Zhanjiang's Free Beach Ceiling! Digging Sand and Watching Crabs, Checking in at the Sunset Orange Sea, Family Hotels Within Walking Distance

Jinsha Bay in Zhanjiang is definitely the best value for family seaside trips in Guangdong! In autumn, the temperature is around 25°C, the sand is fine, the sea water is clear, and best of all, it’s free to enter. Bring your kids to play in the sand, explore the tidal flats, and watch the dreamy sunset—unlock happiness without spending a dime.
🐚 Complete Family Fun Guide​
✅ Creative Beach Play: Jinsha Bay’s beach is gentle and fine. When the tide goes out, large tidal flats appear. Bring your kids with small shovels to dig for sand crabs and observe fiddler crabs (prepare small buckets and change of clothes). The best time for tidal flat exploration is from 4 to 6 pm; if lucky, you can find shells and small sea snails.
✅ Sports and Entertainment Area: On the north side, the dopamine-colored sports ground has climbing nets, swings, and a sandpit where kids can burn off energy; you can rent family bicycles (30 RMB/hour) on the seaside promenade and enjoy a leisurely ride along the coast.
✅ Mangrove Ecology Lesson: Walk to the Mangrove Science Base, where the boardwalk winds through the forest. Take your kids to learn about tung trees, observe egrets and mudskippers (morning or dusk is recommended when animals are most active).
✅ Sunset Exclusive Romance: In autumn, sunset is around 5:30 pm. Arrive at Laolishi Square an hour early to secure a spot and take stunning photos of the “Orange Sea” (wearing a white dress makes the photos even better). On Friday and Saturday nights, there is also a laser projection show, where light and waves blend into a dreamy scene.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations (Tested and Reliable)​​
1️⃣ Zhanjiang Minzu Sheraton Hotel: The prime spot at Jinsha Bay! A 5-minute walk to the beach, family rooms come with tents and picture books, and the infinity pool faces the sea. The butler service is thoughtful, providing children’s toiletry kits, and the breakfast features excellent Cantonese dim sum.
2️⃣ Rongsheng Central Plaza Seaview Apartment: A cost-effective choice! Suites have kitchens and washing machines, perfect for long family stays. There is a commercial street downstairs, making grocery shopping and cooking very convenient. Some rooms have balconies with direct views of the Bay Bridge.
🦞 Food Guide (Locals Recommend)​​
Main Meals: Buy seafood at Xiashan Seafood Market and have it cooked for you (steamed or boiled is freshest). Mantis shrimp costs as low as 5 RMB per jin; Shougui Old Shop’s mung bean and sweet potato starch porridge is a must-try to cool down.
Snacks: At Chikan Old Street, try Rongshuwan Food Court’s seafood noodle soup and steamed dishes in bamboo baskets; Xiyingmen’s taro and sago dessert costs about 15 RMB per person and is very filling.
📌 Handy Tips​
▪️ Free kayak reservations (limited to 30 groups daily), register early at the service center.
▪️ Sunscreen! Use SPF50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours; bring mosquito repellent (many mosquitoes in the mangroves).
▪️ Combine with a special day trip to Teceng Island (boat ticket 30 RMB), take a boat through the mangrove wetlands and experience the fun of digging for sand worms.
Come to Jinsha Bay in autumn for a high-quality family holiday at a low cost. Bring your kids and become a “seaside explorer” for a day!

Post by LUKE ARNOLD | Nov 4, 2025