Beihai

北海

This charming coastal city offers beaches, fresh seafood, and a relaxed pace that appeals to travelers seeking sun and sea without the intensity of major resorts. Beihai is known for its pearl trade, colonial architecture in the old town, and easy access to nearby islands.

Things to do

• Silver Beach — A wide, sandy beach with calm waters ideal for swimming, lined with seafood restaurants and water sports facilities.
• Weizhou Island — A volcanic island 30 kilometers offshore accessible by ferry, featuring dramatic coastal cliffs, snorkeling spots, and traditional fishing villages.
• Old Town (Beihai Zhenhai Park area) — A walk through colonial-era architecture and narrow streets near the waterfront showcases French and Portuguese influences from the trading past.
• Pearl Museum and Pearl Factory Tours — Learn about Beihai's famous pearl culture by visiting a museum or observing pearl farming and processing at local factories.
• Underwater World Aquarium — A marine aquarium displaying local fish species and sea creatures, with tunnel-style viewing areas.
• Hepu Port and Fishing Harbor — Watch local fishermen and fishing boats at work, and browse fresh seafood markets where you can select ingredients for meals.

Food to try

• Beihai Seafood Hot Pot — A communal dining experience where diners cook fresh local seafood, mushrooms, and vegetables in a simmering broth at the table.
• Oysters (Hao) — Fresh oysters grilled or steamed and served with garlic, ginger, or chili sauce, a signature item at waterfront restaurants.
• Squid Ink Noodles — Handmade noodles colored and flavored with squid ink, typically served in a light seafood broth or with garlic and oil.
• Shrimp Paste (Xia Jiang) — A pungent fermented condiment made from small shrimp, used as a dip or seasoning for vegetables and rice.
• Crab Porridge — Silky rice porridge cooked with chunks of fresh crab meat, a comforting local breakfast or light dinner dish.

Local customs & good to know

• Haggle respectfully at markets — Vendors at seafood and produce markets expect polite negotiation on prices, but aggressive haggling is considered rude.
• Respect fishing communities — When visiting harbor areas or fishing villages, ask permission before photographing boats or fishermen, as many rely on their daily catch for livelihood.
• Learn basic Cantonese phrases — While Mandarin is spoken, Beihai's local dialect is Cantonese; learning greetings like 'Neh ho' (你好) shows respect to locals.
• Plan visits around tides and ferry schedules — Island ferries and beach activities depend on seasonal weather and tide times, so check schedules in advance rather than assuming daily service.