It lies approximately 120 kilometres (75 mi) east of Shenzhen and most of the locals speak the Haifeng dialect, a variety of Southern Min.

It was politically administered as part of Huizhoufu (惠州府) by the Ming and Qing empires, Shanwei it gained its prefectural and administrative independence from Huizhou during the Nationalist period.

Spring is generally overcast, while summer brings the heaviest rains of the year though is much sunnier; there are 10.3 days with 50 mm (1.97 in) or more rainfall.

Many different types of crops are planted, rice, sesame, sweet potatoes, corn, bananas, just to name a few.

[6] Shenwei have a rich and diverse sea ecosystem, it's a famous fishing ground in Guangdong.

[7] With its long, interesting coastline and unique customs, Shanwei has a great potential for tourism.

As Shanwei is near the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong, together with the impact of television programs from Hong Kong and population movements within Guangdong province, many local residents, especially the younger generation, have communication skills in Cantonese.