I've been to Zhanjiang from April to June and I really don't recommend going
😭because it's just~~~
Zhanjiang from April to June is just too beautiful and delicious!! For those planning to visit Zhanjiang soon, save this [Zhanjiang Travel Guide] - enjoy this coastal city for just 1,500 yuan per person! A complete 4-day, 3-night itinerary with all food recommendations!
Why Visit
April-June is Zhanjiang's golden tourism season with warm, humid weather and daily high temperatures of 27-32°C, perfect for outdoor activities. Tourist numbers are moderate during this time, with flight and hotel prices lower than peak season, and overall costs about 30% lower than Sanya. Zhanjiang boasts the southernmost location on mainland China, featuring volcanic geological wonders, island scenery, French colonial architecture, and abundant seafood - ideal for experiencing southern coastal culture.
Transportation Guide
Getting There: Zhanjiang Wuchuan Airport is about 50km from downtown; take the airport bus to Xiashan District (1 hour, 25 yuan). Zhanjiang West high-speed railway station connects to Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other cities; a taxi to Chikan District costs about 30 yuan.
Getting Around: Attractions are scattered, so renting a car is recommended (Liantong Cloud Car Rental at the high-speed rail station, averaging 150 yuan/day), or hiring a car service (500 yuan/day). Public buses cover major attractions but require extra time for transfers.
Itinerary
Day 1: Urban Culture & Coastal Scenery
Morning: Chikan Old Street (Republic-era style street, former Guangzhou Bay Chamber of Commerce)
Afternoon: Jinsha Bay Coastal Promenade (sailing performances, bioluminescent sea)
Evening: Fishing Port Park (naval ship night views, seafood barbecue)
Day 2: Volcanic Geology & Island Resort
Full day: Huguangyan Scenic Area (maar lake, volcano museum) → Techeng Island (cycling around the island, mangrove boardwalk)
Day 3: Island Exploration & Family Fun
Morning: Donghai Island (volcanic rock coastline, Cunliang Bay Lighthouse)
Afternoon: Donghai Island (Longhaitian Beach, tide pooling experience)
Evening: Wuchuan Dinglong Bay (Desas Water World, beach barbecue)
Day 4: Coastal Charm & Cultural History
Morning: China-Australia Friendship Garden (French-style street, bay bridge)
Afternoon: Antarctic Village (Denglou Corner, Heshui Line)
Evening: Return journey
Must-Visit Attractions
1. Huguangyan Scenic Area:
Highlights: One of only two maar lakes worldwide, with exceptional self-purifying water and lakeside boardwalks perfect for hiking.
Tips: Admission 45 yuan, open 7:30-18:00.
2. Techeng Island:
Highlights: Mangrove boardwalk for egret watching, tandem bike rentals (20 yuan/hour), resort hot springs for 20 yuan/person.
Tips: Ferry costs 3 yuan/person, 20-minute journey.
3. Naozhou Island:
Highlights: Volcanic rock coastline for dramatic photos, Cunliang Bay Lighthouse (filming location for "The Bad Kids").
Tips: Access requires ferry + motorized tricycle transfer.
4. Antarctic Village:
Highlights: Southernmost point of mainland China, "kissing waves" phenomenon at the Heshui Line, coral house homestays.
Tips: Self-driving recommended, about 2 hours from downtown.
5. Jinsha Bay Coastal Promenade:
Highlights: Free entry, golden sea surface at sunset, perfect for sailboat silhouette photography.
Tips: Check low tide times for possible bioluminescent sea sightings.
6. Chikan Old Street:
Highlights: Arcade building complex, Water Well Head breakfast shop (seafood noodles), Si Die Boji Chui and other time-honored establishments.
Tips: Browse the antique cultural street for handicrafts.
7. Donghai Island:
Highlights: China's fifth-largest island, Longhaitian Beach with fine sand, great for family tide pooling.
Tips: Seafood market processing fee 10-15 yuan/dish.
8. China-Australia Friendship Garden:
Highlights: French-style street with Paris-inspired architecture, excellent bay bridge night views.
Tips: Ideal for morning runs and picnics.
Food Map
Chikan District
Xiyingmen Desserts: Yuanyang porridge + tofu pudding
Si Die Boji Chui: Fragrant glutinous rice with special sauce
Beiqiao Duck Rice: Tender duck meat + rich duck soup
Xiashan District
Xiongzai Snack Shop: Rich soup beef offal
Qiaomei Noodle Shop: Five-treasure wonton noodles
Baixing Village Food Street: Oyster Brother BBQ (oysters 2 yuan each)
Seafood Recommendations
Xiashan Seafood Wholesale Market: Mantis shrimp 25 yuan/500g after 4 PM
Juyou Wet Spicy Beef: Wet spicy beef + grilled oysters
Accommodation Recommendations
Chikan District
Sheraton Hotel: Jinsha Bay sea view rooms, walking distance to the coastal promenade.
Homestay recommendation: Around Republic-era style street, averaging 150 yuan per person.
Techeng Island
Techeng Island Resort: Fisherman's homestay with coral rooms, averaging 80 yuan per person.
Wuchuan Dinglong Bay
Four Points by Sheraton: Fast-track wristbands for Desas Water World, dual swimming pools.
Avoiding Tourist Traps
Transportation traps: Attractions are scattered, inconvenient without a vehicle. Naozhou Island requires ferry + motorized tricycle, challenging with lots of luggage.
Seafood traps: Beware of "wild jumbo shrimp" scams at Fisherman's Wharf; visit Xiashan Seafood Market after 4 PM for better deals.
Weather traps: Humidity >90% from May to September; autumn and winter offer better photo opportunities. Donghai Island's "glass sea" is better than Longhaitian.
Accommodation traps: "Internet-famous" homestays 2km from the sea? Choose accommodations near Jinsha Bay/Wanda Plaza, chain hotels offer sea view rooms for 200+ yuan.
Shopping traps: For local specialties, head to International Trade Building basement, 30% cheaper than the old street.
Travel Tips
Check the weather forecast and bring windproof jackets (strong coastal winds) and mosquito repellent (mangrove mosquitoes are vicious).
Choose Liantong Cloud Car Rental (pick up at high-speed rail station); confirm pier pickup service with island homestays.
Chikan Old Street hosts many activities; sailing performances and heritage markets possible from April to June.
Seafood processing fee is 10-15 yuan per dish; recommended cooking methods include poaching and steaming with garlic.
Experience the vibrant night atmosphere at Rongsheng Tianguang Night Market (Wednesday/Saturday nights).