; local competition for space is typically not described as severe.

Rules of the spot

Respect local surfers and follow safety flags posted by the beach management. During typhoon warnings, water access may be restricted.

Restrictions
  • designated swimming zones may be restricted for surfing during peak tourism hours
  • typhoon warnings can restrict water access
Local Tips
  • Best surfing conditions are reported when a South swell combines with offshore northwest wind.
  • Early mornings often have cleaner conditions before the sea breeze strengthens.
  • There is limited water-sports rescue coverage mainly during daylight via local clubs.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Shanwei
Nearest Town
Zherlang Island, Cheng District
Parking
Parking lots are available near the Zhelang Tourism Resort entrance.
Public Transport
Connected via high-speed rail to Shanwei Station; local buses/taxis reach the coastal areas.
Access
Open 24 hours daily; accessible via road/transport from Shanwei, with the beach described as a short walk from the main town center.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Mandarin, Cantonese
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous hotels, guesthouses, and resorts are located within walking distance in Zhelang town.
Food & Drink
Seafood restaurants and local cafes are available along the beachfront and in town.
Equipment Rental:
Surfboards/SUP boards are available for rent at local beach clubs; rental availability is also referenced through local clubs.
Gear Storage
Several local surf shops and clubs offer daily or monthly storage for frequent visitors.
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard ding repairs are available locally; specialized kite/sail repairs may require transit to Shenzhen.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A coastal tourism area combining religious heritage, seafood culture, and a scenic bay setting for wave sports.

Best time to visit: Autumn (October and November) for a balance of pleasant weather and consistent conditions.
Red Sea Bay Tourist Resort2 km

Scenic area noted for its ‘dual-sided’ beach where one side can be calm while the other is wavy.

Nanhai Guanyin Temple3 km

Coastal temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy with panoramic views of the bay.

Island Hopping5 km

Boat trips to nearby uninhabited islands for snorkeling and coastal exploration.

Zhelang Seafood Street1 km

A lively area for local Cantonese and Teochew seafood specialties.

Beachfront Promenades1 km

Wide, paved walkways suitable for families and evening strolls.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Hong Hai Bay Surf Break 88 (Honghai Bay (Chengqu))?

The best overall months at Hong Hai Bay Surf Break 88 (Honghai Bay (Chengqu)) are June, July, August, September. The best wind months are August.

Which wind directions work at Hong Hai Bay Surf Break 88 (Honghai Bay (Chengqu))?

Hong Hai Bay Surf Break 88 (Honghai Bay (Chengqu)) works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Hong Hai Bay Surf Break 88 (Honghai Bay (Chengqu))?

Recommended equipment sizes at Hong Hai Bay Surf Break 88 (Honghai Bay (Chengqu)): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m².

What skill level is Hong Hai Bay Surf Break 88 (Honghai Bay (Chengqu)) suitable for?

Hong Hai Bay Surf Break 88 (Honghai Bay (Chengqu)) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.