Beihai, Guangxi: A Top 10 Most Livable City with Affordable Prices—Perfect for a Reverse Spring Festival Getaway!

During the Spring Festival, some return home, while others plan early to take their families on a vacation to escape the cold. But compared to Hainan or Yunnan, Qilv still prefers this laid-back coastal slow city in Guangxi.

Even in winter, the temperature remains a comfortable 20+ degrees, with enchanting scenery—blue seas, soft sandy beaches, gentle ocean breezes... The air is filled with warmth.

It consistently ranks among the "Top Ten Most Livable Cities," yet sees few tourists. Life here is leisurely, prices are affordable, making it perfect for a getaway.

This slightly understated coastal city is Beihai, Guangxi.

Here, you’ll find pristine seas, historic streets brimming with local life, and endless food to explore... Before you know it, you won’t want to leave.

，

。

In winter, you’ll just want to stay here forever!

As Guangxi’s smallest city, Beihai isn’t large, and its attractions can be summed up as "one street, one island, one beach." Yet every corner is picturesque, so beautiful it makes you want to settle down.

As a winter retreat, its cuisine isn’t as high-profile as Liuzhou’s, but it’s a hidden culinary capital and seafood kingdom—even "A Bite of China" came here to explore its flavors.

A vacation in Beihai isn’t about rushing. You can leisurely cycle around the island, gaze at the sea, stroll through old streets, slurp noodles, and feast on seafood—living the slow life as it should be.

Bask in the 20°C island sunshine!

Unlike Sanya, Beihai’s seas have a more untouched serenity.

No bustling crowds or noisy vendors—just you, quietly watching the sea. The sunlight is perfect, the breeze lulls you into laziness, and before you know it, your eyes drift shut.

Weizhou Island, named one of "China’s Most Beautiful Islands" by National Geographic, is also the country’s largest and youngest volcanic island—overshadowing even the city itself in fame.

The best way to experience Weizhou Island is to stay for a few days and live like a local.

On sunny days, rent an electric bike to circle the island and catch sunsets at Five-Color Beach or Twilight Cliff. When feeling lazy, lounge on a rocking chair at your homestay, playing with dogs or daydreaming.

Here, you can also dive into the sea and encounter vibrant schools of fish in the blue depths.

Or board a cruise—you might even spot a pod of Bryde’s whales. With seabirds circling above and whales gliding below, even a distant glimpse feels awe-inspiring.

Beihai’s Silver Beach is hailed as the "Finest Beach Under Heaven."

Here, you must walk barefoot on the sand, feeling its unparalleled whiteness and softness.

At night, stroll along the shore where the sky and sea merge. The sunset and twilight reflect on the water, and even the sand beneath your feet seems bathed in warm light—like a painting come to life.

Not far from Silver Beach, there is another beach called Qiaogang Beach.

The sand is as fine as that of Silver Beach, but with fewer tourists. You can also enjoy jet skiing and surfing here.

If you come in the early morning, you can see fishermen returning from their night voyages, unloading crates of seafood, with the sounds of weighing and bargaining filling the air.

Wai Sha Island is the closest small island to downtown Beihai, boasting a 2,000-meter-long coastline.

It is very close to Beihai Old Street. After visiting the old street in the afternoon, you can head there to watch the sunset—Wai Sha Island under the glow of dusk is exceptionally beautiful.

© Tuchong: The lighthouse of Reno Island

Strolling through the artistic and weathered old street,

Immersing yourself in the nostalgic charm of the old town!

Beihai’s old street has a calming power.

The timeworn arcade buildings, the复古elegant former consulate sites, the tranquil and fresh fishing villages... Spend a leisurely half-day exploring at a relaxed pace, and you’ll experience countless charms.

If you visit Beihai, take a trip to Beihai Old Street to uncover a piece of history.

Built in 1883, it was known as Shengping Street during the Qing Dynasty and Zhuhai Road during the Republic of China era, bustling with merchants selling fishing gear, dried seafood, livestock, tea, Suzhou and Hangzhou silks, and more.

Today, it remains lively but carries a deeper historical weight. Walking under the南洋-style arcades feels like stepping into a bygone world: residents of the old street don’t even use fans, preferring to pass the time playing mahjong.

If you visit Beihai, consider stopping by the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Located on Weizhou Island, it was constructed entirely from local coral, rocks, and lime, and is one of the four major Catholic churches from the late Qing Dynasty.

The church is somewhat aged, with mottled walls, darkened white paint, and modest interiors, yet it exudes a unique beauty marked by time.

As you approach, it evokes a sense of quiet reflection.

If you visit Beihai, take a walk along Qiaogang Folk Culture Street.

The street is lined with Vietnamese eateries, and on the asphalt roads, local women in conical hats weave through the crowd.

For a moment, you might feel as if you’ve stepped into Vietnam.

A leisurely life with five meals a day!

The pace of life in Beihai is slow. Here, you can sleep until noon and then leisurely eat from morning till night.

There are lively seafood of all kinds, dazzling varieties of rice noodles, Cantonese desserts, Vietnamese snacks, fragrant beef offal... You can eat to your heart's content without spending much.

In the morning, noodle lovers can enjoy a bowl of rice noodles.

The original seafood noodles and crab roe noodles highlight the word "fresh"; the classic beef brisket noodles combine the chewiness of the noodles with the rich and savory broth, making them irresistible.

Porridge lovers can try the simple yet beloved congee of Beihai locals.

The plain congee keeps the rice and water distinct, but the side dishes are varied—salted fish, taro stems, pickled melon rind, preserved vegetables, salted duck eggs... simple yet hearty.

Besides these, the local specialties like rice cakes, thin-skinned and juicy rolled rice noodles, and wontons are also staples in Beihai's breakfast scene.

When in Beihai, you can't miss the affordable and plump seafood.

Whether it's fresh and succulent fish, shrimp, crabs, shellfish, oysters, flower snails, or niche delicacies like sandworms, river snails, or razor clams, Beihai has it all! A simple steam is enough to bring out the deliciousness, and you can eat your fill for just ¥100 per person!

In Beihai, you'll find delicious and affordable local snacks everywhere.

Stroll into any old street or alley, and you'll discover an array of choices—sweet soups, soft and sticky leaf-wrapped rice cakes, crispy-on-the-outside-tender-on-the-inside fish tofu, flaky egg crisps; or the shrimp cakes and pickled fruits featured in *A Bite of China*.

At night in Beihai, you can head to Hainan Road or Sanzhong Road with family or friends for late-night snacks.

The barbecue stalls serve juicy and plump oysters, snail and duck foot hotpot, braised duck heads and wings, grilled fish, sweet soups... Just a glance will make your mouth water.

Some describe Beihai like this: "This city is too low-key—it lacks the luxurious hotels and five-star facilities of Sanya, but it has turquoise waters and a strong sense of warmth and hospitality."

After spending a few days in Beihai with your family, you might just want to retire here!