Vast silver-sand beaches, a Qilou old street, and the gateway ferry to Weizhou Island volcano.
Beihai is a relaxed tropical port on the Guangxi coast whose headline is Silver Beach — 24 km of fine pale sand that stays cool underfoot. The old town's Qilou arcades and a seafood-front promenade give it character beyond the shore.
From Beihai's pier a fast ferry reaches Weizhou, a volcanic island of black cliffs, coral and a quiet Catholic church — an easy island add-on.
Here are the highlights worth your time in Beihai.
24 km of pale, fine sand that stays cool; swim and kite-season in winter.
Free · loungers ¥10–20Qilou arcade shophouses from the port's trading past, now cafés and bars.
Free to strollA volcanic island reached by ferry — lava cliffs, coral, a French-era church.
Island ¥98 + ferry ¥150 round-tripWeizhou's lava-platform headland with sea arches and a lighthouse.
Included on the island ticketA modest aquarium by the beach, good for families.
Tickets ¥90A rocky southern cape with tide pools and fewer crowds.
FreeBeihai has its own kitchen — here are the dishes to try.
Just-boiled shrimp with a ginger-vinegar dip — the Beihai default.
A dozen shellfish styles, grilled or stir-fried, at the night market.
Rice noodles in a seafood broth with your pick of the catch.
Whole fish grilled with chillies on the seafront.
Fresh young-coconut water from roadside stalls.
Beach bars that run late in season.
Arcade bars and live music in the Qilou quarter.
Lit pier and square for an evening walk.
Beihai Fucheng (BHY) has flights from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and more.
High-speed from Nanning (~1.5 h) and Guangzhou (~4 h).
To Weizhou Island — book ahead in summer, limited daily sailings.
To Nanning and the border towns; cheap and frequent.
Works with foreign cards in town.
Where you stay shapes the trip. Three good bases:
Resorts on the sand; pricier in summer.
Boutique stays in the arcade quarter, walkable to food.
B&Bs near the pier for a quiet island night.
Beach travellers, backpackers, Guangxi and Guangdong locals.
