Zhanjiang 3-Day Tour|Covering the Entire Healing Coastline
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to a secret place with "blue sea, soft sand, and fresh flavors," Zhanjiang is definitely a hidden treasure in western Guangdong! This city embraced by the sea is free from overcrowded commercialization, offering only a long coastline, authentic seafood feasts, and a slow-paced local life. This comprehensive 3-day guide caters to families, couples, and solo travelers alike, covering attractions, food, accommodation, and itinerary, with every detail tested and reliable—feel free to follow along~
● 1. Itinerary Overview (suitable for different needs) ◆ Core idea: Focus on "coastline + culture + food," balancing relaxation and experience, no rushing → 3-Day Classic Version (suitable for most travelers)
Day 1: Zhanjiang City (Chikan Old Street → Jinsha Bay Seaview Promenade → Fishing Port Park)
Day 2: Naozhou Island (Volcanic Rock Beach → Naozhou Lighthouse → Seafood Market)
Day 3: Xuwen South Pole Village (Mainland China’s southernmost point → Salt Fields → Coral Reef Reserve)
→ 2-Day Simplified Version (for travelers short on time)
Day 1: Chikan Old Street → Jinsha Bay → Fishing Port Park
Day 2: Donghai Island (Longhaitian Beach → Seafood Food Street)
→ Family-Friendly Version (traveling with kids)
Day 1: Jinsha Bay (beach play → water activities) → Zhanjiang Museum
Day 2: Naozhou Island (shallow water beachcombing → lighthouse science)
Day 3: South Pole Village (salt field experience → seaside wading)
● 2. Attraction Guide (pitfall avoidance + practical tips) ◆ Must-visit in the city (convenient transport, high cost-performance) → Chikan Old Street (free)
Highlights: Zhanjiang’s "living history," arcade buildings full of Nanyang style, moss on corners, and old shop signs all tell stories
How to enjoy: Stroll along Minzhu Road and Zhongshan Road, check out filming locations of "The Bad Kids" (Old Well Fried Dough Sticks, Zhu’s Ancestral Well Tofu Pudding)
Tips: Low commercialization, retains authentic local vibe, great for cultural photography; some arcades under renovation, avoid construction areas
→ Jinsha Bay Seaview Promenade (free)
Highlights: The most photogenic coastline in the city, white sand, blue sea, coconut shadows, comparable to Sanya
How to enjoy: Wading on the beach, cycling, watching sunrise (recommended 6:30-7:30 am), children’s playground nearby
Tips: More crowded in the evening, choose morning for quiet; convenient parking nearby, taxi can go directly to entrance
→ Fishing Port Park (free)
Highlights: A park themed around "fishing," with views of fishing boats returning, full of fishing port life atmosphere
How to enjoy: Visit fishery culture sculptures, walk the seaview boardwalk, stunning sunset views in the evening
Tips: Close to Zhanjiang Port, some areas have a sea breeze fishy smell, sensitive visitors should be cautious
◆ Must-play islands (natural scenery at its best) → Naozhou Island (free admission, ferry 30 RMB/person)
Highlights: China’s largest volcanic island, volcanic rock beach, century-old lighthouse, fresh seafood
Must-see spots:
Nayan Sea Stone Beach: Black volcanic rocks collide with white waves, very striking for photos
Naozhou Lighthouse: A century-old lighthouse, climb to the top for panoramic island views, a hidden gem for photos
Naozhou Fishing Port: Visit the seafood market in the morning, witness the lively scene of fishing boats returning
Tips: Recommend self-driving to the island (ferry 400 RMB/car including driver) or carpool; island transport by tricycle motorcycle (5-20 RMB/ride); suggest staying one night to avoid rushing the ferry
→ Xuwen South Pole Village (free)
Highlights: Mainland China’s southernmost point, Dengloujiao, salt fields, coral reefs, small and healing
Must-see spots:
Dengloujiao: Mainland’s southernmost landmark, red and white lighthouse with sea backdrop, 100% photogenic
Salt Fields: Vast salt fields like a "sky mirror," stunning photos on sunny days
Coral Reef Reserve: Take a small boat to see coral (ticket 50 RMB/person), great for snorkeling
Tips: 2-hour drive from city, recommend self-driving or a day tour; avoid noon strong light for salt field photos, early morning or evening best
◆ Hidden gems (best to avoid crowds) → Donghai Island Longhaitian Beach (ticket 10 RMB/person)
Highlights: China’s longest beach, wide and open, few people and quiet
How to enjoy: Beach camping, watch sunrise and sunset, jet skiing (50 RMB/10 minutes)
Tips: Few dining options nearby, bring water and snacks; strong UV on the beach, prepare sun protection
→ Huguangyan (ticket 50 RMB/person, half price for students)
Highlights: World’s largest maar lake, crystal-clear water, lush surrounding vegetation
How to enjoy: Lakeside hiking, rent bicycles (30 RMB/hour), visit Maar Lake Museum
Tips: Large scenic area, reserve 3 hours; swimming prohibited, only viewing allowed
● 3. Food Exploration (locals’ hidden favorites, no risks) ◆ Seafood Feast (freshly caught and cooked, incredibly fresh) → Naozhou Island Fishing Port Seafood Market
Why recommended: Same-day catch, wide variety, low prices (shrimp 30-50 RMB/jin, crab 50-80 RMB/jin)
How to eat: Processing shops next to market, processing fee 10-20 RMB/jin, steaming and boiling best to keep freshness
Tips: Check weight when buying seafood to avoid being overcharged; confirm taste and price before processing
→ Xiashan Seafood Wholesale Market
Why recommended: Largest seafood market in the city, full variety, one-stop shopping
Recommended shop: "Fishermen’s Seafood Processing Shop" inside market, cost-effective, signature ginger scallion crab, garlic vermicelli steamed shrimp
Tips: Visit before evening for freshest seafood; bargaining possible at processing shops, about 80-100 RMB per person to eat well
◆ Local Specialty Snacks (hidden in streets and alleys) → Must-eat on Chikan Old Street
Old Well Fried Dough Sticks: Same as in "The Bad Kids," crispy outside, tender inside, perfect with soy milk (5 RMB each)
Zhu’s Ancestral Well Tofu Pudding: Made with ancient well water, smooth texture, sweet or savory options (3 RMB/bowl)
Grandma Ai Cake: Traditional Zhanjiang snack, glutinous rice skin wrapped with sesame and peanut filling, fragrant and not greasy (2 RMB each)
→ Popular city snacks
Zhanjiang White Cut Chicken: Crispy skin, tender meat, dip in sand ginger soy sauce, recommended "Rongshutou Chicken Restaurant" (60 RMB per person)
Rice Noodle Rolls: Steamed rice batter, topped with garlic soy sauce and chili sauce, recommended "Mingji Rice Noodle Rolls" (8 RMB/serving)
Clam Leaf Rice: Fried rice with clam leaves, unique aroma, sold at street stalls (10 RMB/serving)
◆ Popular Restaurant Recommendations (great ambiance + taste) → Old Zhanjiang Seafood Restaurant (Chikan branch)
Recommended dishes: Signature roast suckling pig, cheese baked lobster, sandworm sashimi
Average cost: 150 RMB/person, suitable for banquets or family dinners
Tips: Reservation required to avoid queues
→ Xiyingmen Seafood City (Xiashan branch)
Recommended dishes: Boiled shrimp, steamed grouper, seafood congee
Average cost: 100 RMB/person, high cost-performance
Tips: Window seats offer sea views, reserve early
● 4. Hotel & Homestay Exploration (covering all budgets) ◆ High-end hotels (comfort first choice) → Zhanjiang Minzu Sheraton Hotel
Location: Next to Jinsha Bay, 5-minute walk to the beach
Highlights: Frontline sea view rooms, infinity pool, rich buffet breakfast (including seafood)
Price: 800-1200 RMB/night
Suitable for: Couples, families seeking high-quality experience
→ Zhanjiang Huahe International Hotel
Location: Center of Chikan District, near Chikan Old Street
Highlights: Spacious rooms, complete facilities, cost-effective
Price: 500-800 RMB/night
Suitable for: Business trips, family travel
◆ Cost-effective homestays (young travelers’ favorite) → Zhanjiang Coastline Homestay (Jinsha Bay branch)
Location: Inside Jinsha Bay community, 3-minute walk to the beach
Highlights: Instagram-style decor, balcony sea view, free beach gear provided
Price: 200-300 RMB/night
Suitable for: Couples, friends traveling together
→ Chikan Old Street Homestay
Location: Within Chikan Old Street, walking distance to attractions
Highlights: Nanyang arcade style, vintage decor, enthusiastic owner (can recommend local food)
Price: 150-250 RMB/night
Suitable for: Solo travelers, culture lovers
◆ Island homestays (immersive experience) → Naozhou Island Sea Melody Homestay
Location: Next to Naozhou Island Fishing Port
Highlights: Sea view rooms, courtyard BBQ, seafood processing service available
Price: 180-300 RMB/night
Suitable for: Visitors wanting to stay on the island
→ South Pole Village Homestay
Location: Next to Dengloujiao in Xuwen South Pole Village
Highlights: Salt field view rooms, family-themed rooms, seaside camping
Price: 200-400 RMB/night
Suitable for: Families with children, photography enthusiasts
The beauty of Zhanjiang is slow-paced, healing, and full of everyday life charm. There is no noisy influencer city vibe here, only the gentleness of the sea, the temptation of delicious food, and the comfort of life. Whether you want to head to a coastline, taste authentic seafood, or experience slow living, Zhanjiang can satisfy you. Take this guide and set off to encounter the blue romance of western Guangdong~