Major city · China
Zhanjiang湛江
Give Zhanjiang 1–2 nights for the French-era waterfront in Xiashan and grilled oysters, or skip it unless you are routing to Hainan.
Zhanjiang is a port city on the Leizhou Peninsula and the mainland gateway to Hainan by train and road. It splits into two halves: Xiashan in the south, where the 1900s French colonial buildings and the waterfront sit, and Chikan in the north, the older commercial district. Most travellers pass through on the way to Haikou or Sanya; a single night covers the colonial core and a seafood dinner. Add a second night only for Huguangyan's crater lake or a run out to Naozhou Island.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CNY
- Best months
- Oct–Apr
- avoid Jun–Sep (typhoon season, heavy rain and heat)
- Airport
- ZHA
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- China ↗Most nationalities need a visa, a unilateral visa-free entry (the list and end dates change) or the transit exemption below. Confirm your route on the official sites before you buy a ticket.
- China ↗Transit stay without a visa: up to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of about 55 listed countries who pass through China to a third country or region, with a confirmed onward ticket and a stay inside the permitted area (Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei count as one area). It replaced the 144-hour rule in December 2024, which some older pages still quote. Use the transit lane at immigration, show the onward ticket, and check the current nationality list. Hong Kong and Macau count as separate regions; check whether your ticket qualifies.
- China ↗Foreign visitors must register their address with the police within 24 hours; hotels do it at check-in with your passport. Carry the original passport at all times: hotels, trains, museums, Tiananmen Square and police checks ask for it.
- China ↗Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card before you fly. QR payment is the default in shops, taxis and many stalls, and some places refuse cash or a foreign card. Carry cash as a backup.
- China ↗Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and many news sites are blocked. Use an eSIM with roaming (it routes through your home network) or install and test a VPN before you fly; VPN sites and app stores are hard to reach inside China, and only government-approved VPNs are officially permitted.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Zhanjiang110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Zhanjiang, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Alipay and WeChat Pay accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Amex cards; single payments over ¥200 (≈ US$30) carry a fee of about 3% on a foreign card (smaller ones…China-wide
- SIM or eSIMA roaming eSIM from outside China routes traffic through its home network, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work without a VPN — the simplest setup.China-wide
- Tap waterNot for drinking from the tap; bottled water ¥2–5 (≈ under US$1), and kettles and free bottles in hotel rooms.China-wide
- TippingRestaurants: No tip; upmarket hotels add 10–15% service.China-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C/I. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.China-wide
- SafetyZhanjiang is a normal, safe Chinese city for visitors; the real risks are summer typhoons and heat, and the long transfer to the out-of-town airport.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are frequent and free; squat toilets outside hotels and malls.China-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire · 120 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums and palaces close on Mondays; the Forbidden City too (outside holidays).China-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportZHA Zhanjiang Wuchuan Airport (New airport in Wuchuan, well outside the city; allow extra time by road or shuttle to Xiashan or Chikan.).
- Getting aroundThe city runs as two halves joined by a long corridor: buses 2, 11, 12 and 22 link Chikan and Xiashan.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee¥15–30 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealNoodle or rice bowl¥15–35 (≈ US$3–5)
- Beerstreet / bar¥5–10 (≈ US$1–2)¥20–40 (≈ US$3–6)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, 5 km (3.1 mi)Taxi, 3.1 mi (5 km)Meter starts around ¥5 with a small fuel surcharge.¥15–20 (≈ US$3)
- Museum or sight ticketHuguangyan entry¥50 (≈ US$7)
- Budget bedHostel or budget double, a night, per roomCN¥70 (≈ US$10)
- Mid-range bedHostel or budget double, a night, per roomCN¥140 (≈ US$20)
- High-end bedHostel or budget double, a night, per roomCN¥260 (≈ US$40)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CN¥300 (≈ US$45) · Mid CN¥600 (≈ US$85) · High CN¥1,200 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ZHA Zhanjiang Wuchuan Airport (New airport in Wuchuan, well outside the city; allow extra time by road or shuttle to Xiashan or Chikan.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
20°C (67°F)67°F (20°C)
Feb
Best
21°C (69°F)69°F (21°C)
Mar
Best
23°C (74°F)74°F (23°C)
Apr
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
May
not flagged
31°C (87°F)87°F (31°C)
Jun
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Nov
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
Best
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
Best: Oct–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (14°C (56°F)56°F (14°C) low), wettest Jun (18 rain days), driest Dec (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Zhanjiang: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
20°C (67°F)67°F (20°C)
14°C (56°F)56°F (14°C)
8 rd
Feb
21°C (69°F)69°F (21°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9 rd
Mar
23°C (74°F)74°F (23°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12 rd
Apr
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
13 rd
May
31°C (87°F)87°F (31°C)
25°C (76°F)76°F (25°C)
16 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16 rd
Oct
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7 rd
Dec
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The city runs as two halves joined by a long corridor: buses 2, 11, 12 and 22 link Chikan and Xiashan. Taxis are cheap — the meter starts around ¥5 with a small fuel surcharge added to the fare. Zhanjiang West station handles high-speed trains from Guangzhou and Shenzhen plus conventional trains to Hainan; Zhanjiang North serves high-speed trains from Guangzhou Baiyun via Yangjiang and Maoming.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Huguangyan (Leiqiong Geopark, Zhanjiang district)
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Bus 3 or 6 to the west entrance, or bus 6 or 9 to the east entrance, about 30 min from town
Adults ¥50; open 07:30–18:00. A maar lake in a volcanic crater — go early, it is exposed and hot by midday.Adults ¥50; open 7:30 AM–6:00 PM. A maar lake in a volcanic crater — go early, it is exposed and hot by midday.
Naozhou Island
overnightDoor to door: Half a day each way
Bus from Xiashan to Donghai Island, then ferry to Naozhou
Ferry timings and sea conditions vary; check before committing.
Donghai Island
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Regular buses from Xiashan District
Beaches are the draw; facilities are basic and the trip is weather-dependent.
Haikou, Hainan
goDoor to door: Several hours plus the crossing
Train from Zhanjiang West station
The main reason many travellers stop in Zhanjiang at all — book seats ahead in peak season.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Xiashan District
Waterfront, colonial buildings and Haibin Park; the better base for a short stay. Budget doubles cluster along Minzhi Road near Jiefang East Road.
Chikan District
Older downtown with the city museum and Cunjin Bridge Park; cheaper, but a bus ride from the sights in Xiashan.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥250–450 (≈ US$35–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥450–900 (≈ US$65–130) excl. bed
- High
- ¥900 (≈ US$130)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double1 × 1 night × CN¥350 | CN¥350 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × CN¥600 | CN¥1,200 |
| Airport transfer, both ways2 × CN¥120 · check | CN¥240 |
| Local bus day2 × CN¥10 · check | CN¥20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CN¥100 | CN¥200 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CN¥201 |
| Trip total≈ CN¥1,106 per person per day, bed included | CN¥2,211≈ US$350 |
2026 estimate in yuan; flights and long-distance rail excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | ¥15–30 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Noodle or rice bowl | ¥15–35 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Charcoal-grilled oysters (per order) | ¥30–80 (≈ US$5–12) |
| Beer: street / bar | ¥5–10 (≈ US$1–2) / ¥20–40 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Taxi, 5 kmMeter starts around ¥5 with a small fuel surcharge. | ¥15–20 (≈ US$3) |
| Huguangyan entry | ¥50 (≈ US$7) |
| Sanlingshan Forest Park entry | ¥15 (≈ US$3) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Typhoon season runs roughly June to September: check forecasts before booking coastal or island days.
- The airport is far from downtown — build in transfer time and don't cut it fine for a flight.
- Some bars sell liquor by the bottle rather than by the drink; ask the price before ordering.
- Huguangyan and Sanlingshan are outside the centre: last buses back fill up, so leave margin.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire
- 119
- Ambulance
- 120
Pocket card
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Zhanjiang湛江
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
请到这个地址To this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire119
- Ambulance120
Embassy
No US or most Western embassies here; the US embassy is in Beijing and consulates-general are in Guangzhou and Shanghai. Check your country's nearest consulate before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi, 5 km: ¥15–20 (≈ US$3) (check)
- Airport to downtown: allow ¥100 (≈ US$14)+ by taxi; check shuttle times (check)
- Train Zhanjiang West → Haikou: book ahead in peak season (check)
Say or show
- 你好 — Hello (nǐ hǎo)
- 谢谢 — Thank you (xièxie)
- 多少钱？ — How much is it? (duōshao qián)
- 可以刷卡吗？ — Can I pay by card? (kěyǐ shuākǎ ma)
- 洗手间在哪里？ — Where is the toilet? (xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ)
- 不要辣 — No chilli, please (bú yào là)
Cantonese and the local Leizhou dialect are common alongside Mandarin; English is limited outside hotels.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Zhanjiang. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr · avoid Jun–Sep (typhoon season, heavy rain and heat) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ZHA: shuttle and taxi options field-checked, plus a late-arrival rung.
- Two walking clusters with rescue anchors: Xiashan waterfront (colonial buildings, Haibin Park) and Chikan (city museum, Cunjin Bridge Park).
- Place pages with verified hours for the French legation site, the police station site and the Guangzhouwan folk museum, plus eat pages for oyster houses with last orders.
- Typhoon and ferry-disruption fixtures so coastal and island days can go green or be pulled.
Sources
- officialZhanjiang Wuchuan Airport
- officialZhanjiang Museum
- officialLeiqiong Global Geopark
- secondaryWikivoyage: Zhanjiang, revision 5266421 (CC BY-SA 4.0)