Zhanjiang 2025 Guide: Must-see attractions, local cuisine, and practical tips! | Trip.com

Explore the Natural Beauty of Hu Guang Rock and Donghai Island

In Zhanjiang, start with a visit to Hu Guang Rock, which is surrounded by volcanoes, walking along tree-lined paths, and breathing in the fresh air. Then head to Donghai Island for a sunny day on the beach, try surfing, and take in a stunning sunset. Don’t miss Zhanjiang Seaside Park, one of the city’s most iconic spots, where you can stroll along the coastline, feel the ocean breeze, and admire the beautiful seascape.

Join the Wuchuan Piaose Parade

If you visit Zhanjiang around the Lunar New Year, be sure to experience the Piaose Parade in Wuchuan City. This folk event blends artistry and entertainment, featuring elaborately costumed characters and floats that showcase the area’s rich cultural heritage.

Indulge in a Seafood Feast

A trip to Zhanjiang wouldn’t be complete without a seafood feast. Be sure to try local specialties like white-cut chicken and sandworms for an unforgettable taste of fresh coastal flavors.

Wander the Historic Chikan Old Street for Local Souvenirs

Step into the Chikan Old Street, where buildings from the Republic of China era still stand and shops sell local specialties. Pick up beautiful shell crafts or seafood products as a memorable keepsake from your trip.

Capture the Sunset at Jinsha Bay

In the evening, head to Jinsha Bay and find a spot with a wide-open view for sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky turns a golden hue, offering a perfect moment to capture the beauty of this serene scene.

Visit Techeng Island for an Authentic Fishing Village Experience

Take a ferry to Techeng Island, where you’ll find well-preserved natural landscapes and an authentic fishing village lifestyle. Rent a bike to explore the island, visit the old coral houses, and embrace the slow-paced life of a true island retreat.

Zhanjiang, a city in Guangdong Province, boasts distinct attractions ranging from Huguangyan maar lake and volcanic features to Naozhou Island's volcanic origins and historical significance, as well as other engaging sites like the black-headed gull boating trip, Wuchuan Loong Bay's adventure and leisure facilities, and Techeng Island's rich natural and cultural heritage.

Huguangyan stands out for its natural volcanic features. Its Huguang Yan Marr Lake is the most admired maar lake worldwide. The scenic area offers insights into historical climate changes, known as "the almanac of natural environmental changes." The area's year-round mild climate ensures a pleasant visit at any time, making it an ideal destination for a family day trip as part of the Huguangyan Tourist Circle.

The black-headed gull boating trip, a top-night attraction in Zhanjiang, presents a unique opportunity to observe and interact with black-headed gulls for about 1-2 hours. This attraction caters to bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, furnishing an engaging and immersive nature experience.

Wuchuan Loong Bay stands out as a comprehensive destination for leisure and adventure with its array of attractions. The Texas Water World theme park offers exciting rides like Asia's longest water roller coaster, while the Haitian hot spring provides a relaxing soak with health benefits. The Corner of the Sea allows for stunning panoramic views of the South China Sea, and Stone Dog Theater adds cultural entertainment with its diverse performances. These experiences cater to a variety of interests, ensuring.

Techeng Island (Zhanjiang), known as a natural and cultural destination, presents diverse landscapes from old-growth mangrove forests to pristine sandy beaches, along with a rich history of war relics and ancient migrations. The island facilitates a variety of leisure activities including cycling and walking on its 8.3-kilometer scenic loop, enriched by sights like little temples and eco-friendly amenities in the Techeng Island Mangrove Wetland Park. Additionally, visitors can explore the quaint architecture and relax at the Techeng Island Hot Spring Resort, which enhances the tourism experience by blending natural beauty with cultural heritage.

Naozhou Island, located within Zhanjiang City in Guangdong Province, is distinguished as China’s largest island of volcanic origin. Historically during the Qing Dynasty, it was a strategic location for anti-pirate operations and even included in French-leased territories, evidencing its rich and tumultuous past. Today, visitors to the island can explore its notable Naozhou Lighthouse, which is recognized as a major national historical and cultural site. The island's geological features and historical architecture provide a unique tourism experience combining natural beauty with historical exploration.

Zhanjiang's culinary delights are known for their fresh seafood and traditional home-style dishes. Favorites include Bai Qie Ji, succulent crabs, steamed vermicelli rolls stuffed with pork, and fresh oysters. Each dish is infused with local flavors, leaving a deep impression on tourists.

The dish starts with killing the chicken and then it will be soaked totally in a pot filled with hot water. Gently cook it for a few minutes, then momentarily soak it in cold water before returning it to the pot for further cooking. Repeat the process several times. Once ready, chop the chicken for serving, accompanied by a unique dipping sauce, creating a delectably tender and tasty dish.

Zhanjiang is renowned for its abundant seafood, and its crabs are especially famous for their exquisite flavor. Locals in Zhanjiang typically steam crabs and serve them with sweet vinegar. This method preserves the crab’s natural taste while the sweet vinegar enhances the flavor and adds a cleansing effect, making the dish even more appealing.

Steamed pork vermicelli roll is a beloved local specialty snack. High-quality rice is finely ground into a paste, steamed with spices, and then rolled into a cylindrical shape. It is cut into bite-sized pieces and seasoned with rice wine vinegar and sesame oil, resulting in a deliciously fragrant, tender, and silky texture.

Zhanjiang oysters are renowned for their exceptional flavor. Locals typically enjoy them in various ways such as charcoal-grilled, scallion and ginger oysters, and in a Chinese chives hot pot. The texture is firm yet springy, offering a burst of savory sweetness that lingers delightfully.

Zhanjiang's transportation network is well-established, with Zhanjiang Wuchuan International Airport and the city's railway stations being key to its connectivity.

Zhanjiang Wuchuan International Airport (IATA: ZHA, ICAO: ZGZJ), which opened on 24 March 2022, serves as the primary aviation hub for the city. Located in Wuchuan, the airport replaced the former Zhanjiang Airport and has been renamed to "Zhanjiang Wuchuan International Airport" as of 20 February 2024. It operates flights to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, among others. To reach the city from the airport, travelers can take taxis or arrange for private transportation.

The railway stations in Zhanjiang, including Zhanjiang Railway Station and Zhanjiang West Railway Station, are significant for intercity travel. Zhanjiang Railway Station, located in Xiashan District, is the terminus of the Litang–Zhanjiang Railway and operates normal-speed trains to various cities. Zhanjiang West Railway Station, on the other hand, serves as the terminal station of the Shenzhen-Zhanjiang Railway and operates both high-speed and normal trains. It is connected to major cities in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.

Zhanjiang's public bus system is an essential part of the city's local transportation, with a fleet of 612 new energy buses introduced since 2014. The buses connect various districts within the city, providing residents and visitors with an affordable and convenient mode of travel. For instance, to reach Zhanjiang West Railway Station from downtown, passengers can take buses such as No. 61K, 62K, 64K, 65K, 66K, 507, and others.

Taxis offer a more direct and faster option for getting around Zhanjiang. The taxi drop-off and pick-up areas at Zhanjiang West Railway Station are well-organized, with the drop-off area located at the entrance on the 2nd floor and the pick-up area at the exits of arrivals on the 1st floor. The one-way fare from downtown to the railway station is approximately RMB 25, and the journey takes about 25 minutes.

For those preferring private transportation, Zhanjiang has several car rental agencies, including Tongye, Avis, and Europcar, offering a range of vehicles for hire. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore Zhanjiang and its surroundings at one's own pace.

Zhanjiang is a coastal city that offers a variety of accommodation options, each with distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The city's hotels are strategically located in various regions, providing convenient access to attractions, dining, and transportation.

- Seaside Pleasure: Jinshawan is known for its vast beaches and pristine waters, perfect for a seaside getaway. The area hosts many beachfront hotels that boast stunning ocean views and direct beach access.
- Proximity to Entertainment: The region is near lively shopping areas and vibrant nightlife, with plenty of entertainment close by. Having shopping and dining options readily available enriches the visit.
- Accommodation Variety: Jinshawan offers accommodations for all budgets, from economical hotels to upscale resorts. The area's lodging scene is diverse, ensuring options for every traveler.

- Resort Luxuries: Loong Bay International Ocean Resort is a haven of luxury, offering high-end accommodations with a multitude of recreational facilities. Guests can indulge in spa treatments, dine at fine restaurants, and enjoy a variety of water sports .
- Scenic Splendor: The resort area is enveloped in natural beauty, with its close proximity to golden beaches and a 16-kilometer coastline. The scenic attractions serve as a backdrop for a tranquil and picturesque stay .
- Family-Friendly: With theme parks and a wildlife kingdom nearby, the resort area is particularly appealing to families. The availability of activities for all ages makes it a top choice for family vacations .

- Unique Island Charm: Naozhou Island offers a unique accommodation experience with its volcanic landscape and historic lighthouse. The island's hotels provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle, with a focus on the natural and cultural heritage of the area .
- Seafood Delights: The island is celebrated for its fresh seafood, which is a highlight for visitors. Accommodations on Naozhou Island often feature local seafood cuisine, adding a gastronomic dimension to the stay .
- Adventure and Exploration: For those seeking adventure, Naozhou Island's accommodations serve as a base for exploring the island's rugged terrain and engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and water sports .

The best time to visit Zhanjiang is from mid-March to mid-April and from mid-October to late November. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring local attractions and enjoying the outdoors. The spring season offers warm weather without the mugginess that comes later in May, while autumn provides a respite from the hot and humid summer, with a lower risk of typhoons that are common from June to early November.

Zhanjiang, a city in Guangdong Province, China, primarily speaks Mandarin Chinese, with a significant number of locals also fluent in Cantonese, especially in its distinct Zhanjiang dialect. Leizhou dialect, related to Hainanese, is spoken in Leizhou . English is not widely spoken. Translation services may not be readily available, so learning basic Mandarin phrases or using language apps is advisable. When facing language barriers, gestures, maps, and facial expressions can be effective communication tools.

Alipay: A versatile app used across China for various transactions, public transportation, and taxis, making it a necessity for convenience.

WeChat: Essential for messaging, social sharing, and digital wallet services, including ride-hailing and purchasing meals.

MetroMan: Ideal for navigating subways across many cities in China, providing route planning and cost calculations.

Baidu Maps: The primary mapping service in China, indispensable for accurate and real-time navigation in the absence of Google Maps.

Dianping: Combines user reviews with food ordering, making it the top choice in the local app for restaurant discovery.

Trip.com: is a popular online travel platform that provides a comprehensive range of services including booking flights.

Mobile data packages for tourists in China are available through local carriers such as China Mobile and Unicom. China Mobile offers prepaid data SIM cards with unlimited text messages and calls within China, and high-speed connections, sometimes even 5G. Unicom provides SIM cards with data packs that include unlimited music applications, and both do not require long-term contracts. Prices for eSIMs with unlimited data start at just $6 for China.

Public WiFi in China is widely available in places like airports, restaurants, coffee shops, and malls. However, connecting to these networks often requires a Chinese phone number for text verification, which can be a challenge for travelers without a local SIM card. Global WiFi devices like Skyroam can be a convenient alternative, offering the ability to connect multiple devices and requiring no additional setup upon arrival in China.

Zhanjiang features a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The city experiences heavy rainfall from April to September, with the wettest month being August. Travelers should pack lightweight clothing for summer, along with a light sweatshirt for air-conditioned places and a light raincoat or umbrella. For the cooler winter months, it is advisable to bring spring/autumn clothes, a sweatshirt or sweater, and a jacket. Due to the high humidity and potential for typhoons, especially in coastal areas, visitors should stay informed about local weather forecasts and take necessary precautions.

* Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites or attending local festivals in Zhanjiang, conservative dress is expected.

* Exercise caution and respect when discussing political topics or sensitive historical events, as these can be particularly delicate subjects in China.

* Avoid speaking loudly or disruptive behaviors in public places, which are considered impolite and can be frowned upon by locals.

* Respect local dining etiquette, always allow elders to begin meals first, and remember to express gratitude if invited to a local's home for a meal.

In Zhanjiang, the primary payment methods include Alipay and mobile payments which are commonly accepted for various services.

Alipay allows QR code payments and online checkouts at most Chinese-based websites. Mobile payments have improved, with increased transaction limits for foreigners, easing the payment process significantly .

Alipay does not mention specific fees for foreign users in Zhanjiang, but mobile payments have associated spending limits and transaction fees which are laid out in governmental guidelines.