Qinzhou

Qinzhou is an underrated gem of a small coastal city, with both the romance of blue seas and silver beaches and the lively everyday feel of a thousand-year-old prefecture. It is also affordable, making it ideal for a relaxing weekend or short holiday of strolling and eating.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Old-Town Culture and Lively Night Markets
  • Morning: Arrive in Qinzhou and head to Qinzhou Old Street (Zhongshan Road) to check in at the century-old arcades, retro clock tower, and One-Meter Alley, and soak up the vintage Nanyang atmosphere.

• Afternoon: Walk to Liu Yongfu’s Former Residence and Feng Zicai’s Former Residence to learn about the history of famous late-Qing generals who resisted the French; afterwards, go to Qinzhou Bookstore for a coffee and a dose of literary charm.

• Evening: Head straight to Hongfa Night Market or Erma Road Night Market for pig’s trotter rice noodles, sweet soups, and pickled fruits and vegetables, and experience the locals’ late-night dining scene.

• Day 2: Coastal Dolphin-Watching and a Stunning Sunset
  • Morning: Get up early and go to Sanniang Bay. Take a boat out to sea for a chance encounter with wild pink Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. It is recommended to go out between 8 and 10 a.m., when the chances are highest.

• Afternoon: Head to Xili Bay to splash through the waves and go beachcombing along the 2.8-kilometer crescent-shaped beach, then photograph the orange-tinted sea sunset in the evening.

• Evening: Enjoy a fresh seafood feast at a seaside food stall. Salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp and garlic oysters are recommended.

• Day 3: Nature, Fresh Air, and Intangible Cultural Heritage
  • Morning: Go to Bazhaigou for a hike and fresh air, with waterfalls and streams along the way. In summer, you can also trace the streams and play in the water. Alternatively, visit Maowei Sea and take a bamboo raft through the mangroves.

• Afternoon: Return to the urban area and visit the Nixing Pottery Museum to learn about this intangible cultural heritage craft, one of China’s four famous pottery traditions. You can also try throwing clay by hand.

• Dusk: Buy souvenirs such as sea duck eggs and small Nixing pottery ornaments, then begin your return journey.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Sanniang Bay: Known as the home of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, it is one of the few coastal areas in China where wild pink dolphins can be seen near shore. The beach is clean and uncrowded, and April to October is the best dolphin-watching season.

• Qinzhou Old Street: Encompassing Song-dynasty Inner City Street, Ming- and Qing-era Zhulan Street, and Republican-era arcade streets, it has more than 400 historic buildings and is perfect for city walks and retro-style photos.

• Bazhaigou: Qinzhou’s “natural oxygen bar,” made up of karst canyons, streams, and waterfalls. It is a great summer escape for stream tracing and is known as “Little Jiuzhai of Guangxi.”

• Xili Bay: Known as “Little Sanya of Guangxi,” its tidal flats are full of clams and flower clams after the tide goes out. The sunset views in the evening are stunning, and it is well suited to family beachcombing.

• Liu Yongfu’s Former Residence and Feng Zicai’s Former Residence: The former homes of famous late-Qing generals who resisted the French, these are classic examples of Qing-dynasty Lingnan architecture. Admission is free, and they are ideal for learning about modern Chinese history.

Local Food Guide

Qinzhou food offers excellent value, with rice noodles, seafood, sweet soups, and pickled fruits and vegetables all worth trying.

Transport and Accommodation Tips

• Getting There: High-speed rail goes directly to Qinzhou East Station. From Nanning, it takes about 30 minutes and costs 26 yuan. Driving from Nanning takes about 1.5 hours.
• Getting Around the City: Buses and taxis are convenient. To reach Sanniang Bay, you can take the scenic-area shuttle or a taxi, which costs about 150 yuan.
• Recommended Accommodation:
  • Urban Area: Qinzhou Wanguo Hotel (good value, with a night market just downstairs), Qinzhou Bay International Hotel (river-view rooms).

• By the Sea: Sanniang Bay sea-view guesthouses, such as “Yuge Wanchang,” let you fall asleep to the sound of waves and are suitable for travelers who want a deeper experience of fishing-port life.

Pitfall Avoidance and Practical Tips

• Dolphin-Watching Time: It is recommended to go out to sea between 8 and 10 a.m., when the sea is calm and dolphins are most likely to appear. Going out on rainy or overcast days is not recommended.
• Beachcombing Tip: Check the tide table in advance. Go to Xili Bay or the rocky beach at Sanniang Bay at low tide, and bring your own beachcombing tools.
• Buying Seafood: When buying seafood at night markets, keep a close eye on the scale to avoid swaps. It is recommended to ask several food stalls for prices.
• What to Wear: UV rays are strong by the sea, so take sun protection seriously. There can be a large temperature difference when watching the sunset in the evening, so bring a light jacket.
• Ticket Information: Most Qinzhou attractions, including the old street, former residences, and beaches, are free. Only boat trips at Sanniang Bay, about 80-128 yuan, and Bazhaigou, about 50 yuan, charge admission.