Zhanjiang: The Hidden Foodie Paradise Where $70 Buys 3 Days of Feasting – Wild Flavors Outshine Chaoshan, Gaining 8 Pounds in a Week is Worth It!
Zhanjiang girl Quan Hongchan stunned the world with her dive, successfully bringing the "hidden" Zhanjiang back into the public spotlight.
Her hometown, Maihe Village, has become a new网红 hotspot overnight. But compared to the "bustle" of Maihe Village, Zhanjiang—a city that went viral several times in summer—remains quiet and uncrowded, wrapped in an old-time滤镜.
Coinciding with the fishing season, the seafood is plump and fresh. If you're looking for a relaxing, food-filled destination, Zhanjiang is the place to go!
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The pride of western Guangdong, it never gets old!
Zhanjiang, the southernmost city on mainland China.
Before the hit drama *The Bad Kids*, many were unaware of this coastal slow city, but after one visit, they became addicted, unwilling to leave and eager to return.
© TV drama *The Bad Kids*
Simply because there are endless stories to tell, boundless sea breezes to enjoy, and infinite seafood to savor...
© TV drama *The Bad Kids*
Among Guangdong's star-studded cities, Zhanjiang is the one rarely in the "hot topics."
Yet it was once called the "Second Hong Kong," praised by Comrade Deng Xiaoping as "Qingdao in the north, Zhanjiang in the south." Though it missed its golden era of development, it retained a thick "old-time"滤镜.
A slowed-down pace of life, French flair, ancient arcades, and small, shabby-yet-artsy cafés.
Or the endless seafood noodles, snacks, and dim sum—a culinary tapestry perfect for soothing weary souls and rediscovering lost beauty.
Red-brick houses, concrete roads, weathered walls, and greenery sprouting through cracks—yellow, green... Most architectural tones transport you straight back to the '80s and '90s.
For Zhanjiang, pressed pause, isn't this a case of "losing the east but gaining the mulberry"?
As some say: Zhanjiang is one of the few cities in Guangdong where you can experience "real travel."
Find some time to visit Zhanjiang!
Here, there are no crowds or hurried steps. Leisure is the rhythm, and spontaneity the attitude.
If you come, I’d like to take you to...
Where南洋 charm and French style blend seamlessly.
In the old town of Zhanjiang, you can find both arcade streets filled with Nanyang-style architecture and French-style buildings that transport you to Europe.
Regardless of the style, these historic structures bear witness to the vicissitudes of the former Guangzhou Bay.
Chikan District encapsulates a century of history as a trading port, where time seems to have paused. Stepping into its old streets feels like entering a gateway to the past.
Zhongshan Road holds the liveliest footprints of generations of Zhanjiang residents; Datong Street was once the city's trade hub, with the saying, "A trip to Guangzhou Bay is incomplete without visiting Datong Street."
The arcade cluster on Heping Road is the best-preserved section of Chikan's arcade architecture; the former residence of Xu Aizhou on Minzu Road is a Western-style mansion with striking European influences.
The Guangzhou Bay Chamber of Commerce building on Minzu Road features numerous Western architectural elements, exuding an exotic charm.
Gazing at this recently restored chamber of commerce site, one can almost hear the clinking of glasses by the seaside a century ago...
Leizhou's Qu Street also boasts many arcades. Though weathered by time, the intricate and diverse window lintels, pilasters, and relief brick carvings—blending Chinese and Western styles—reveal the craftsmanship of their construction.
If Chikan’s old town showcases the glamour of the Republic of China era, the French architectural complex in Xiashan District immerses you directly in European charm.
© Tuchong: THOMSON-ZHOU
02 Experience the Romance of a Southern Coastal City
Due to previously inconvenient transportation, few friends visited Zhanjiang for its seaside, but upon closer exploration,
the city offers unexpected delights: home to "China's longest beach," the country's largest volcanic island, and the world's only maar lake...
In the city, you can start from Fishing Port Park and stroll or cycle along the Golden Coast Sightseeing Corridor all the way to Seaside Park.
Whether sunbathing or swimming in the sea, it’s utterly relaxing. A Ferris wheel here offers panoramic views of Zhanjiang Bay.
If you're a photography enthusiast, try capturing a stunning sunrise or sunset shot of the Bay Bridge along the coast.
Naozhou Island, China’s largest volcanic island, is a must-visit for seaside views in Zhanjiang.
The volcanic rock textures on the shore make for easy photography, and the rare crystal lens lighthouse stands alongside the Cape of Good Hope and London lighthouses as one of the "World’s Three Great Lighthouses."
Upon arriving, you’ll find the island a perfect blend of Kenting and Scotland—artsy, fresh, and brimming with a strong fishing village vibe.
During the fishing season now, while idly enjoying the sea breeze, you can watch fishing boats pass Naozhou Island and slowly return to the city’s harbor.
Donghai Island is even less known than Naozhou Island.
However, its 28-kilometer-long Longhaitian Beach is hailed as "China's Longest Beach," second only to Australia's Gold Coast.
Here, you can rent a small tent for camping, enjoy a night of romantic stargazing, and wait for a breathtaking sunrise—the long beach stretches the morning light into an endless glow.
"Mohe has the Arctic Village, and Zhanjiang has the Antarctic Village."
You can visit Xuwen to see the "Pineapple Sea," check in at Denglou Cape in Jiaowei Township, and create unforgettable memories at the "Southernmost Point of Mainland China."
03 Savoring China's Seafood Capital
When it comes to "Where to eat in Guangdong," many think of Guangzhou, Shunde, or Chaoshan, but Zhanjiang—this overlooked culinary gem—deserves a spot.
Every corner here boasts its own seafood specialties; especially during the fishing season, the seafood is fresher and cheaper!
Zhanjiang’s nights are a paradise for food lovers.
The city’s late-night stalls and open-air eateries operate year-round, and among Zhanjiang’s nocturnal culinary delights, charcoal-grilled oysters are a must-try.
Beyond plain charcoal grilling, Zhanjiang serves oysters stir-fried with leeks, deep-fried, oil-baked, scrambled with eggs, cooked in porridge, or steamed…
It’s no exaggeration to say that Zhanjiang’s oysters alone can shake up the national food scene.
The second most famous seafood is undoubtedly Zhanjiang’s prawns.
In shrimp farming, Zhanjiang is the largest breeding base in China—one out of every three shrimp in the Chinese market comes from here.
Salt-baked and boiled are standard, but locals also make shrimp pancakes.
In Zhanjiang, dare to try sandworms.
Despite their intimidating name and appearance, they’re sweet, crisp, and plump—delicious whether salted, fried, garlicky, or in soup.
When it comes to seafood, Zhanjiang locals are second to none.
Especially during the fishing season, feast on steamed prawns, crabs, mantis shrimp, salt-and-pepper squid, fermented black bean pomfret, pan-fried mackerel, oyster soup, boiled conch, abalone chicken soup, seafood congee… a full seafood spread!
Seasoned diners often pair it with a plate of stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp—congee and noodles, though both staples, somehow make a perfect match.
Add some more chili sauce, and it instantly feels completely different.
Of course, besides seafood, Zhanjiang has many other delicious foods that can make your mouth water just by looking at the pictures.
It’s also the king of Zhanjiang’s late-night snack scene.
A rising star in Zhanjiang’s barbecue world,
Paired with wet spicy sauce, it’s better than being an immortal.
© Xiaohongshu: VTASTE
Some say Zhanjiang has a magical charm that makes even first-time visitors feel a sense of familiarity.
This is because the city exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. Stroll along the old streets during the day, and when the heat subsides, head to the seaside to catch a sunset. After the sun sets, follow the locals to explore the bustling barbecue stalls and fill your stomach with delicious treats...
On a naturally sunny day, come and visit Zhanjiang.
Sit on the pier, feel the breeze, gaze at the sea, wander through the old town, and reminisce about the "good old days."
High-speed trains go directly to Zhanjiang West Station; shared e-bikes are recommended for getting around the city; Nanji Village is best explored by self-driving or chartered car.
Hotels near Wanda Plaza or Jinsha Bay are recommended for their sea views and convenient transportation.
D1: Arrival, Chikan Old Street, Zhanjiang Museum. D2: Fishing Port Park, Seaside Park, French Consulate, French Naval Command, Catholic Church, Olympic Sports Center. D3: Naozhou Island: Cunliang Bay, Nayan Bay - Sea Turtle Sanctuary, Sea Stone Beach, Volcanic Rock Coast, Lighthouse. D4: Leizu Temple, Tianning Temple, Leizhou Museum, Nanji Village, Denglou Cape - Confluence Line, Wind Farm.