Beihai Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

The climate is especially optimum. When it refers to Beihai, sun, surf and beach first come into our minds. Silver Beach has clean, white sand while nearby Weizhou Island has magnificent natural scenery. This is a romantic seaside city. Take a stroll along the old streets and admire the combination of Chinese and Western architecture, try Cantonese dishes or Vietnamese-style snacks. Make sure not to miss out on the affordable and delicious seafood. In Beihai, take your time and smell the flowers to truly appreciate the unique beauty of this port city.

1. Explore Beihai Silver Beach and Embrace the Ocean Breeze

Immerse yourself in its volcanic beauty, perfect for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on pristine beaches. Don’t miss the romantic sunrise, where the stunning colors meet the vast ocean, creating a truly magical experience.

2. Discover History at the Beihai Underwater World and Embrace Marine Life

Beihai Underwater World offers a fascinating glimpse into marine life with its large aquariums and underwater tunnels. Marvel at sharks and sea turtles while learning about marine conservation.

3. Journey Through Time at Hepuhandai Culture Museum and Relive the Han Dynasty

Explore the Hepuhandai Culture Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see intricate carvings and artifacts from the Han Dynasty, offering a deep dive into China's rich history.

4. Experience the Charm of Beihai Old Street and Immerse Yourself in Local Life

Stroll through its unique mix of Chinese and European architecture, enjoy local shops, traditional snacks, and capture the unique blend of Chinese and European architecture in Beihai.

5. Find Tranquility at Weizhou Island and Escape to Paradise

Weizhou Island, known for its volcanic landscapes and natural beauty, is perfect for snorkeling, diving, and exploring. Relax on pristine beaches and enjoy the fresh sea air. 

6. Delve into the World of Beihai's Intangible Cultural Heritage

Discover Beihai's intangible cultural heritage by learning about pearl cultivation, witnessing Zhuang Opera, and exploring traditional shell carving.

7. Savor the Flavors of Beihai

Indulge in Beihai's culinary scene with fresh seafood like Sipunculus nudus and enjoy a seafood feast at beachfront restaurants.

8. Explore Beihai Night Market

Visit Beihai Night Market for street food, local snacks, and unique souvenirs, offering a vibrant glimpse into local life. 

9. Shop for Beihai Pearls

Beihai is renowned for its high-quality pearls. Visit local shops and markets to purchase beautiful pearl jewelry and accessories. 

10. Take a Boat Tour

Explore Beihai's coastal beauty with a boat tour, enjoying scenic views of the coastline, islands, and marine life.

11. Relax at Hot Springs

Rejuvenate at Beihai's hot spring resorts, enjoying the therapeutic benefits of natural hot springs in a serene environment.

Beihai is a captivating destination featuring Weizhou Island with its volcanic landscapes and rich biodiversity, the immersive marine experiences of Beihai Underwater World, the pristine beaches and cultural highlights of Beihai Silver Beach National Resort, and the historically enriched Beihai Old Street, encapsulating a blend of cultural and natural attractions.

Weizhou Island is distinguished by its volcanic origin, featuring a dramatic landscape of rocky cliffs and lush coastal beaches, complemented by vibrant coral reefs. Its year-round moderate climate supports a rich biodiversity, making it an attractive destination for nature exploration. The island is also culturally significant, with unique Gothic-style Catholic churches built from coral rock enhancing its historical allure.

Located in Beihai Haibin Park, Beihai Underwater World showcases an array of marine life, featuring two museums dedicated to diverse marine species, including ancient Chinese culture artifacts and endangered turtles. Unique attractions include China's largest acrylic cylindrical fish pond and the first-used omnidirectional undersea tunnel in the country, offering immersive experiences for visitors. Additionally, thrilling performances at the Underwater Theater, like "Man-Shark Wars," captivate audiences, making it an ideal destination for family entertainment and marine exploration.

Beihai Silver Beach National Resort, often referred to as "Oriental Hawaii," offers pristine quartz sands and clear waters, perfect for beach and marine activities. Safety features like shark-free zones encourage enjoyable swimming experiences. Various activities range from beach sports like volleyball and football to thrilling adventures like diving and sailing. The Immortal Bridge adds cultural significance, serving as a mythical centerpiece at the beach.

Beihai Old Street, established in 1821, features a remarkable fusion of Eastern and Western architecture, due to its historical role in international trade on the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Its arcade houses, adorned with detailed carvings and European designs, illustrate the cultural significance of the area. As a prominent tourist destination, visitors can partake in local cultural activities and shop from traditional vendors, enhancing their experience of the street's vibrant historical legacy.

Beihai's culinary scene is globally recognized for its rich variety of seafood. By incorporating traditional cooking techniques with regional specialties like Bánh cuốn(Vietnamese rice rolls), sweet soups, and crab-flavored noodles, Beihai offers uniquely delightful and favored tastes.

Close to Beihai, the Beibu Gulf is recognized as one of China's top four fishing regions. This area boasts a rich and diverse range of seafood, including species like grouper and swimming crabs. The culinary techniques used here include garlic seasoning, steaming, and stir-frying, making it a must-visit spot for seafood aficionados.

Bánh cuốn has been given a distinctive Beihai characteristic by the locals. The preparation involves grinding rice with water into a batter, which is then steamed for an hour. Once ready, it can be personalized with various fillings such as eggs, shiitake mushrooms, and green onions according to individual preferences. For a delightful enhancement, a topping of crab sauce and condiments can be added, resulting in a truly exquisite flavor.

Sweet soup is a renowned local delicacy in Beihai. The consumption of Syrup differs with the seasons; summertime features treats like Mung Bean Paste and Water Chestnut Delight, while wintertime offers Black Sticky Rice and Sesame Paste, among others. Its diverse range and layered flavors have made it a favorite among many food enthusiasts.

Crab noodle soup is a popular delicacy easily found along Qiaogang Folk Custom Street. When served, the soup boasts a deliciously rich crab flavor, enhanced by the clever addition of tomatoes during preparation, which significantly elevates the taste.

Beihai's transportation network is well-connected, with Beihai Fucheng Airport and Beihai Railway Station being the primary hubs for intercity travel.

Beihai Fucheng Airport (BHY) serves as a key gateway for both domestic and limited international flights. Located approximately 24 km from the city center, the airport connects Beihai to major cities across China and some international destinations. To reach the city from the airport, travelers can take a taxi or the airport shuttle bus, which provides a direct link to the city.

Beihai Railway Station, situated in Haicheng District, is an important stop on the Guangxi Coastal Intercity Railway Line. It offers high-speed train services to cities such as Nanning, Guangzhou, Guilin, and others. The station is conveniently located close to the city center, making it easily accessible by bus or taxi. For those heading to Silver Beach or Beihai Old Street, there are specific bus routes available from the station.

City Bus: Beihai's public bus system is a convenient way to navigate the city, with 9 routes including a special railway line. Key hubs include Beibu Gulf Square and The People's Theater, with service extending to attractions like Silver Beach. Buses run from early morning until late at night, with fares ranging from CNY1 to CNY1.5.

Taxi: Taxi in Beihai offer a popular alternative to buses, especially for travel within the downtown area. With a starting fare of CNY8 for the first 2 kilometers and CNY1.8 for each additional kilometer, taxis provide a flexible option for getting around. Night-driving charges apply, and haggling over flat rates is common. If similar services are available in Beihai, they would offer an efficient and eco-friendly way to explore the city, especially given the popularity of bike-sharing in urban China.

Beihai is a coastal city in China known for its beautiful beaches and scenic attractions. The city's accommodation scene is diverse, with options ranging from budget stays to luxurious resorts, catering to different preferences and budgets. Visitors can expect to find a range of hotels with distinct characteristics in various areas of Beihai, each offering a unique experience.

Scenic Splendor: Beihai Silver Beach Resort is renowned for its stunning shoreline, where the quartz sand glistens under the sunlight. This beach is often referred to as the "greatest beach in China," boasting fine sand and a safe swimming environment without sharks.

Relaxation and Activities: Visitors can indulge in a variety of beach activities, including volleyball, soccer, and water sports. The resort area is equipped with amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable stay, ensuring a blend of relaxation and recreation.

Natural Beauty and Attractions: Weizhou Island, one of the China's largest and youngest volcanic islands, is celebrated for its lush vegetation and unique volcanic landscapes. It offers a picturesque setting with coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Accommodation and Dining: The island provides accommodation ranging from simple guesthouses to more upscale hotels, complemented by an array of seafood dining options that highlight the local culinary delights.

Cultural Experience: Qiaogang Fengqing Street is a special destination that immerses visitors in the local culture and history of Beihai. The street is lined with Vietnamese eateries and shops, offering an authentic taste of the region's diverse influences.

Dining and Shopping: The area is a hub for dining and shopping, where guests can savor traditional Vietnamese dishes and purchase unique souvenirs. It's a vibrant spot for those looking to experience the local lifestyle and cuisine.

The best time to visit Beihai is during the spring and autumn months, specifically from April to June and September to November. These periods offer pleasant temperatures, sufficient sunshine, and warm water, making them ideal for enjoying Beihai's beautiful beaches, sea, and outdoor activities. However, it is recommended to avoid the typhoon months of July and August. Additionally, the autumn season hosts the Beihai International Pearl Festival in October, offering a cultural experience alongside the favorable weather.

Beihai, a city in Guangxi, China, predominantly speaks Mandarin as the official language, with a significant presence of Cantonese dialects, including the Beihai dialect, a variant of Cantonese. Despite Mandarin's prevalence due to government promotion, the local dialect and other Cantonese dialects thrive, reflecting the area's cultural heritage. Translation services may not be widely available, as English is not commonly spoken, especially since Beihai is not a major tourist destination for foreigners. To overcome language barriers, travelers are advised to use translation apps, gestures, and written Chinese phrases for effective communication.

Alipay: A widely-used payment app effective for transactions by scanning QR codes and can be registered with international cards for ease during travel in China.

WeChat: Essential for communication in China, supporting text, voice, and video messages along with social sharing, digital wallet capabilities, and integrated services like taxis.

Didi Chuxing: Convenient for ride-hailing in China, operable through Alipay for those without a local Chinese number, ensuring accessibility for foreigners.

MetroMan: Useful for navigating metro systems across various Chinese cities, helping determine the best routes and calculate travel costs efficiently.

Baidu Maps: The go-to map app in China for accurate, real-time navigation; essential for finding locations and navigating the streets reliably.

Mobile data packages for immigrants in China are available through local carriers such as China Mobile and Unicom. China Mobile offers prepaid data SIM cards with unlimited text messages and calls within China, and high-speed connections, sometimes even 5G. Unicom provides SIM cards with data packs that include unlimited music applications, and both do not require long-term contracts. Prices for eSIMs with unlimited data start at just $6 for China.

Public WiFi in China is widely available in places like airports, restaurants, coffee shops, and malls. However, connecting to these networks often requires a Chinese phone number for text verification, which can be a challenge for travelers without a local SIM card. Global WiFi devices like Skyroam can be a convenient alternative, offering the ability to connect multiple devices and requiring no additional setup upon arrival in China.

Beihai, located in the subtropical zone, experiences a monsoon maritime climate with mild and humid conditions, free from extreme cold in winter and oppressive heat in summer. The city is known for its high humidity and moderate rainfall, with an annual average temperature of 22.9℃ and an annual rainfall volume of 1670mm. Typhoons are the main natural disaster, typically occurring from June to August. When traveling to Beihai, it is advisable to pack light clothing for warm temperatures, along with rain gear during the wet season. For protection against the sun and occasional high UV levels, bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. In case of typhoon warnings, stay informed of local advisories and follow safety precautions.

In Beihai, mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are prevalent and convenient for foreigners.

WeChat Pay allows foreign tourists to easily link international cards for a smooth payment experience, especially useful as China transitions into a cashless society. Alipay dominates with services not just in e-commerce but also for various offline transactions.

While using these mobile payments, tourists should note that no ID is required for transactions under a set amount, but it's wise to be aware of any transaction limits and potential fees.