Beihai

Introduction

Located on the north shore of the Gulf of Tonkin in southern Guangxi, you will find a city defined by its maritime heritage. Its position as a seaport granted it significant historical importance as an international trade hub for several neighboring provinces, including Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan.

While the area maintains a large shipyard, your visit to this coastal destination reveals a landscape shaped primarily by commerce. The city's economic identity is rooted in its history of trade, which fueled its rapid development as a prominent port.

Before you go

Prepare for a cultural experience where English is not widespread and the local dialect is a form of Cantonese. While many residents also understand or speak Mandarin, you should be mindful of these linguistic nuances while navigating the city. You can find a unique cultural atmosphere in the Qiaogang area, which is home to numerous ethnic Chinese who fled Vietnam as refugees during the Sino-Vietnamese War.

You can engage with the local expat community in various social settings. Some residents gather for breakfast at the McDonald's located in Beibuwan Guangchang, while others frequent bars such as Tommy's Bar-Restaurant on Waisha Seafood Island, The Way Inn - Holland Bar-Restaurant in Old Street, The Rusty Nail in Haijiao Rd, and William Shakespeares bar-restaurant on Jinhaian St.

Getting there

You can reach Beihai by high-speed train from Nanning downtown or Nanning East stations, which provide a quick journey to the city. These rail lines also offer connections to Guilin. If you prefer traveling by water, a daily ferry operates from Haikou to the Beihai harbour.

Several bus options connect you to the region. You can find overnight buses from Guilin and Liuzhou via Nanning, or take coach services from Shenzhen. From Nanning, numerous daily buses travel along the expressway to your destination. For air travel, Beihai Fucheng Airport offers flights from various major cities including Shanghai, Guilin, Guiyang, Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, and Kunming.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using taxis, motorbike taxis, or tricycles. While these vehicles are plentiful, be prepared to negotiate your fare as drivers may attempt to overcharge you if they perceive you as a visitor. Haggling is common practice here, so you should feel comfortable asking for a lower rate. If you choose to take a taxi, ensure the driver uses a meter; note that a small surcharge is added to the final amount shown.

For other ways to travel, you can use Didi or hop on one of the many buses that serve various parts of the city. While some bus routes may seem irregular due to rapid urban growth, they provide extensive coverage, though they typically do not run at night. You should have exact change ready for your fare when boarding. Additionally, you can utilize Hellobike share bikes throughout the area if you have an Alipay account to unlock them.

Where to stay

You can find various accommodation options throughout the city, with prices generally lower than in other tourist destinations. For a more upscale experience, you might choose a five-star hotel like the Shangri-La. If you prefer a budget-friendly stay, numerous low-cost hotels are located near the bus stations; however, keep in mind that these basic rooms may not include air-conditioning.

For a mid-range option, you can find reasonably priced accommodations around Beibuwan Square, such as the Guang'an Hotel on Sichuan Rd. If you prefer a social atmosphere or a stay near the coast, the Seahouse hostel in Qiaogang Town offers both dormitories and other room styles just a short walk from the beach.

Food & drink

You can find seafood everywhere throughout the city, where it is sold at a much lower cost than in other major cities. Visit Donghai Market for reasonably priced options or Nanzhu Market for higher quality selections. For raw seafood, head to Beiyun Market or Guizhong Market, while Shuichanpin Market specializes in salted and dried aquatic products. A local delicacy to try is half a pineapple on a stick. If you venture to the fishing village of Dijiao, you can find small eateries serving cooked seafood at low prices. For a diverse culinary experience, visit the various night markets starting at dusk, where vendors serve local seafood, vegetables, and drinks among plastic seating. While pizza is available in areas like Changqing Road, it does not reflect traditional Italian styles.

The city center offers several music bars with trendy, loud music. If you prefer a different atmosphere, there are western-owned establishments providing various experiences: a sports bar on Haijiao Road features pool and dart boards; a European pub style in Old Street serves pizza and burritos; a large restaurant and small bar offering draught beer is located near Silver Beach; and a mansion at the Waisha seafood area provides Western food and barbecue.

What to see and do

Explore the historic charm of Old Street, where you can wander through a relaxed pedestrian zone filled with souvenir stores and coffee shops during the day. This area features decaying colonial buildings on the site of the first Western trade centers in Beihai, transitioning into a lively nightlife scene with various bars. For a taste of local culture, visit the night markets to experience the local custom of staying up late among food stalls and bustling streets. You can also find entertainment at several cinema locations situated atop shopping malls near Beibuwan Square.

Nature lovers can visit the Silver Beach to see grey-white quartz sand; if you stay after dark under a clear sky, you can witness the moonlight reflecting off the sand and the fluorescence of nearby seaweed. For an underwater experience, the Underwater World features a vast collection of coral, shellfish, fish, sharks, and turtles, alongside exhibits on naval history and the voyages of Admiral Zheng He. Alternatively, travel to the Yinhai District to explore the Beihai Jinhaiwan Mangrove Forest, a large area home to diverse sea creatures and birds, which also features a museum dedicated to the Tanka people.

When to go

You can experience a variety of climates in Beihai depending on your choice of timing. The dry season offers milder conditions during the autumn and winter months, providing you with mild to warm weather as the year progresses into spring.

If you prefer warmer weather, the summer months are long and hot. However, be prepared for a humid atmosphere and heavy monsoon rains from June through September, which account for the majority of the annual rainfall.

Three days in Beihai

Day one, you can explore the local atmosphere of the Old Street and wander through the nearby streets to experience the unique character of the area.

Day two, you can visit Waisha Seafood Island or find your way to the various establishments along Haijiao Rd.

Day three, you can spend your time exploring Jinhaian St before heading toward the surrounding districts.