4-Day In-Depth Tour of Zhanjiang: From the Ancient Charm of Old Streets to the Sea and Sky in One Color.

Zhanjiang is a coastal city that combines ocean, volcanoes, history, and cuisine, but its attractions are relatively scattered. To fully enjoy your trip, just bookmark this guide! Overall Plan: This route follows the sequence of "Old Town Culture → Urban Waterfront → Geological Wonders → Island Exploration → Modern Leisure," taking you to experience the diverse charm of Zhanjiang. Day 1: Memories of the Old Town and French Style Morning: Chikan Old Street → French Style Street · How to explore Chikan Old Street: This is the origin of Zhanjiang city, full of Nanyang-style arcade buildings and a sense of history. Key spots include the former site of the Guangzhou Bay Chamber of Commerce (free, open 10:00–18:00) and the Mingde Art Museum (free, Wednesday to Sunday: 9:00–12:00, 14:00–18:00). Slow down your pace and wander through the maze-like alleys to find the ancient Dazhong Street’s bluestone pavement and the old ferry site, imagining the prosperity when Guangzhou Bay was a bustling commercial hub. Don’t forget to check in at the filming location of "Hidden Corners." Must-do: Find a breakfast shop on a street corner, sit down and enjoy authentic Zhanjiang Boji steamed rice, drizzled with sesame oil and sesame seeds, soft and savory. Or have a bowl of shrimp and oyster soup to start your day full of energy. Highlight: Every weathered arcade building tells a story. Here you can see the most authentic local life, and photography enthusiasts will definitely capture story-rich shots. · French Style Street Walking from the old street feels like a time travel. The architectural style here is distinctive. With French-style buildings as the backdrop, you can easily take European-style photos. You can find a cozy café to relax and feel the wonderful collision of old and new cultures. Highlight: It condenses Zhanjiang’s colonial history as the former "Guangzhou Bay," an indispensable stop to understand the city’s multiculturalism. For lunch, try Zhanjiang’s specialties like seafood lo mein and white-cut chicken. Afternoon: Xiashan Catholic Church → Xiashan Seaside Promenade · Xiashan Catholic Church is a century-old Gothic church and a representative of Zhanjiang’s French architecture, very photogenic from the outside. Quietly admire the solemnity and beauty of this Gothic twin-spired church. If open, enter inside to experience the colorful light and sacred tranquility through the stained glass. From the church, it’s a short walk to Xiashan Seaside Promenade, where the sea breeze caresses your face and the air is fresh—perfect for a leisurely stroll and sea watching. Opposite the promenade is the Zhanjiang Naval Port, where you can clearly see modern warships docked (please note, photographing warships is strictly prohibited). Feel the atmosphere of Zhanjiang as a "naval port." Must-do: Wait for a stunning sunset! When the sun dyes the sky and sea golden, the scene is incredibly romantic. At low tide, you can walk down to the mudflats to enjoy collecting shells and catching small crabs. Accommodation suggestion: Stay in Xiashan District or the Development Zone for convenient travel the next day. Day 2: Geological Wonders and Volcanic Island Exploration All day: Lake Guangyan → Naozhou Island · Lake Guangyan Opening hours: 7:30–18:00 Ticket price: 50 RMB This is China’s only maar lake and a world geological park. The scenic area is large and tranquil, with clear water. You can walk around the lake (about 2 hours) or rent an electric cart to enjoy the fresh air filled with negative oxygen ions. Main highlights include Mirror Lake, volcanic geological relics, and the Leiqiong World Geological Park Museum, where you can learn about its scientific value as a world geological park. · Naozhou Island After Lake Guangyan, drive to the Southeast Pier and take a ferry to the island (check ferry schedules). Passenger ferry: 25 RMB/person Vehicle ferry: Small cars (under 7 seats) 78 RMB/vehicle, plus 10 RMB/person for passengers Highlights: 1. Naozhou Lighthouse: Explore this world-famous ancient lighthouse made with natural crystal lenses. 2. Nayan Sea Stone Beach: Watch black volcanic rocks roar as they crash into the sea, a magnificent sight perfect for dramatic landscape photography. 3. Song Emperor City Ruins, volcanic rock coastline, and more. Food highlight: Be sure to eat the freshest seafood on the island, especially Naozhou abalone and green lobsters. Evening: Return to the city for accommodation. Day 3: Hot Springs Island and Urban Bay Morning: Techeng Island Round-trip ferry ticket: 30 RMB/person (book online in advance) · Take a boat from Xiashan District Fisherman’s Wharf; it takes about 20 minutes. The island is small, and you can rent a bicycle or electric cart to circle it. · Core experiences: · Mangrove boardwalk: Walk through dense mangroves, watch egrets fly, and observe wetland ecology. · Hot spring resort: Famous for natural hot springs, with many types of pools and beautiful surroundings. Soaking in a hot spring facing the sea is a very enjoyable experience. · Highlight: The closest "paradise" to the city, where you can enjoy coconut groves, beaches, mangroves, and hot springs all on one cozy island. Afternoon: Jinsha Bay Seaside Promenade · After returning from Techeng Island, come here to experience Zhanjiang’s modern and fashionable side. You can stroll on the fine golden sand or sit on the steps to watch the city skyline across the bay, enjoying the unique night view of "half sea view, half city lights." · Highlight: Zhanjiang’s "Victoria Harbour." The blend of modern urban scenery and coastal beauty is especially charming when the city lights come on. Evening (18:30–20:00): Red Eagle Mouth Cruise How to play: Book your boat ticket in advance (usually includes dinner). Board at sunset or nightfall to start a night cruise. Enjoy a seafood dinner or tea while admiring the sparkling night view of Zhanjiang Bay, the ten-mile naval port, and the Bay Bridge. Cruise hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–15:30, Saturday to Sunday 10:00–18:30, additional trips may be added based on passenger flow Ticket price: from 138 RMB Duration: about 80 minutes Day 4: Wild Long Beach and Military Hardcore Morning: Donghai Island · Head straight to Longhaitian Beach. This 28-kilometer-long beach is China’s longest beach, grand and magnificent. · Activities: Here you can run freely, splash in the waves, ride beach motorcycles, or just quietly daydream, feeling the vastness and grandeur of the sea. Compared to Jinsha Bay, this beach is more natural, wilder, and better satisfies your longing for the ocean! Highlight: The title of "China’s longest beach" is well deserved. The endless sand and roaring waves let you truly feel the majestic power of nature. Afternoon: Military Culture Expo Park Opening hours: 08:30–17:30 Ticket price: from 39 RMB Closed all day Monday Here you can see real decommissioned warships, tanks, airplanes, and more. You can get close to these real equipment and even board the vessels to touch these "steel giants" with your own hands. It’s a paradise for military enthusiasts. 💡 Pre-trip Essential Tips 1. Transportation: · Major transport: Arrive by plane at Zhanjiang Wuchuan Airport or by high-speed train at Zhanjiang West Station. · Self-driving is recommended. · City transport: You can take taxis or ride-hailing services to city attractions. Renting a car or self-driving is the most convenient and flexible way. Public transport (buses) is available but time-consuming and requires transfers. 2. Food recommendations: · Seafood: sandworms, flower crabs, abalone, lobster, especially Zhanjiang oysters, a must-try! · White-cut chicken: Zhanjiang chicken is famous for its tender meat. · Local snacks: Boji steamed rice, Tian’ai buns, Shuijing fried dough sticks, Lanwo fried noodles, all available on Chikan Old Street. 3. Accommodation: · It is recommended to stay mainly in Zhanjiang city for more transport and dining options. · If you want to experience island life, consider staying a night on Naozhou Island or Techeng Island. 4. Best travel time: · From October to April the following year, the weather is cool and it’s the best season to visit. 5. Ferry trips to Naozhou Island and Techeng Island require checking ferry schedules in advance. 6. Sun and mosquito protection: Zhanjiang has strong sunlight, so be sure to use sun protection. Especially on islands and near lakes, mosquitoes are common, so bring insect repellent. 7. Flexible adjustments: This itinerary is an ideal plan; please adjust according to your physical condition and interests. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can skip one or two attractions. We hope this detailed guide makes your Zhanjiang trip perfect. Have fun and enjoy the delicious food in Zhanjiang!