Beihai

Beihai has strong summer sun and frequent showers, so prepare sun protection and rain gear before heading out.

Beihai is well suited to a slow-paced seaside holiday. With 3–4 days, you can visit the main areas at a relaxed pace. Below is a reference guide covering routes, sights, food, and travel tips.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Beihai - check in to your hotel - go to Silver Beach in the afternoon to walk on the sand and see the sea - head to Qiaogang Style Street in the evening for snacks.
• Day 2: Go clamming and beachcombing at Jinhaiwan Mangrove in the morning - take photos in Liuxia Village in the afternoon - watch the sunset at Guantouling in the evening.
• Day 3: Visit Beihai Old Street in the morning - go to Impression 1876 in the afternoon for photos and a visit - see the night view at Golden Beach in the evening.
• Day 4: Get up early and go to Weizhou Island (ferry tickets must be bought in advance), or stroll and eat your way through a city morning market - return home.

Main Sights

Many attractions in Beihai do not require tickets and are fairly close together. It is a good place to rent an electric scooter and explore along the route, stopping flexibly along the way.

Food and Restaurant Recommendations

Beihai’s food scene centers on seafood, Vietnamese flavors, and sweet soups. Many worthwhile small eateries are tucked away in side streets and alleys.

• Zaotai Seafood Beef Noodles: The mixed soup base has a clear savory flavor. The seafood is cleaned well, the snail meat has little grit, and the tomato spicy soup stands out.
• Ershisidong Sweet Soup: Generous toppings, with a coconut milk base paired with taro balls and fruit. Good for cooling off in summer, and the prices are generally friendly.
• Beibuwan Yige Wood-Fired Pineapple Bun: Freshly baked pineapple buns filled with ice cream, giving a clear hot-and-cold contrast. The sweetness is relatively moderate.
• Yuexiang Xiaochu: Portions are reasonably balanced, seafood prices are clearly marked, and the curry king prawns and bread chicken are worth considering. Booking ahead is recommended.
• Suanqi Fruit Pork Skin: A long-running shop. The salted fruit vinegar is refreshing and cooling, the fruit pork skin is sweet-and-sour and appetizing, and the locust flower jelly has a soft, springy texture. Prices are fairly reasonable.

Where to Stay

• Near Qiaogang (top choice): Plenty of food and accommodation options, a lively night-market atmosphere, and convenient scooter routes to major sights. Guesthouses tend to offer good value, making it suitable for young travelers who enjoy eating and browsing.
• Around Silver Beach (good for families): Close to the sea, relatively quiet, and more resort-like, suitable for families with children. However, nearby dining tends to be more expensive and the area is not as lively as Qiaogang.
• Downtown / near Old Street: Accommodation is usually cheaper, close to transport hubs, and convenient for reaching different attractions. Good for students on a budget, though it is farther from the seaside.
• Golden Beach area: Many high-rise sea-view rooms, relatively low prices, and bay views. The drawbacks are coarser sand and a longer distance from the main scenic areas.

Travel Tips

• Weather and sun protection: In July and August, Beihai’s temperature is about 27–32°C. There are many showers, but they often come and go quickly. The seaside UV is strong, so use sun protection and carry an umbrella.
• Getting around: Beihai’s urban area is not large. Renting an electric scooter is recommended as the first choice, usually 30–40 yuan per day, as it is more flexible for moving between coastal sights. For taxis, use ride-hailing apps and avoid unlicensed cars.
• Buying seafood: Do not buy seafood from foam boxes with oxygen pumps on electric scooters near Old Street. Go to local markets such as Guizhou Road Market or Jinkui Market, then find a restaurant to cook it for you. Remember to bargain before weighing, and ask the seller to drain off the water.
• Beachcombing safety: Beachcombing on the tidal flats is free, so there is no need to join a paid beachcombing tour. Check the tide table before setting out. After dark, rocks become slippery and the risk of rising tides increases, so return early.
• Buying local specialties: For souvenirs, compare several shops on Beihai Old Street before buying, and bargain appropriately. Prices on Qiaogang Style Street are relatively higher. Durians and coconuts sold from small roadside trucks are not recommended just because they are cheap.