Why Malaysian Travellers Should Discover Beihai

Beihai is a picturesque port city on the southern coast of Guangxi Province in China, facing the Beibu Gulf (Gulf of Tonkin). Often overlooked by international tourists in favour of Sanya or Xiamen, Beihai rewards visitors with one of China's most beautiful stretches of coastline — the famous Silver Beach (Yintan), which extends for over 24 kilometres of fine white sand. For Malaysian travellers looking for an affordable and uncrowded beach holiday in China, Beihai is an excellent choice.

Accommodation in Beihai is very budget-friendly. Comfortable homestays and guesthouses near Silver Beach start from just RM 55 per night, while mid-range hotels and sea-view apartments cost RM 100–RM 250 per night. Premium resorts, including international brands, range from RM 300–RM 700 per night.

Best Hotels in Beihai

For an international-standard resort experience, Sheraton Beihai Resort offers beachfront luxury with top-tier amenities, pools, and dining options. Wyndham Beihai is another excellent choice for travellers seeking a reliable international hotel brand.

Budget travellers will find great value at Beihai Hunchunli Homestay in the Silver Beach tourism resort area, offering homely comfort at affordable rates. Beihai Qihai Cloud House B&B is a charming boutique option for those seeking a more personal stay.

For sea-view accommodation, Beihai Canaan Seaview Mangrove Apartment provides spacious rooms overlooking the mangrove wetlands, while Vienna Hotel Beihai Weizhou Island is ideal for those planning to explore Weizhou Island.

Silver Beach — Beihai's Crown Jewel

Silver Beach is the main attraction in Beihai and one of the finest beaches in all of China. The sand is remarkably fine and white, earning it the nickname "China's No. 1 Beach." The beach stretches over 24 kilometres, so even during busy periods there is plenty of space. Swimming is popular from May to October, when water temperatures are warm and inviting.

The main section of Silver Beach has a developed tourist zone with restaurants, souvenir shops, and water sports facilities. Jet ski rides cost around RM 30–RM 60, parasailing from RM 50–RM 80, and banana boat rides from RM 20 per person. Entry to the beach itself is free.

Exploring Weizhou Island

Weizhou Island, located about 50 kilometres off the coast, is the largest and youngest volcanic island in the South China Sea. It features dramatic volcanic rock formations, coral reefs, clear turquoise waters, and charming fishing villages with French colonial-era churches. A return ferry ticket from Beihai to Weizhou costs approximately RM 50–RM 100 per person, with the journey taking around 70 minutes.

On the island, you can explore the Crocodile Hill Volcanic Park, snorkel over coral reefs, watch spectacular sunsets from the Wuhai Coloured Beach, and feast on freshly caught seafood at local restaurants. Accommodation on the island ranges from RM 60–RM 200 per night.

Beihai Old Street and Cultural Attractions

Beihai Old Street is a well-preserved 200-year-old street lined with Sino-Western colonial architecture — a reminder of Beihai's history as one of China's earliest treaty ports. The street is now a lively pedestrian zone with shops, cafes, and local snack stalls. It is free to walk through and best visited in the evening when the atmosphere is at its liveliest.

The Beihai Underwater World aquarium is a fun family attraction, with entry at approximately RM 30 per person. The Mangrove National Nature Reserve offers boat tours through lush mangrove forests, providing a glimpse of the area's rich ecosystem for around RM 20–RM 40.

Food and Dining in Beihai

Beihai is famous for its fresh and affordable seafood. The Qiaogang Seafood Market is the most popular spot, where you can buy fresh seafood — crabs, prawns, fish, and shellfish — from vendors and have it cooked at a neighbouring restaurant for a small fee. A seafood feast for two can cost as little as RM 40–RM 80.

Local specialities include Beihai laoyu fen (fish rice noodle soup), shrimp cakes, and grilled squid, available from street stalls for RM 3–RM 10 per portion. Restaurants along Silver Beach serve set seafood dinners from RM 25–RM 60 per person.

Getting to Beihai from Malaysia

The most convenient route is to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Nanning Wuxu International Airport (the capital of Guangxi Province), with return flights available from RM 600–RM 1,200 via connecting cities. From Nanning, a high-speed train to Beihai takes approximately 1.5 hours and costs around RM 25–RM 40.

Alternatively, some seasonal flights connect directly to Beihai Fucheng Airport from Chinese hub cities. From Nanning, direct buses to Beihai are also available at around RM 15–RM 25 for the three-hour journey.

Best Time to Visit Beihai

Beihai enjoys a subtropical climate with warm weather year-round. The best time to visit is from April to November, when the weather is warm and ideal for beach activities. Summer months (June to August) are the hottest, with temperatures reaching 32–35°C. The winter months (December to February) are mild at 15–20°C — comfortable for sightseeing but less suitable for swimming.

Hotel rates are highest during Chinese national holidays, particularly Golden Week (October 1–7) and Chinese New Year. For the best deals, visit on weekdays or during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October.

Explore More of China on Traveloka

China has a wealth of destinations to discover beyond Beihai. Browse hotels in Shangri-La for breathtaking Tibetan highland scenery, explore the ancient water towns near Changshou, or discover the historic Silk Road gateway of Jiayuguan — all bookable with great rates on Traveloka.