Understand

Zhanjiang, a small fishing and trading port, underwent a transformation when it fell under French occupation in the late 19th century. The French named the leased area from China's Qing government "Territoire de Kouang-Tchou-Wan," which means "Territory of Canton Bay." This territory encompassed 325 square miles (842 square km) on the eastern coast of the Leizhou Peninsula, including two bays and two large islands: Dong Hai Island and Nao Zhou Island. The French had ambitious plans to develop Fort Bayard, the main town, into a thriving trading port to rival Hong Kong. Unfortunately, World War II brought Japanese occupation to Zhanjiang, and it was eventually returned to China by France in 1946. The historic districts of Xiashan and Chikan still showcase remnants of grand French colonial buildings. Nowadays, Zhanjiang has evolved into a bustling port city with a modern harbor, enabling rapid economic growth. Although Mandarin is widely spoken, it's worth noting that English is not commonly understood in Zhanjiang. The city boasts a humid subtropical climate with mild winters, scorching summers, and a tropical feel for much of the year due to high temperatures and soaring humidity.

Get in

Nestled at the base of the Leizhou peninsula, Zhanjiang is a vibrant city that attracts many travelers en route to Hainan. However, an increasing number of visitors come to Zhanjiang solely to indulge in its delightful harborside ambiance, rich local culture, and delectable seafood. Getting to Zhanjiang is a breeze, with standard trains and buses connecting it to nearby mainland cities. If you're traveling from Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, or other distant cities, you can enjoy a direct long-distance train ride to Zhanjiang. For a faster journey, hop on one of the fast trains from Zhanjiang West Station, which will take you to Guangzhou in about 3 hours and Shenzhen in approximately 4 hours. To travel to Hainan, ferries are available from Haian, located at the southernmost part of the Leizhou peninsula. From Zhanjiang's Haitian bus station, it takes just over an hour to reach the port for the ferry service. Zhanjiang boasts two train stations and a bustling small airport, offering direct flights to mainland cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou. Additionally, there are daily flights to Hong Kong, as well as several weekly services to Bangkok and Phnom Penh. For those preferring land travel, buses run daily to nearby cities, with Zhanjiang South Bus Station and Haitian Bus Station being the main terminals. Zhanjiang truly caters to all types of travelers, making it an exciting and convenient destination.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Dim Sum - A collection of small bite-sized portions of various Chinese dishes, which can include dumplings, spring rolls, barbecued pork buns, and egg tarts. These are often served as a brunch or pre-lunch meal, accompanied by tea.

Peking Duck - A whole roasted duck that is a specialty of Beijing, known for its thin, crisp skin, rich, tender meat, and flavorful fat. The duck is typically served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce.

Kung Pao Chicken - A stir-fried dish made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables (usually bell peppers and onions), and chili peppers, all coated in a spicy, savory sauce. It's a staple in Sichuanese and broader Chinese cuisine.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing