Maoming is located in the southwest of Guangdong Province, bordering the South China Sea to the south and the Yunkai Mountains to the north. It has a subtropical monsoon climate, warm and humid with abundant rainfall, and an average annual temperature of about 23°C.
Maoming has a long history, having been incorporated into Chinese territory as early as the Qin Dynasty. It is the hometown of Lady Xian (Madam Xian), a female heroine of the Lingnan region during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, revered as the 'Saintly Mother of Lingnan'.
Maoming's culture blends diverse characteristics of Cantonese, Hakka, and Teochew traditions, with vibrant folk activities such as Nianli (annual festival) and Lady Xian temple fairs. The cuisine is famous for seafood, lychees, longan, and other tropical fruits. Signature dishes include white-cut chicken, Huazhou beef offal, and Dianbai seafood.
Maoming is an important petrochemical base in China, home to Maoming Petrochemical, the largest petrochemical enterprise in South China. In recent years, Maoming has been vigorously developing coastal tourism, creating attractions like China First Beach and Romantic Coast, accelerating economic transformation.
The best time to visit 茂名 is Suitable all year round, best in autumn and winter.
Spring (March-May): Warm weather, lychee blossoms, ideal for flower viewing and outdoor activities.
Summer (June-August): Hot and rainy, but great for beach swimming and water sports; watch out for typhoons.
Autumn/Winter (September-February): Cool and dry, the peak tourist season, especially for seafood feasts.
After Qin Shi Huang unified Lingnan, Maoming area belonged to Guilin Commandery and Nanhai Commandery.
Lady Xian (Xian Ying) was born. She devoted her life to maintaining national unity and ethnic harmony, revered as the 'Saintly Mother of Lingnan'.
Maoming Petroleum Industry Company was established, marking Maoming as an important petrochemical base of New China.
Recommended places to visit
National 4A-level tourist attraction with a 12 km natural beach, white and fine sand, and clear seawater.
National 4A-level scenic spot with a romantic love theme, featuring a 5.3 km ecological coastline, integrating vacation, sightseeing, and weddings.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Lady Xian belief and customs are folk worship activities of Lady Xian in Maoming, including sacrifices, temple fairs, and parades, listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Nianli is a unique Spring Festival folk custom in Maoming, held on different dates by each village, including deity parades, offerings, and banquets, listed as a provincial intangible cultural heritage.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Located at the border of Maoming and Zhanjiang, about 60 km from downtown Maoming, with flights to major domestic cities. Accessible by airport bus or taxi.
Airport bus about 30 yuan
Maoming Station is a key stop on the Shenzhen-Maoming railway, with high-speed trains to Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other Pearl River Delta cities, as well as Nanning, Kunming and other southwestern cities.
To Guangzhou about 180 yuan (second class)
City buses cover major attractions and commercial areas, fares start at 2 yuan, mobile payment accepted. Shared bikes and ride-hailing services are also available.
From 2 yuan
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
A classic Cantonese dish made with local free-range chicken, boiled until just cooked, with smooth skin and tender meat, served with ginger-garlic soy sauce.
A Huazhou specialty snack, beef offal (tripe, intestines, etc.) stewed in a secret marinade, rich in flavor, best with chili sauce.
National 4A-level scenic spot, a diving paradise with seawater visibility up to 8 meters, featuring natural rock formations and abundant marine life.
National key cultural relic protection unit, a sacred place commemorating Lady Xian, featuring ancient sites like Lady Xian Temple and Niangniang Temple.
National 4A-level scenic spot integrating forest ecology, science education, and leisure entertainment, with rare botanical gardens and zoo.
Dianbai coastal area is abundant in various seafood such as prawns, crabs, and conch, often steamed or boiled to preserve natural flavor.
Maoming is China's largest lychee producing area, with many varieties like 'Baitangying' and 'Feizixiao', crystal clear flesh, high sweetness.
A traditional Maoming snack made by steaming rice batter in layers, resulting in a soft and chewy texture, served with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame.