Beihai Guangxi, China Travel Guide
Climate Patterns: Summer (June-September) brings hot and humid conditions, often 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 91°F), with frequent rainfall and peak typhoon season. Autumn (October-November) presents mild and pleasant weather, 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F), having less rain and humidity. Winter (December-February) remains mild, 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F), and relatively dry. Spring (March-May) sees warm and humid conditions, 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), with increasing rainfall.
Best Time for Activities: Late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer warm waters and pleasant air for beach plus water-based fun. Autumn (October-November) and spring (March-April) are suitable for sightseeing. For Weizhou Island, April until June and September to November are generally good months, outside the stormy season.
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter China. Advance planning for this feature of your trip avoids last-minute complications. Visas are generally obtained at of Chinese origin embassy or consulate in your home country. Beihai Fucheng Airport is not a designated port for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy.
Required Documentation: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date, with two blank visa pages. A completed online application form, recent passport-sized photos, proof of travel (flight itinerary, hotel reservations), and documentation of financial means are standard requirements. Other visa types (Business, Non-commercial, Work) require additional documents. Upon arrival, present your passport, valid visa, and a completed Arrival Card. Foreign nationals aged 14 to 70 typically provide fingerprints. Be prepared for a brief interview. No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing passengers.
Critical Steps
Passport validity (6+ months), A couple of blank pages, application form, recent photos, flight/hotel bookings.
Beihai Fucheng Airport is not for A single44-hour visa-free transit. A 24-hour direct transit is possible with onward ticket.
Procedures & Fees
Passport, visa, Landing Card, fingerprints (ages 14-70), brief interview.
You won't pay exit fees for departing passengers from Chinese airports or ports.
Activities & Areas
No special permits for basic tourism in Beihai city or Weizhou Island beyond a valid visa.
Scientific research or restricted areas might require additional governmental approvals, which is uncommon for general tourists.
The official currency of The people's republic of china is the Chinese Yuan (元), also known as Renminbi (RMB or CNY). The exchange rate fluctuates. You can exchange foreign currency at major banks or airports. ATMs are widely available and accept international cards. Mobile payment apps, mainly WeChat Pay and Alipay, dominate transactions; consider setting these up and linking them to an international credit card for ease.
Tipping is not customary in China. Do not expect to tip someone in restaurants, taxis, or hotels. In some situations, a small gratuity for private tour guides or drivers who deliver exceptional service might be appreciated, but it is not obligatory. Money-saving strategies include using local eateries and street food, utilizing public buses, choosing budget accommodations, bargaining respectfully in local markets, and visiting in the shoulder or off-season for lower prices.
170-450 RMB (24-63 USD): Hostel/basic guesthouse, street food, public transport.
500-1100 RMB (70-154 USD): 3-4 star hotel, sit-down restaurants, mixed transport, paid attractions.
1400-3400+ RMB (196-476+ USD): 5-star hotel, fine dining, private car, premium experiences.
Hostels: 80-200 RMB; Mid-range: 250-600 RMB; Luxury: 700-2000+ RMB.
Street food: 10-30 RMB; Casual restaurant: 30-80 RMB; Fine dining: 200+ RMB.
Prepare for common health concerns, understand local medical access, and know how to handle emergencies. This section covers staying well and secure.
Consult a healthcare provider well before your trip for vaccination recommendations. Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Polio, Flu) should be up-to-date. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are generally recommended for most travelers. Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies might be suggested based on activities or rural travel.
Beihai has several hospitals (e.g., Beihai People's Hospital). Quality of care varies; for intricate medical issues, Nanning offers higher standards. Dial 120 for an ambulance; English-speaking staff may not consistently be available. Medical care often requires upfront payment. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is highly recommended.
Gathering the right documents is an important step for a smooth visa application and entry into Beihai.
Beihai's subtropical climate indicates particular attire needs depending on the season. Layering often works best for adapting to temperature changes.
Summer (June-September): Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses are suitable. A light cardigan or long-sleeved shirt offers Sun protection or comfort in air-conditioned indoor spaces. Bring Swimwear for beach days. A Compact umbrella or a light, Waterproof rain jacket is useful, especially during monsoon season.
Winter (December-February): Warmer layers are suitable. Sweaters, medium-weight jackets, jeans, or trousers maintain comfort. While mild, evenings can feel cool.
Comfortable walking shoes or Sandals are suitable for sightseeing, Old Street, parks, and Weizhou Island.
Water shoes are recommended for rocky beaches or tide pools on Weizhou Island for protection and grip.
Different activities in Beihai call for particular clothing to optimize comfort and adherence to local customs.
For swimming and relaxing on the beach, pack Swimsuits, board shorts, and beach cover-ups.
For hiking and walking, bring comfortable walking shoes and breathable clothing, especially on Weizhou Island.
For religious sites, ensure shoulders and knees are covered as a sign of respect.
Formal wear is not typical for general tourism. For business meetings, smart casual or business attire is appropriate.
| Mode of Transport | Recommended Arrival Time | Facilities Available |
|---|---|---|
| Air Travel (Domestic) | 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure. More time for international connections. | Limited duty-free, small retail, cafes. |
| Train Travel | 30-45 minutes before departure. | Waiting areas, various shops, food stalls. |
| Ferry to Weizhou Island | 1 hour before scheduled departure. | Waiting areas, ticket counters, small shops. |
Beihai does not serve as a direct international land border crossing. It maintains robust domestic train and bus connections and ferry services to Weizhou Island.
Extensive rail services, including high-speed trains (G and D series).
Connects to Nanning (1.5-2 hrs), Guangzhou (4-5 hrs), Shenzhen (5-6 hrs), and other major Chinese cities.
Slower services to various regional destinations. Less frequent.
Beihai International Passenger Transport Terminal offers long-distance bus services.
Buses connect Beihai to cities within Guangxi (Nanning, Guilin, Qinzhou) and neighboring provinces (Guangzhou, Zhanjiang in Guangdong). Quality varies, with express buses generally offering a comfortable, air-conditioned experience.
Beihai does not feature significant river transportation options for tourists within the city on its own. Its focus remains on shoreline and sea travel.
No international crossing borders by land in Beihai. Nearest crossings to Vietnam are in other parts of Guangxi.
Main port for passenger ferries.
Frequent services; travel time ~1-1.5 hours. Advance booking recommended, especially in peak season.
Standard Chinese immigration for international sea arrivals (if services existed). Identity checks for domestic ferry travel.
Modern travel often depends a lot on technology. Prepare your devices for use in China to stay connected and navigate easily.
