Mountain and Sea Pottery Charm, Oyster Aroma—3 Days 2 Nights In-Depth Guide to Qinzhou, Guangxi

**🌊 Why Qinzhou?**
Sharing the same sea with Beihai, yet so low-key it tugs at your heart! This place boasts three famous titles: the hometown of China’s oysters, the home of the Chinese white dolphin, and the millennium-old Ni Xing pottery capital. The per capita spending is only half that of Beihai. With 562 kilometers of coastline winding along, century-old arcade streets filled with lively atmosphere, and a 35-minute high-speed train ride from Nanning, it’s truly a “hidden gem of the Beibu Gulf”!

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**📅 Best Time to Visit**
- **Golden Season (October-November):** Crisp autumn air, avoid peak crowds, and enjoy stunning sunsets on the sea walkway.
- **Off-Peak Season (April-May):** Up to 20% off on homestays, best time to spot white dolphins (success rate over 80%).
- **Avoid Season (July-September):** Frequent typhoons, sea trips often canceled, choose carefully.

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**🚗 Transportation Guide**
- **Long-distance Transport:**
✈️ Beibu Gulf Airport offers direct flights to 18 cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou (2 flights daily to Beijing and Shanghai);
🚄 Nanning East → Qinzhou East, high-speed train every 40 minutes, 35 minutes direct ride.
- **Local Transport:**
Rent a car for self-driving (100 RMB/day), or take the bus (supports Alipay);
Ride shared electric scooters to city attractions, 10-minute walk from the old street to Liu Yongfu’s former residence.
🏡 Accommodation Recommendations: From sea view RVs to Zen mountain retreats**
- **For Beach Lovers:**
→ Sanniang Bay Caiyun Anda RV Campground (300 RMB+/night, wake up to the sea);
→ Xili Bay Bubble House (floor-to-ceiling windows for stargazing, perfect for photography enthusiasts).
- **For Culture Enthusiasts:** White Dolphin International Hotel near the old street (5-minute walk to the pig’s trotters noodle shop).
- **For Seclusion Seekers:** Pubei Shizu She Homestay (infinity pool atop Wuhuang Mountain, dreamlike sea of clouds).

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**📝 3 Days 2 Nights Highlights Itinerary**
**Day 1: Dolphins + Old Street Culture**
Morning: Sanniang Bay dolphin watching → Ulei Lighthouse for Japanese-style photo shoots;
Afternoon: Qinzhou Old Street (arcades + former residences + pig’s trotters noodles) → Ni Xing Pottery Museum DIY pottery;
Overnight: Stay at a characteristic old street homestay.

**Day 2: Cross-Sea Bridge + Secret Islands**
Morning: Aerial photography at Longmen Bridge → Mangrove boat tour at Maowei Sea;
Afternoon: Shell digging at Xili Bay → Hiking on Shadu Island (wade during low tide);
Overnight: Stay at Xili Bay Bubble House.

**Day 3: Mountain Forest Oxygen Bar**
Morning: Hiking at Bazhai Valley forest (about 3 hours) → Pottery firing at Guitai Dragon Kiln;
Afternoon: Lychee picking at Lingshan orchard → Pack seafood dried goods before departure.

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**🌄 Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions**
1. **Sanniang Bay · Encounter Pink Dolphins**
- **Experience:** Take a boat trip (best success rate from 8-10 AM), lucky visitors may see rare pink dolphins leaping; a new sea glass walkway will open in 2025, perfect for shooting the “Orange Sea” after 4 PM.
- **Tips:** Book the boat one day in advance, choose a reputable operator (118 RMB per person), bring seasickness medicine.

2. **Xili Bay · Free Secret Beach**
- **Highlights:** 2.8 km crescent-shaped beach, shell digging during low tide, Instagram-worthy swings and creamy bubble houses (300 RMB/night, reservation required).
- **Night Activity:** Weekly Saturday night “Talent Show for All,” with sea breeze accompaniment for a super chill vibe.

3. **Qinzhou Old Street · Travel Through a Century of Lingnan**
- **Route:** Zhongshan Road arcade (Qinzhou Bookstore Glass Bookshop) → Su Tingyou’s former residence (Republic of China style mansion) → Liu Yongfu’s former residence (Qing Dynasty mansion with 119 rooms).
- **Foodie Must-Try:** Pig’s trotters noodles on Erma Road (12 RMB/bowl), dessert shop on Yima Road (4 RMB, choose from 20 ingredients).

4. **Maowei Sea · Mangrove Ecological Wonder**
- **Secret Experience:** Boat tour through the “Seventy-two Channels,” at low tide the vast mangrove mudflats look like a giant oil painting, home to egrets in the “sea forest.”
- **Combined Visit:** Stop by Longmen Bridge with its “China Red” bridge body blending with the sunset.

5. **Bazhai Valley · Forest Breathing and Summer Escape**
- **Features:** Jurassic sandstone canyon + waterfall deep pools, 3 km cool creek trail hike, finish with a bowl of spring water tofu pudding.
- **In-Depth Experience:** Hands-on Ni Xing pottery firing at Guitai Dragon Kiln (150 RMB per class).