On the Leizhou Peninsula at Guangdong's southwest tip, Zhanjiang is a major port and one of China's great seafood cities, with French colonial traces, volcanic islands and the gateway to Hainan.
History & culture
Leased to France as 'Kwangchowwan' in 1898, Zhanjiang kept a few Indochine-style buildings; its deep harbour later made it a strategic naval and shipping centre on the Gulf of Tonkin.
What to see & do
- ◆Naozhou Island's volcanic coast and lighthouse
- ◆Huguangyan, a crater lake geopark
- ◆Cunjin Bridge and French-era architecture
- ◆Donghai Island's long beaches
- ◆Bustling seafood markets
What to eat
- ●Zhanjiang oysters and prawns
- ●Whitecut seafood and seafood porridge
- ●Leizhou-style braised goose
Getting there
Zhanjiang Wuchuan Airport and high-speed rail (Zhanjiang West) connect the city; it's a stepping stone toward Hainan via the Hai'an ferry.
Avoid the pitfalls
- Confirm seafood prices and weights to avoid tourist markups.
- Sights are scattered across the peninsula and islands — allow travel time.
- Summer typhoons can disrupt island ferries.
Planning a trip around Zhanjiang? Our AI itinerary planner is on the way.
Explore more on the map