Unbelievably beautiful Zhanjiang

👉*Zhanjiang Travel Guide**—The Old Coastal City at the Southernmost Tip of Mainland China
Zhanjiang is located in the southwest of Guangdong Province and is the southernmost coastal city on mainland China. It boasts a long coastline, volcanic islands, Nanyang-style old streets, and fresh seafood. Here, you can enjoy the blue seas and skies reminiscent of Hainan, along with the unique Leizhou culture, making it perfect for travelers who prefer a slow pace and in-depth exploration.
*1. Best Time to Visit*🕑*
- **November to April**: Warm climate (20-28℃), less rain, ideal for seaside activities.
- **May to October**: Hot and rainy, occasional typhoons, but seafood is more delicious and fewer tourists.
**2. Transportation Guide**
🚁*1. By Air**
Zhanjiang Wuchuan Airport** (new airport, opened in 2022), about 35 km from downtown, reachable by taxi or airport express bus (about 1 hour).
- Some cities have flights to **Haikou** or **Nanning**, then transfer to high-speed rail (2 hours).
🚅*2. By High-Speed Rail**
- **Zhanjiang West Station**: Guangzhou South Station → Zhanjiang West (about 3 hours, ticket around 200 RMB).
- **Zhanjiang Station** (old station): Located in the city center, suitable for short-distance trains.
🚗*3. By Car**
- Guangzhou → Zhanjiang (about 5 hours via Shenhai Expressway).
-🚗 Hainan self-driving tourists can take the ferry from **Xuwen Port** (1.5 hours to Haikou).
🌴 **3. Must-Visit Attractions**
**1. Islands and Beaches**
- **Techeng Island**: Only a 15-minute boat ride from downtown, featuring mangroves, hot springs, fishing village charm, and cycling around the island.
- 🌴**Naozhou Island**: China’s largest volcanic island, home to one of the world’s only two crystal lighthouses (the other is in London), with stunning black stone beaches and volcanic rock formations.
- **Jinsha Bay**: Free beach in the city, beautiful sunsets, perfect for walking and swimming.
- **Nanjicun Village** (Xuwen): The southernmost point of mainland China, check in at “Dengloujiao” to see the boundary between Qiongzhou Strait and Beibu Gulf.
🏘**2. Urban Culture**
- **Chikan Old Street**: Filming location of "The Bad Kids," featuring Nanyang-style arcade buildings, ancient wells, and famous local snacks.
- **Xiashan Catholic Church**: A century-old Gothic church, great for photography.
- **Zhanjiang Museum**: Learn about the history of the Leizhou Peninsula and marine culture.
🌴 **3. Natural Ecology**
- **Huguangyan**: A world geopark and China’s only maar lake (volcanic crater lake), ideal for cycling or hiking.
- **Leizhou Jiulongshan Mangroves**: Great for bird watching and beachcombing, with pristine ecology.
🦐**4. Unique Experiences**
- **Seafood Feast**: Zhanjiang is the "Seafood Capital of China," must-try oysters, sandworms, flower crabs, lobsters (recommended to buy and cook fresh at **Xiashan Seafood Market**).
- *🌴*Morning Tea Culture**: Experience Cantonese dim sum at the old brands “Sheraton” and “Jinhuihuang.”
🌈*Night Bay Tour**: Take a boat to enjoy the night view of Zhanjiang Port (boats available at the seaside pier).
🥙**5. Food Recommendations**
-*Seafood**:
- Charcoal-grilled oysters (a must at night markets!)
- Boiled sandworms (local favorite)
- Garlic steamed abalone
🍛**Snacks**:
- Boji Chui (rice cake with sauce)
- Pork intestine rice rolls (Zhanjiang style)
- Leizhou white-cut dog (specialty, try with caution)
🍬**Desserts**:
- Sweet potato starch noodles (refreshing dessert)
- Coconut sago pudding
🌈**6. Accommodation Suggestions**
- **City Center (Chikan/Xiashan)**:
-🌴 High-end: Zhanjiang Minzu Sheraton Hotel (sea view rooms)
- Cost-effective: Maple Leaf International Hotel (near Chikan Old Street)
-🌈*Islands**:
- Naozhou Island homestays (recommended “Fisherman’s Guesthouse” to experience fishermen’s life)
- Techeng Island Hot Spring Resort
#🌈7. Sample Itinerary**
**Classic 3 Days 2 Nights**
- **Day 1**: Chikan Old Street → Jinsha Bay sunset → Xiashan Seafood Market dinner
- **Day 2**: Huguangyan → Techeng Island (mangrove cycling + hot springs)
- **Day 3**: Naozhou Island (volcanic rocks, lighthouse) or Xuwen Nanjicun Village
🍀 **In-depth 5 Days**
- **Day 1-2**: Zhanjiang city (old street, museum, night bay tour)
-🍡 **Day 3**: Huguangyan + Techeng Island
- 🌴**Day 4**: Naozhou Island volcanic geological adventure
- 🍀**Day 5**: Xuwen Nanjicun Village → return trip
🌈**8. Tips**
1. **Sun and Mosquito Protection**: Strong UV rays by the sea, many mosquitoes in mangrove areas.
2. **Seafood Shopping Tips**: Watch the scale carefully when buying seafood at markets, compare prices at multiple vendors.
3. **Ferry Schedule**: Limited ferry service to Naozhou Island (about one boat per hour), check the timetable in advance.
🌴4. **Dialect Differences**: Leizhou dialect is hard to understand; young people usually speak Mandarin.
Zhanjiang is an underrated old coastal city with both local life charm and stunning natural scenery. If you have enough time, consider combining it with the **Maoming Romantic Coast** or a **Hainan Island Tour** for your travel plan! 🦞🌊