Stand on the sand at China's First Beach and the shelter belt of trees runs behind you while the South China Sea opens in front, the beach stretching from the mountains in the west to the harbour in the east. Maoming is a coastal city in southwestern Guangdong, and much of what a visitor comes for lies along that shoreline or in the hills and old towns of its county-level cities.
This guide suits travellers who are happy to build a day around a beach, a temple or a cave rather than a dense city-centre sightseeing circuit, and who want to eat well while doing it.
1. China's First Beach (中国第一滩)
The most famous beach in Maoming and the place locals head for on vacation, with miles of fine sand outside the shelter belt and space for parachute gliding and sailboarding. It is also a national training centre for beach volleyball and often hosts national and international competitions, so you may catch a match while you are there.
It sits about 25 kilometres from downtown Maoming, in the Maogang District, so plan it as a half-day or full-day trip rather than a quick stop. Combine it with the Open Pit Ecological Park if you are covering the Maogang side of the city in one outing.
2. Open Pit Ecological Park (露天矿生态公园)
This is where the city of Maoming sprang up. It used to be a mine where a large amount of oil shale was mined, but mining has stopped, the pit has accumulated water to form a lake, and the area has been converted into an ecological park with green trees throughout. A museum introducing the history of Maoming sits within it.
Because the museum explains how the mine shaped the city, it works well as your first stop if you want context before heading to the coast. Allow time to walk the park as well as visit the museum.
3. Chicken Island (放鸡岛)
The most famous island in Maoming and the largest in the city, it is a resort with a number of hotels. It is a diving centre with clear sea water, known for its coral reefs and recreational scuba diving, and skin diving, deep diving and explorational diving are all available.
With hotels on the island, staying overnight is the practical way to make the most of the diving rather than rushing a return the same day.
4. Temple of Madam Xian (冼太庙)
At 18 Guangming Road in Gaozhou, this temple is dedicated to Madam Xian, one of the most widely celebrated female military leaders in Chinese history. There are many Madam Xian temples in Maoming, and this one is said to be the largest. It was constructed in 1535 and is rich in cultural and historical objects, including ancient statues, sculptures and stone inscriptions.
Entry is free. Take bus no. g1 from the Maoming Railway Station, which terminates here, making it an easy car-free outing from the city.
5. Madam Xian's Native Place (冼太夫人故里)
The birthplace associated with Madam Xian, the female leader of the Baiyue Tribe remembered across Maoming. It pairs naturally with the Temple of Madam Xian, since both concern the same figure and the same stretch of local history.
Visit the two on the same day so the story holds together rather than treating them as separate stops.
6. Maoming City Museum (茂名市博物馆)
At 20 Renmin Road North, this is the city's main museum and the easiest indoor stop if the weather turns. It is free to enter and open 09:00-12:00 and 14:30-17:30.
The nearest bus stop is New Lake Park (新湖公园), served by bus routes 11, 18, 302 and 309. Note the midday closure when you plan your timing.
7. Tianmashan (天马山)
An eco-tourist area in the hills, listed among Maoming's attractions. It is the pick for travellers who want a change from the coast and the city streets.
Treat it as a dedicated outing rather than something to squeeze between two urban stops.
8. Gaozhou Immortals' Cave (高州仙人洞风景区)
A scenic cave area in Gaozhou, and another option for a day away from the beach. It sits in the same part of the prefecture as the Temple of Madam Xian, so the two can be worked into one trip towards Gaozhou.
Check conditions before setting out, as this is a natural site rather than an indoor attraction.
9. Genzi Litchi Cultural Tourist Area
Maoming is a famous litchi production area, and this site in Genzi, a small town in Maoming, is built around that. It is the place to go if you want to understand why litchi matters so much to the local table.
Pair it with a meal of Genzi Beef Rice Noodles, one of Maoming's best-known local dishes and named for the same town.
10. Eat the local specialities
Maoming's most popular local foods include Huazhou Baiqie Chicken (白切鸡), Gaozhou Salted Chicken (盐焗鸡), Fenpi (粉皮), Genzi Beef Rice Noodles and Xinyi Huaixiang Chicken. Several of these are tied to the towns whose names they carry, which makes them a good excuse to eat your way across the prefecture.
Build a meal around one of the chicken dishes and add Fenpi on the side rather than ordering several heavy dishes at once.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at the Open Pit Ecological Park, walking the lake and the green space and visiting the museum on the history of Maoming so you understand how the city began. Continue to China's First Beach and spend the middle of the day on the sand, watching the beach volleyball players if a competition is on.
Afternoon: Head to Gaozhou for the Temple of Madam Xian at 18 Guangming Road, taking bus no. g1 from the Maoming Railway Station, which terminates at the temple. Entry is free, and the statues, sculptures and stone inscriptions reward a slow walk. If time allows, add Madam Xian's Native Place nearby.
Evening: Return to the city and eat: Huazhou Baiqie Chicken, Gaozhou Salted Chicken or Xinyi Huaixiang Chicken, with Fenpi or Genzi Beef Rice Noodles alongside. If you are still moving, the Maoming City Museum is open until 17:30, so it fits an earlier slot rather than an evening one.
How do I get to the Temple of Madam Xian without a car?
Take bus no. g1 from the Maoming Railway Station. The bus terminates at the temple, which is at 18 Guangming Road in Gaozhou.
Is the Maoming City Museum free, and when is it open?
Yes, entry is free. Opening hours are 09:00-12:00 and 14:30-17:30, so plan around the midday closure. The nearest bus stop is New Lake Park (新湖公园), served by routes 11, 18, 302 and 309.
Can I go diving around Maoming?
Yes. Chicken Island is a diving centre with clear sea water, known for its coral reefs and recreational scuba diving, and skin diving, deep diving and explorational diving are available. The island has a number of hotels if you want to stay over.
What should I eat while I am in Maoming?
The most popular local specialities are Huazhou Baiqie Chicken, Gaozhou Salted Chicken, Fenpi, Genzi Beef Rice Noodles and Xinyi Huaixiang Chicken. The Genzi Litchi Cultural Tourist Area in Genzi is the place to go for the fruit the area is known for.
Decide whether your day belongs to the beach or to Gaozhou, check the museum hours, and start mapping out your route.