Zhanjiang is a port city on the Leizhou Peninsula in Guangdong, facing Hainan across the Qiongzhou Strait. Its culture is distinct from the rest of the province, shaped by the peninsula and reflected in Leizhou Opera, and the city has long functioned as a centre of commerce and navigation for southwestern China.
For a visitor, the built-up urban centre comes down to two main districts: Chikan and Xiashan. Xiashan is the more developed and newer of the two, while Chikan is the older district; both have plenty of places to stay. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how to think about budget, mid-range and higher-end options.
Best areas to stay in Zhanjiang
1. Xiashan
Xiashan is the more developed and newer of Zhanjiang's two main districts, and for most visitors it is the most practical base. It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be in the more modern part of the city, with the widest spread of accommodation, from budget rooms upward.
If you are watching your spending, the budget places cluster along Minzhi Road (民治路) near Jiefang East Road (解放东路), where double rooms have gone for around ¥60–70. The district also has the city's higher-end end of the market, so you can stay in Xiashan whether you are counting yuan or not.
2. Chikan
Chikan is the older of the two main districts, and it has plenty of hotels as well. It suits travellers who prefer the character of the older part of town and do not mind being away from the newer, more developed side.
Accommodation here runs from boutique-style places to larger hotels, so it works as a base at more than one price level. Treat it as the alternative to Xiashan rather than a substitute for it: the two districts are the city's two main options, and which one you pick shapes your stay.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Double rooms in the budget bracket, such as those along Minzhi Road near Jiefang East Road in Xiashan, have gone for roughly ¥60–70.
- Mid-range: Both Chikan and Xiashan have plenty of hotels in the ordinary commercial range, including boutique-style properties in Chikan.
- Splurge: The top of the market is in Xiashan, which has the city's only five-star hotel.
Best area for a first visit
Choose Xiashan for a first visit. It is the more developed and newer of the two main districts, it has the broadest choice of accommodation across price levels, and it puts you in the part of the city with the most going on. Chikan remains a good alternative if you would rather base yourself in the older district.
Frequently asked questions
Which districts of Zhanjiang should I choose between for accommodation?
The city is separated into two major districts for practical purposes: Chikan and Xiashan. Xiashan is more developed and newer; Chikan is older. Both have plenty of hotels.
Where can I find budget rooms in Zhanjiang?
Many budget hotels are along Minzhi Road (民治路) near Jiefang East Road (解放东路) in Xiashan, with double rooms historically priced around ¥60–70.
Which part of the city has the higher-end accommodation?
Xiashan, which is home to the only five-star hotel in Zhanjiang.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.