Beihai

Beihai is a seaside city that is perfect for a slow-paced vacation, and a 3-4 day trip is just right. Here is a detailed guide covering itinerary, attractions, food, and pitfalls to avoid. Feel free to use it as-is!

Itinerary Route

• Day 1: Arrive in Beihai - Check in to your hotel - Go barefoot on the sand at Silver Beach in the afternoon - Visit Qiaogang Style Street in the evening for snacks.
• Day 2: Go sea foraging at Golden Bay Mangrove in the morning - Take photos in Liuxia Village in the afternoon - Watch the sunset at Guantouling in the evening.
• Day 3: Stroll around Beihai Old Street in the morning - Check in at Impression 1876 in the afternoon - Enjoy the night view at Golden Beach in the evening.
• Day 4: Get up early and head to Weizhou Island (boat tickets need to be purchased in advance), or eat your way through a city morning market - Return trip.

Must-Visit Attractions

Most attractions in Beihai are free, and they are concentrated along one route, making it ideal to rent an electric scooter and stop wherever you like.

Food and Restaurant Recommendations

Beihai's food centers on seafood, Vietnamese flavors, and sweet soups, and the most delightful finds are often tucked away in the alleys.

• Zaotai Seafood Beef Noodles: The deluxe soup base is very fresh, the seafood is cleaned well, the conch meat has no grit, and the tomato spicy soup is outstanding.
• Twenty-Four Buildings Sweet Soup: Very generous toppings, with a coconut milk base paired with taro balls and fruit. A summer essential for cooling off, with excellent value for money.
• Beibuwan Yige Firewood Pineapple Bun: Freshly baked pineapple buns filled with ice cream, a hot-and-cold contrast that is sweet and fragrant without being cloying.
• Yuexiang Kitchen: The portions are well balanced, seafood prices are transparent, and the curry king prawns and bread chicken are highly recommended. Booking in advance is suggested.
• Suanqi Fruit Pork Skin: An old shop. The salted fruit vinegar is refreshing in the heat, the fruit pork skin is sweet, sour, and appetizing, and the locust flower jelly is soft, springy, and good value.

Where to Stay

• Near Qiaogang (Top Pick): Convenient for food and accommodation, with a lively night-market atmosphere. It is also on the way to various attractions by electric scooter, and homestays offer good value. Best for young travelers and those who love eating and browsing.
• Around Silver Beach (Best for Families): The sea is right downstairs, the environment is quiet, and the vacation atmosphere is strong, making it suitable for families with children. However, dining nearby is relatively expensive, and it is not as lively as Qiaogang.
• City Center / Near Old Street: The lowest prices, located around transport hubs, and convenient for getting to different attractions. Suitable for students on a limited budget, but it is farther from the seaside.
• Golden Beach Area: Many high-rise sea-view rooms, relatively cheaper prices, and views over the whole bay. However, the sand is coarser, and it is farther from the main scenic areas.

Pitfalls to Avoid and Things to Note

• Weather and Sun Protection: In July and August, Beihai temperatures are around 27-32°C. There are frequent showers, but they usually pass quickly. UV rays are strong by the sea, so be sure to use sun protection and carry an umbrella.
• Getting Around: Beihai is small, so renting an electric scooter is the first choice (about 30-40 yuan per day). You can stop and explore along the coastal attractions as you like. For taxis, use ride-hailing apps and avoid unlicensed cars.
• Buying Seafood: Do not buy seafood from foam boxes with oxygen pumps loaded on electric scooters near Old Street. It is better to buy seafood at local markets, such as Guizhou Road Market or Jinkui Market, and have a restaurant cook it for you. Remember to bargain and ask the vendor to drain off the water before weighing.
• Sea Foraging Safety: Sea foraging on all tidal flats is free, so do not join paid sea-foraging tours. Check the tide table in advance. After dark, reefs become slippery and rising tides are dangerous, so return early.
• Buying Local Specialties: For souvenirs, Beihai Old Street is recommended. Compare several shops and bargain. Qiaogang Style Street is relatively more expensive. Do not be tempted by cheap durians or coconuts sold from small roadside trucks.