Back from Beihai, here's the honest truth! August to September is not recommended for visiting.

Beihai travel guide covering must-visit attractions, pitfalls to avoid, and food recommendations to help you explore this coastal town with ease: 🌊 Must-Visit Attractions 1. Beihai Silver Beach - Highlights: Miles-long "World's Finest Beach" with powdery white sand, stunning at sunset. - Tips: Visit at dawn/dusk to beat the heat; try beach ATVs or sailing; enjoy light shows at night. - Pitfalls: Free entry! Beware of "paid entrance" scams; avoid nearby seafood stalls (overpriced) - dine at Qiaogang Folk Street instead. 2. Weizhou Island - Features: China's youngest volcanic island blending geological wonders with crystal-clear waters. - Must-dos: Explore Crocodile Hill Volcano Park, watch sunrise at Colorful Beach, sunset at Dripping Water Screen, buy seafood at Nanwan Street for cooking. - Pitfalls: Book ferry tickets early (choose larger ships like Beiyou 25/26); island prices are higher - bring seafood to guesthouses for cooking. 3. Beihai Old Street - Charm: Century-old Sino-Western arcade buildings showcasing maritime Silk Road history. - Experiences: Try Auntie Li's Shrimp Pancakes, Lao Dao Coffee; photograph under blue evening lights. - Pitfalls: Some exhibits require tickets; avoid street "photographers" without reviewing samples first. 4. Guantouling National Forest Park - Activities: Hike for panoramic ocean views, photograph sunset at Purple Cloud Bay's rocky shore. - Pitfalls: Avoid deep forest areas (mosquitoes); focus on beaches; wear anti-slip shoes (no flip-flops). ⚠️ Key Avoidance Tips - Transportation: ✘ Avoid unlicensed airport/station vehicles; use Didi or official taxis. ✘ Check e-bike battery (¥30-40/day) and clarify return time/damage liability. - Seafood: ✘ Weizhou seafood is mostly shipped from Beihai (pricier) - eat in Beihai instead. ✔️ At Waisha Island/Qiaogang Market, watch scales, confirm price units (jin/kg), choose transparent processing shops. - Shopping: ✘ Fake "pearls" abound near attractions - buy at supermarkets/aquatic markets. ✘ Be cautious of jet ski/diving solicitors at Silver Beach (price gouging common). - Weather/Safety: ✔️ Check forecasts - storms may cancel Weizhou ferries; consult tide tables for mangrove foraging. ✔️ Strong UV requires physical+chemical sun protection (hats, sleeves, high-SPF sunscreen). 🍜 Local Food Map - Seafood Heaven: → Qiaogang Folk Street: Vietnamese rolls, shaved ice, pepper mantis shrimp; → Sister Wang Seafood (locals' pick), Boat 89 Gout Pot (signature broth). - Street Food: → Old Street: Crispy shrimp cakes, crab noodle soup; → Dessert shops: Sophora flower ice, coconut cakes. - Breakfast: → Pork knuckle noodles (collagen-rich), Qiaogang's steamed coconut rice cakes. 📅 Itinerary Suggestions - 3-Day Highlights: Day1: Silver Beach (sunrise/sunset) → Old Street → Qiaogang (dinner); Day2: Weizhou (Volcano Park + Colorful Beach + Nanwan seafood); Day3: Guantouling Beach → Mangrove foraging (best at dawn). - 5-Day Deep Dive: Add Hepu Han Tombs, Maritime Silk Road Port (night show), Liuxia Village (artsy photos). 💎 Pro Tips - Accommodation: Silver Beach area for sea views (book sea-facing rooms); Weizhou options: Dishui Village/Shiluokou guesthouses (book peak seasons early). - Best Season: October-April (avoid heat/typhoons); November at Guantouling for migratory birds. Beihai's beauty lies in its slow-paced coastal life and local charm. Slow down to savor the poetic southern waves! 🌅