Outdoor Magic 🏞️

#hellohalloween

📍 Where & What

Location: Zhanjiang is a prefecture-level city in southwestern Guangdong Province, on the Leizhou Peninsula. It’s the southernmost port city on the mainland of China and sits opposite Haikou in Hainan across the Qiongzhou Strait.

Administrative & Urban Structure: The city covers the entire Leizhou Peninsula, including many islands. Its built-up/urban districts include Chikan, Xiashan, Potou, Mazhang. Population is ~7 million (2020), with about 2 million in the core urban area.

---

🌿 Climate, Geography & Natural Features

Climate: Subtropical monsoon / tropical/subtropical transitional. Warm year-round. Winters are mild; summers are hot, humid, with a lot of rainfall between April–September.

Landscape & Coastline: Lots of coastline (≈2,043 km) including mainland coast + many islands. The land is mostly flat or low hills; a mix of plains, low hills, volcanic hills, etc. There are several rivers (Jianjiang, Jiuzhoujiang, Nandu etc.) that flow through it.

Natural Resources: Rich marine/aquatic resources. Big fisheries, sea salt production, pearls, etc. Also has volcanic relics (e.g. Leiqiong Global Geopark) among its natural attractions.

---

🏛️ History & Culture

Colonial past: Zhanjiang was under French lease from 1898 (known as Guangzhouwan / Fort-Bayard) until around WWII / the mid-20th century. Evidence of that era remains in architecture and cultural influence.

Ethnic / linguistic makeup: On the Leizhou Peninsula, a lot of people speak varieties of Min Nan (Leizhou dialect) rather than pure Cantonese in many areas. Also influence from indigenous / local fishing / coastal communities.

---

⚙️ Economy & Infrastructure

Port & shipping: Major port city. Deep water harbour, capable of handling large ships. A hub for marine economy, shipping, trade.

Key Industries: Aquaculture / marine product processing, sugar refineries, chemicals, electrical appliance manufacture, shipyards, etc. Also agriculture: fruits (pineapples, mangoes, bananas, etc.), sugarcane.

Tourism: Natural scenic spots, beaches, islands, geological parks, volcanic features. Coastal resort areas; some French colonial streets / old town districts.

---

🧭 Things to See & Do

Here are some highlights:

Leiqiong Global Geopark / Huguangyan Crater Lake: Volcanic geological features; scenic & eco tourism.

Beaches & Islands: Donghai Island, Naozhou Island, Techeng Island, Wuchuan Jizhaowan etc.

Historic City of Leizhou: old town & local culture. Chikan district has French-style architecture and old streets.

Food / Seafood: Being a coastal city, fresh seafood is a big draw. Local markets, seaside dining. Tropical fruits also common.

---

🚉 Transport & Getting Around

Airport: Zhanjiang Wuchuan International Airport (replaced older ones) with flights to major Chinese cities.

Rail: Several train lines. Zhanjiang Railway Station (normal speed), Zhanjiang West (some high-speed and regular trains) connect with various cities in Guangdong and beyond.

Local transport: Buses, taxis, etc. Traveling by car or bus to beaches/islands might be needed. Ferry services to some islands.

---

👍 Pros & Things to Know / Seasonal Tips

Best Times to Visit: Outside the rainy season (so avoid peak summer monsoon/rain if possible). Winters are mild so autumn/winter could be more comfortable.

What to Pack: Light clothes, sun prote