Giving up Weihai, this place is really amazing
Friends planning a trip👫, still hesitating on which coastal city to choose? Take my advice! Forget Weihai and come to Zhanjiang to unlock the unique charm of the southern seaside! This super practical guide will help you explore this underrated treasure city✨!
🌈Zhanjiang, a port city located in southwestern Guangdong, boasts blue seas and skies comparable to Sanya, seafood fresher than Qingdao, and a rich local vibe with historical depth. Three days are enough to make you fall in love with it!
DAY 1: First encounter with Zhanjiang, meet the old town’s lively atmosphere🌆
Chikan Old Street → Xiashan Catholic Church → Seaside Promenade
Morning: After arriving in Zhanjiang, head straight to Chikan Old Street🏮! The century-old arcade buildings and weathered brick walls tell stories of the past. Check in at the filming location of "The Bad Kids," wander through alleys full of old-time charm, try the local breakfast of fried dough sticks with soy milk🥟, and experience authentic Zhanjiang breakfast culture.
Noon: Taste Zhanjiang oysters🦪 at a nearby old street eatery! Freshly opened and grilled, the garlic aroma is irresistible, and one bite bursts with juicy freshness, kicking off a feast for your taste buds!
Afternoon: Visit Xiashan Catholic Church⛪, where Gothic architecture wonderfully blends with Zhanjiang’s local style—perfect for photos! In the evening, stroll along the Seaside Promenade, watch the sunset paint the sea red, fishing boats return to port, and feel the gentle sea breeze—pure healing🌇!
Night: Find food at Xiashan Pedestrian Street, with snacks like rice noodle rolls, boji steamed cakes, charcoal-grilled oysters... The lively street food scene will keep you rooted!
DAY 2: Head to the islands and enjoy seaside romance🏝️
Techeng Island → Naozhou Island
Early morning: Take a boat to Techeng Island🚢, just 10 minutes away! Cycle around the island, visit the white sandy beach and mangroves, and snap photos under coconut trees—every shot is Instagram-worthy📸!
Noon: Have a fresh seafood feast at a local fisherman's home on the island, with boiled shrimp and steamed grouper, bursting with original flavors that will make you scream with delight!
Afternoon: Move on to Naozhou Island🌋! Visit the Naozhou Lighthouse, one of the world’s three major lighthouses, climb the volcanic rock geological park, and watch waves crash against black reefs🌊. In the evening, wait at the pier for fishermen to return, buy freshly caught seafood, and have it cooked at a nearby food stall for great value!
Night: Stay at a seaside guesthouse on Naozhou Island, fall asleep to the sound of waves, and enjoy the island’s unique tranquility🌙.
DAY 3: Explore cultural hidden gems and savor your Zhanjiang trip✨
Huguangyan → Return trip and souvenir shopping
Morning: Visit Huguangyan🌳, a mysterious and serene maar lake in a world geological park! Hike around the lake, breathe fresh air, and visit the thousand-year-old Lengyan Temple to feel the blend of nature and culture.
Noon: Try Zhanjiang’s specialty sandworm porridge and Leizhou dog pot (or other dishes), fragrant and warming, unforgettable with every bite!
Afternoon: Return to the city and shop for Zhanjiang specialties🎁: canned charcoal-grilled oysters, dried seafood, Suixi souvenirs, and bring back some Zhanjiang herbal tea to cool down and refresh! Finally, head home with a mouthful of delicious flavors and a heart full of memories🚗!
How to get to Zhanjiang?✈️🚄
• By plane: Direct flights to Zhanjiang Wuchuan Airport✈️, with a 30-minute airport shuttle to the city center; or fly to Guangzhou/Shenzhen and transfer by high-speed train for 2-3 hours.
• By high-speed train: Direct to Zhanjiang West Station🚄, some cities require transfers, so book tickets in advance.
• By car: Depart from nearby cities via Shenhai Expressway🛣️, enjoy Lingnan scenery along the way, and arrive easily!
Getting around the city🚕🚌
• Bus/Taxi: City buses cover a wide area🚌, taxis have low starting fares, and ride-hailing is recommended for scenic spots🚖.
• Ferry: Island access requires a boat⛴️, Techeng Island tickets cost 8 RMB/person, Naozhou Island about 20 RMB/person, check schedules in advance via official accounts.
• Car rental: Recommended for groups🚗, driving around the islands offers great freedom!
Must-try food🍜
• Zhanjiang oysters🦪: garlic grilled, steamed, sashimi—delicious any way you eat them!
• White-cut chicken🐔: golden skin and tender meat, paired with sand ginger soy sauce, a divine bite!
• Seafood porridge🦐: shrimp, crab, shellfish cooked together, thick and flavorful porridge that will blow your mind!
• Boji steamed cake🥠: steamed rice batter drizzled with sesame oil and sesame seeds, chewy and refreshing!
Travel Tips⚠️
• Island trips: Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!🌞 Bring sunglasses, hats, and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Seafood: Choose reputable stalls, bring medication if allergic💊, and be cautious with raw food if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Weather: Zhanjiang is hot and rainy in summer🌧️, bring an umbrella and light clothes; winters are warm, a light jacket is enough.
Zhanjiang’s romance and deliciousness will exceed your imagination! Save this guide and set off🎉!