Beihai City, affiliated to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is located on the southern coast of China, adjacent to Vietnam. It is an important gateway for opening-up in southwest China. With a subtropical marine monsoon climate, it enjoys year-round warmth and humidity, abundant marine resources, and a combination of natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
II. Best Travel Time
October to April: The temperature ranges from 15-25℃, with mild winds, clear skies and little rainfall. It is the golden period for beach activities and island exploration, especially suitable for winter getaways.
May to September: Hot and rainy, with occasional typhoons. Check the weather in advance; however, it is the off-season with lower accommodation prices and quieter beaches.
III. Recommended Attractions
Beihai Silver Beach
Famous for its "long beach, white sand and clear water", the sand is as fine as powder and feels soft underfoot, earning it the reputation of "China's First Beach". The scenic area is free (some services like showering and storage are charged). You can enjoy beach barbecues, jet skiing, sailing, etc. It is recommended to visit in the evening to avoid midday sun.
Weizhou Island
China's largest and youngest volcanic island, known as the "Pearl of the South China Sea". It was rated as one of "China's Top 10 Most Beautiful Islands" by China National Geography in 2005. Take a ferry from Beihai International Passenger Port (ticket: ~150-240 RMB/person, 1.5-hour ride). Must-visit spots on the island:
Volcano Crater Geopark: Witness the blend of ten thousand years volcanic rocks and blue seas;
Wucai Beach: After low tide in the early morning, red volcanic rocks and green algae reflect sunlight, like a colorful painting;
Dishui Danping: Black cliffs drip water all year round, forming a unique scene with coral sand on the tidal flat;
Shengtang Catholic Church: A century-old French-style building, witnessing the integration of Chinese and Western cultures.
It is recommended to stay 1-2 nights on the island to experience fishing village life and starry nights.
Beihai Old Street (Zhuhai Road)
Built in 1883, 1.44 kilometers long, it is one of the best-preserved arcade building clusters in China, integrating Chinese brick carvings and Southeast Asian decorations. Along the street, you can taste local snacks like shrimp dumplings, shell noodles, and Aunt Li's shrimp cakes, buy pearl jewelry and seashell crafts. The street is especially charming at night with lights on. Allow 2-3 hours for a stroll.
Guantouling National Forest Park
The only mountain in downtown Beihai, with a main peak of 120 meters, offering a panoramic view of the Beibu Gulf. The park features the "Sea 枯石爛" reef group and Guanning Temple, making it an ideal spot to watch the sunset over the sea. It is suitable for hiking or self-driving, with about 3 hours of visiting time.
Qiaogang Style Street
Formed by the settlement of Vietnamese returnees, it is full of Southeast Asian charm. It is a food paradise, recommended to try Vietnamese spring rolls, chicken shred noodle soup, stir-fried snails, and mango sago from the 24th Building Dessert Shop. You can also enjoy the leisure atmosphere of beach bars at night.
IV. Cuisine and Specialties
Classic Seafood: Recommended dishes include blanched shrimp, garlic vermicelli steamed scallops, spicy stir-fried clams, and sandworm porridge (a local specialty with unique freshness). You can buy fresh seafood at Qiaogang Fishing Port and have it cooked at nearby restaurants.
Local Snacks: Seafood noodle ,Snail rice noodles (with a strong sour bamboo shoot flavor), shrimp cakes (crispy outside and tender inside, a street classic), and coconut rice (glutinous rice mixed with coconut aroma).
Sweet Desserts: Popular after-meal treats include pagoda flower jelly, immortal jelly, and red bean and barley syrup, which are refreshing and relieve greasiness.
Specialty Purchases: South Sea pearls (Beihai is renowned for high-quality pearls; buy at regular malls), dried seafood (dried shrimps, fish maws, dried shellfish), and Vietnamese-style snacks (such as row candies and coffee).
V. Transportation Guide
External Transportation:
Airport: Beihai Fucheng Airport has direct flights to major domestic cities. It is about 25 kilometers from the urban area; take an airport bus (20 RMB) or taxi (about 60 RMB) to the city.
High-speed Rail: Beihai Railway Station connects to Nanning, Guilin, Guangzhou, etc. Buses or taxis from the station can reach major attractions.
Urban Transportation:
Taxis: Starting fare is 7 RMB (within 3 km), then 2 RMB/km. It is recommended to use the meter or online ride-hailing services.
Buses: Cover major attractions with fares of 1-2 RMB. For example, Bus Route 3 directly reaches Silver Beach.
Car/Electric Bike Rental: Electric bikes cost about 30 RMB/day in the urban area, convenient for island tours or short trips.
Island Transportation: To reach Weizhou Island, book tickets in advance through the "Beihai International Passenger Port" official WeChat account. For peak season (November-April), reserve 3-5 days in advance.
VI. Accommodation Recommendations
Near Silver Beach: Recommended sea-view hotels or holiday homestays within walking distance to the beach, suitable for beach lovers, such as Crowne Plaza Beihai Silver Beach and Diecai Bay B&B Cluster.
Around Qiaogang: Cost-effective, close to food streets and fishing ports with lively nightlife, such as theme inns near Qiaogang Style Street.
Downtown Area: Close to the railway station and commercial districts, convenient for budget travelers, such as hotels near Beihai Wanda Plaza.
On Weizhou Island: Choose homestays near Wucai Beach or Dishui Danping for easy access to sunrise and sunset views, such as local fishermen's inns.
VII. Notes
Take sun protection measures when visiting beaches: bring sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses, and avoid exposure at noon.
Pay attention to weights when buying seafood; it is advisable to purchase at regular markets (such as Nanzhu Market) to avoid being overcharged.
Weizhou Island relies on mainland transportation for supplies, so prices are higher. You can bring a small amount of snacks and drinks.
Respect the customs of local ethnic minorities and abide by relevant regulations when entering temples or churches.
VIII. Recommended Itinerary (4 Days and 3 Nights)
Day 1: Arrive in Beihai → Check into the hotel → Beihai Silver Beach (play in the sand and water in the evening) → Qiaogang Style Street (dinner + desserts)
Day 2: Beihai International Passenger Port → Weizhou Island → Volcano Crater Geopark → Dishui Danping → Island dinner (seafood barbecue)
Day 3: Wucai Beach on Weizhou Island (sunrise) → Shengtang Catholic Church → Return to Beihai urban area →Night Tour of Beihai Old Street
Day 4: Guantouling National Forest Park (sea viewing + sunset) → Buy specialties → Departure
