Silver Beach

银滩

Located just south of Beihai, Silver Beach is Guangxi's main beach destination with soft sand, shallow waters, and beach resorts. The beach is less crowded than southern resort cities and offers affordable seaside relaxation with local seafood dining.

Things to do

• Swimming and Sunbathing — Wade in the shallow, calm waters of Silver Beach's 24-kilometer shoreline or relax on the soft, light-colored sand that gives the beach its name.
• Beach Volleyball and Water Sports — Play beach volleyball on designated courts or rent equipment for jet skiing, banana boat rides, and paddleboarding along the coast.
• Sunset Walk — Stroll along the beach during late afternoon to catch the golden hour light reflecting off the sand and shallow waters.
• Thalassotherapy and Beach Spa — Visit beachside resorts offering seawater treatments, mud masks, and wellness services using local marine ingredients.
• Shellfish and Coral Collecting — Walk the beach at low tide to find shells, sea glass, and small coral pieces along the shoreline.
• Beihai Underwater World — Visit this nearby aquarium to view tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral species native to the Beibu Gulf.

Food to try

• Fresh Grilled Oysters — Beihai's signature dish features locally harvested oysters grilled with garlic, soy sauce, and lard, served piping hot from street vendors and beachside stalls.
• Shrimp Paste Noodles — A regional specialty combining thin rice noodles with pungent local shrimp paste, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts for a savory, umami-rich flavor.
• Beihai Squid — Tender squid caught in local waters, typically grilled whole with minimal seasoning or stir-fried with scallions and fermented black beans.
• Fish Head Soup — A Cantonese-influenced Beihai classic using snapper or grouper heads simmered with Chinese herbs, mushrooms, and winter melon for a nourishing broth.
• Beach Seafood Barbecue — Dine directly on the sand at informal restaurants grilling fresh catches of the day—clams, fish, shrimp, and crab—seasoned simply with salt and spices.

Local customs & good to know

• Tidal Schedules Matter — Check local tide times before beach activities, as low tide reveals more sand and makes swimming safer, while high tide brings the water closer to resorts.
• Sun Protection is Essential — The tropical sun is intense year-round; locals and visitors commonly wear sun hats, long sleeves, and apply strong sunscreen regularly to prevent severe burns.
• Seafood Haggling at Markets — Visit morning fish markets near the beach to buy fresh seafood directly from fishermen; negotiating prices is expected and welcomed by vendors.
• Peak Season Avoidance — Visit during shoulder seasons (April–May or September–October) to enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices than the summer and Chinese New Year peaks.