Beihai is a seaport on the north shore of the Gulf of Tonkin, in southern Guangxi. It has a long history as a treaty port, and a number of Western-era buildings from that period still stand in the city. It also governs the islands of Weizhou and Xieyang offshore.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the city is made up of Haicheng District, Yinhai District and Tieshangang District, plus Hepu County. Haicheng is the focal point of the city and where the downtown has been since the 19th century, while Yinhai and Tieshangang are more outlying. This guide covers which areas to use as a base, and what to expect at each price level.
Best areas to stay in Beihai
1. Haicheng District
Haicheng is the chief administrative zone and the focal point of Beihai, where the downtown has been located since the 19th century. This is the most central base, and the most practical choice if you want to be in the middle of things rather than at the edge of the city.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants the widest choice of services around them. Note that the everyday spoken language here is more mixed than elsewhere: Pakhoi Cantonese is mainstream, and many residents are bilingual in it and Limchownese.
2. Beibuwan Square area
The hotels around Beibuwan Square are described as a bit more expensive than the cheapest options, but still very reasonable. This is a straightforward mid-range base in the city.
It suits travellers who want a comfortable, well-located room without paying the top rate. Sichuan Rd is the kind of street where you find this category of hotel.
3. Near the bus stations
There are quite a few low-cost hotels near the bus stations, with rooms from around ¥35 and up. At that rate you should not expect air-conditioning; rooms with it cost at least ¥100.
This area suits budget travellers and anyone arriving or leaving by bus. It is worth looking at the room before agreeing, then asking for a discount, and depending on the room the hotel may or may not be willing to turn on the heat during winter.
4. Qiaogang Town
Qiaogang is a town in the city where you find hostel-style accommodation, including dorm and other room types, at around ¥35–45 for a dorm. The hostel described in the source is about 50 m from the beach.
It suits budget travellers and beach-oriented visitors who prefer a dorm or simple room. The town is also home to people of overseas-Chinese background, largely Chinese-Vietnamese refugees, and the local accent is a mix of Cantonese varieties.
5. Waishaqiao
Waishaqiao is on the north bank of Beihai, a Tanka Cantonese-speaking area. It is named in the sources as a distinct part of the city rather than as a hotel district.
It may suit travellers interested in the older waterfront side of Beihai. The sources do not describe accommodation here in detail, so treat it as a location to consider rather than a proven base.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: low-cost hotels near the bus stations, from around ¥35 and up, generally without air-conditioning; rooms with air-conditioning cost at least ¥100. Dorm beds in hostel-style accommodation at Qiaogang Town run around ¥35–45.
- Mid-range: hotels around Beibuwan Square, described as a bit more expensive but still very reasonable.
- Splurge: five-star properties exist in the city; the source gives the example of a five-star hotel charging about US$60–70 for a single room, which is lower than in other tourist cities.
Best area for a first visit
Haicheng District is the best base for a first visit. It is the focal point of the city and the area where the downtown has been since the 19th century, so it puts you at the centre of Beihai rather than in an outlying district. From there you can reach the rest of the city and decide whether to move closer to the beach or the bus stations for the remainder of your stay.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a hotel in Beihai?
As in all Chinese cities, the easiest option is to check local hotel prices on booking websites to get an idea of the range, then walk to the hotel and check and book the room at reception.
Are hotel prices in Beihai high?
Hotel prices are usually lower than in other tourist cities. Even a five-star hotel is cited at about US$60–70 for a single room.
What should I check before taking a cheap room?
At the lowest rates, do not expect air-conditioning; rooms with it cost at least ¥100. Look at the room, then ask for a discount, and note that depending on the room the hotel may or may not be willing to turn on the heat during winter.
Where can I stay near the beach on a budget?
Qiaogang Town has hostel-style accommodation with dorm and other room types, around ¥35–45 for a dorm, and the hostel described in the source is about 50 m from the beach.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.