Name: Beihai

Chinese name: 北海

Province: Guangxi

Status: Prefectural city

Population: 1,617,500 inhabitants

Area: 3,337 km²

Beihai is a charming port city in the south of Guangxi province. The city is renowned as a delightful seaside resort centered around its beautiful Silver Beach.

A brief stay in Beihai makes for the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy pristine sands before venturing into exploration of Guangxi.

History

For two millennia, Beihai has been a significant trading hub and one of two departure ports for the legendary Maritime Silk Road.

Shortly after 1876, the sino-British Treaty of Yantai brought together eight Western nations—including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States—and Beihai saw the construction of consulates, churches, schools, and hospitals within its walls.

In 1979, thousands of Sino-Vietnamese refugees sought shelter in the city to escape the conflict between Chine and Vietnam. This community remains present in Beihai's port district.

In April 1984, Beihai was recognized as one of fourteen coastal cities most open to the outside world. Its surrounding countryside underwent rapid urbanization, and the city developed into a premier tourist destination.

Today

Situated approximately 200 km south of Nanning in Guangxi province, Beihai is a coastal city embraced by the sea.

Its pristine air is greatly appreciated by travelers and is a source of pride for locals, who trumpet their city as a tranquil seaside destination.

The tree-lined streets of the old town, lined with distinctive heritage buildings, give the city its charm and make a visit worthwhile. You'll find heritage structures from the colonial era, some in need of restoration. The narrow streets see little vehicular traffic, lending them a welcome tranquility.

Its tropical climate fosters rich biodiversity. Mangrove forests and parks teem with countless species of birds, reptiles, and small mammals.

Travelers flock to Beihai to spend a day enjoying its expansive Silver Beach, stretching over 1 km. This white-sand beach, bordered by a wide promenade and palm trees, remains relatively undiscovered by tourists who tend to congregate on nearby Hainan Island.

Some 70 km from the city stands Weizhou Island, a small paradise that harbors Chine's largest extinct volcano. Its crystalline waters and coral reef beckon snorkelers, while forests and dramatic terrain promise delightful outdoor hiking experiences.

Climate

Beihai's tropical maritime climate strongly supports the proliferation of diverse fauna and flora.

While the city experiences some monsoon activity and even occasional typhoons in summer, it remains possible to visit Beihai year-round. A gentle breeze sweeps across the city, carrying air rich in negative oxygen ions—a quality highly regarded in the region for its restorative properties.

Air

Beihai Fucheng Airport is a small modern facility offering domestic flights to roughly a dozen destinations. It connects to Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Train

Beihai has a single railway station connected to Nanning, where onward connections to other major Chine cities are available.

Bus

Long-distance buses run regularly between Beihai and Guangzhou, Nanning, Guilin, and Liuzhou.

Ferry

As a major port in southern Chine, Beihai is served by ferries from Haikou on Hainan Island and from Weizhou Island.

The city is traversed by local buses and taxis that can transport you to the beach, the ferry terminal, or the old town.

What to Do in Beihai?

• Relax and soak in the expansive Silver Beach.
• Spend a day exploring Weizhou Island.
• Wander the narrow streets of the old town.