A Tourist-Friendly Coastal City in Southern China! 3 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Beihai City

When you hear the name Beihai City, you might assume it’s located in northern China. However, Beihai is actually in the southernmost part of the country, near Hainan Island and Vietnam. Its name comes from being located on the northern shore of the Gulf of Tonkin, which borders northern Vietnam. Since being designated an open city for tourism in 1982, Beihai has been developed as a resort destination. Let us introduce three recommended sightseeing spots in this port city in southwestern China.

1. Beihai Silver Beach

Beihai Silver Beach is a 24 km long stretch of sand on the southeastern coast of Beihai City. In some places, it reaches a width of about 3 km, and it’s even called “China’s No. 1 Beach.”
The sand is made up of 98% silicon dioxide, creating a fine, nearly pure-white beach. Despite being a popular destination that attracts over 100,000 visitors a day, its size means it never feels overcrowded.
There are many Chinese food stalls nearby as well. You can enjoy playing along the beach or by the sea, and take a break with delicious street food when you get hungry.

2. Beihai Old Street

Beihai Old Street is the historic district that stretches along the port area on the northern coast of Beihai. Construction began in 1883, and it features a unique mix of Chinese and Western architectural influences.
Most buildings have Greek-style arcade columns on the ground floor, with residential spaces above. Though the area once declined with the changing times, it has been revived as a tourist attraction since Beihai became an open tourism city. You can enjoy the atmosphere of a late Qing dynasty port town.

3. Beihai Underwater World

Located in Beihai Seaside Park, Beihai Underwater World is one of the largest aquariums in China, comparable to the Qingdao Aquarium in Shandong Province. It features massive tanks like those used in Japan’s Hakkeijima Sea Paradise and underwater tunnels similar to those at Toba Aquarium, making it not only large in scale but also a technologically advanced facility popular with tourists.
One especially unique feature is the “Waterless Aquarium,” which uses lights and decorations to create an undersea world without any actual water, offering a fantastical experience. Since it’s not underwater, you can even interact with virtual reality fish. With various exhibits and attractions, it’s a great spot for families to enjoy an entire day.

◎ Summary

We introduced three recommended sightseeing spots in Beihai City, located in southern China. In Hepu County to the north of the city, you can also find historical sites such as Han dynasty tombs and towers. If you visit the Gulf of Tonkin, be sure to enjoy leisure and gourmet experiences in Beihai, the city open to tourism.

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