The delineation and completion of the Huguangyan tourist circle has made it easy for residents in Zhanjiang to visit the attractions in the suburbs of the city. It has also greatly facilitated tourists from other places to experience the excellent natural environment of Zhanjiang.

The tourist circle is suitable for a one-day tour, especially for those who want to go outside with their family.

The route of the family tour to Huguangyan Tourist Circle. [Photo/gdzjtravel.gov.cn]

1. Aquatic Biology Museum of Guangdong Ocean University 

Tourists can take a double-decker tour bus to arrive at the first station - Aquatic Biology Museum of Guangdong Ocean University. Located in the main campus of the university, the museum was built in July 1991. It has nine showrooms of cetaceans, shells, seaweed, scribbles, echinoderms, coelenterates, and other aquatic animals, displaying nearly 3,000 species of aquatic organisms.

Visitors can observe all kinds of rare aquatic animals and huge marine animal fossil models at a close distance in the museum, as well as the largest number of specimens in South China.

The museum opens from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. An adult ticket is 15 yuan ( $ 2.1) and  junior or high school students are able to enjoy free admission with their student card. Students from 1.2 meters to 1.4 meters can enjoy half price tickets for 8 yuan, while children under 1.2 meters are able to enter free of charge.

2. Huguangyan Scenic Area

Huguangyan Scenic Area is about 500 meters away from Guangdong Ocean University.

Located in the southwestern part of Zhanjiang, the scenic area is home to Lengyan Temple and Baiyi Temple, which were built at the end of the Sui Dynasty (581-618). The greatest attraction in the park is Huguang Yan Lake, the most famous maar lake in China that is also one of the best preserved crater lakes in China and the world. The sediment at the bottom of the lake has witnessed changes in the climate and environment over the past 100,000 years. With the storage of large amounts of data on climactic and environmental changes, it has been called "the Almanac of Natural Environmental Changes" by experts. In September 2006, it was approved by UNESCO as a World Geopark. 

It is also a national paddling training base and hosted the World Water Ski Championships in 2004.

A huge marine animal fossil model is displayed at the Aquatic Biology Museum of Guangdong Ocean University. [Photo/zjtourgroup.com] 

3. Jinlu Park

After wondering around the maar lake, visitors can choose to take a walk or take the bus to the last tourist spot, Jinlu Park, which is also known as Golden Deer Park, one of the best places in Zhanjiang for family activities.

Jinlu Park is an agricultural tourist park integrating scientific research, breeding, processing, shopping, and science education popularization. The park is located on the north bank of Huguangyan Scenic Area and covers an area of 120 mu (hectares). It is the largest deer breeding base in South China, with currently more than 1,000 sika deer in the park.

Visitors can learn about animal husbandry through fun and easy-to-play projects, understand the dynamics of modern animal husbandry and new technologies for deep processing of agricultural products, as well as cultivate a sense of love for nature and the importance of the protection of wild animals.

Camping, barbecues, and popular science activities are also available in the park. In addition, visitors can also taste deer wine and buy deer products in the park.

A little girl feeds sika deer in Jinlu Park. [Photo/gdzjdaily.com.cn]