Zhanjiang

Zhanjiang is warm in winter and rainy in summer and autumn, so keep an eye on changing weather conditions when planning seaside activities.

Zhanjiang has a relaxed coastal rhythm and a rich variety of seafood, making it ideal for an unhurried getaway.

Must-See Spots in the City

• Chikan Old Street: Home to century-old arcaded buildings in the Nanyang style, this area was also a filming location for *The Bad Kids*. It is ideal for strolling through its lanes and admiring the architecture.

• Jinshawan: A white-sand beach in the city, often offering spectacular sunsets in the evening. It is ideal for seaside walks and paddling in the waves.

• Huguangyan: A maar lake in a UNESCO Global Geopark. Its water is clear, and you can tour the lake by sightseeing vehicle or on foot.

• Xiashan Seaview Promenade: This coastal boardwalk stretches for about 1.7 km. In the morning, you can spot mangroves and egrets; in the evening, it is ideal for a sea-breeze stroll.

Island Charms

• Naozhou Island: China’s largest volcanic island, featuring black reefs, crystal-clear waters and a century-old crystal-lens lighthouse. The overall atmosphere is peaceful.

• Techeng Island: About a 10-minute ferry ride from the city center, the island has untouched mangroves and hot-spring beaches, making it suitable for easy hikes and beachcombing.

Lesser-Known Nearby Destinations

• Nanji Village: Located at the southernmost tip of mainland China, it offers views of the Qiongzhou Strait and the Beibu Gulf where they meet. The scenery is especially beautiful at sunset.

• Pineapple Sea: In Xuwen County, expansive pineapple fields on red soil are set against wind turbines, making this a good place to enjoy rural scenery and photograph the countryside.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 (Old Town and Sea Breeze): Arrive in Zhanjiang in the morning and check in, then head to Chikan Old Street for a meal and browse Benli Grocery and Shuijing Youtiao. In the evening, watch the sunset at the Jinshawan Seaview Promenade. For dinner, try charcoal-grilled oysters and wet spicy beef in the city center.
• Day 2 (Island or Volcanic Lake): Option A: head to Naozhou Island, take the ferry, rent a small electric scooter to circle the island, and visit the volcanic rock beaches and lighthouse. Option B: visit Huguangyan, tour the lake by sightseeing vehicle, then stroll through the South Subtropical Botanical Garden in the afternoon.
• Day 3 (French Flair and Departure): In the morning, visit Xiashan Catholic Church and the Former Site of Guangzhou Bay to learn about the area’s French-style architecture. In the afternoon, go to the Xiashan Seafood Market to buy seafood and have it cooked at a nearby restaurant before heading home.

Local Zhanjiang Specialties

Zhanjiang’s seafood and western Guangdong flavors each have their own character. Start with these dishes:

• Charcoal-Grilled Oysters: Oysters grilled over charcoal with minced garlic; the meat is tender and juicy. They are commonly sold at roadside stalls and casual food stands.

• Zhanjiang White-Cut Chicken: The skin is crisp and the meat tender, usually served with sand ginger and scallion-oil dipping sauces to highlight the chicken’s natural flavor.

• Wet Spicy Beef: Barbecued beef dipped in an orange-yellow wet spicy sauce, with a sweet taste followed by heat. This is a common local way to enjoy it.

• Sipunculus Soup: Sipunculus has a crisp, lightly sweet texture. When cooked in soup, it gives the broth a pronounced seafood flavor, while the soup remains light with a lingering sweetness.

• Boji Steamed Rice Rolls: A traditional western Guangdong snack steamed in a bamboo basket. It has a soft, sticky yet springy texture and is served with savory-sweet sauces.

• Seafood Rice Noodles: Silky rice noodle sheets served with seafood and freshly fried dough sticks. Common around the old street, they have a simple, hearty flavor.

Where to Stay

• Around Jinshawan/Wanda: Close to the sea, with plenty of guesthouses and upscale hotels. It is convenient for watching the sunrise and sunset, and the surrounding commercial area has a full range of restaurants. Best for travelers who prioritize comfortable accommodation and sea views.

• Near Chikan Old Street: Accommodation offers good value, with restaurants concentrated nearby. You can reach the seaside in about 10 minutes by shared electric scooter. Suitable for those who enjoy browsing shops and exploring the old city.

• Xiashan Haibin Avenue: Located in the city center, this area has a concentration of upscale hotels. It is convenient for visiting Fishing Port Park and the seaview promenade, and is also time-saving for drivers.

Transport and Practical Information

• Getting Around: For travel between Chikan and Xiashan, use ride-hailing services or shared electric scooters. Before heading to Naozhou Island or Techeng Island, check the ferry schedule to avoid missing the last boat. When driving to Xuwen, try to avoid peak morning and evening traffic.
• Buying and Having Seafood Cooked: Avoid seafood restaurants that tout for customers on the street and food stalls outside scenic areas. Buy seafood at Xiashan Seafood Market or near the Baixingcun Food Street, which locals often visit, then find a restaurant to cook it. Check the electronic scale reading and cooking charges before paying.
• Island Activities: The volcanic rock surfaces on Naozhou Island are sharp, so wear nonslip shoes. Check the tide table before beachcombing; low tide is the best time to go.
• Sun and Mosquito Protection: UV rays are strong by the sea, so bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses even on cloudy days. Carry mosquito repellent when visiting mangroves or botanical gardens.