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explore Beihai Guides
Beihai Airport to City Center (2026)
inacaspari
Beihai Hidden Gems (2026)
katja
Beihai on a Budget: Tips 2026
susann
Where to Stay in Beihai (2026)
ribanaheilig
3 Days in Beihai: Itinerary 2026
adelineforstner
Things to Do in Beihai (2026)
clarissarombach
Best Food in Beihai (2026)
janett
Best Food in Beihai (2026)
Beihai is famous for its fresh seafood and unique snacks. The star dish is Beihai shrimp cake, a crispy fritter stuffed with whole shrimp, sold at street stalls for aroundβ¦ π Must-Try Local Dishes
Beihai is famous for its fresh seafood and unique snacks. The star dish is Beihai shrimp cake, a crispy fritter stuffed with whole shrimp, sold at street stalls for around 5 RMB. Another local favorite is sandworm porridge, a savory rice porridge with tender sandworms, best enjoyed at breakfast spots like Laojie Sandworm Porridge on Zhongshan Road.
π¦ Best Seafood Restaurants
For a sit-down seafood feast, head to Waisha Seafood Island at 9 Waisha Island Road. This floating restaurant offers live seafood tanks and dishes like steamed crab and garlic clams, with average spending around 150-200 RMB per person. For a budget option, try Beihai Seafood Market on Sichuan Road, where you can pick fresh catch and have it cooked at nearby stalls for a small fee.
π₯ Street Food Hotspots
The Old Street (Laojie) on Zhuhai Road is the top spot for street food, especially in the evening. Don't miss the grilled oysters with garlic and chili, sold for 10 RMB for six pieces. Another must-try is the sticky rice cake filled with red bean paste, available from vendors near the clock tower for 3 RMB each.
π Noodle and Soup Spots
For a hearty bowl of noodles, visit Beihai Rice Noodle King at 88 Beibuwan East Road. Their signature is the seafood rice noodle soup with shrimp and squid, priced at 18 RMB. For a lighter option, try the fish ball soup at Auntie Chen's stall in the morning market on Heping Road, where a bowl costs 8 RMB.
π° Sweet Treats and Desserts
Cool down with a bowl of Beihai's signature sweet potato soup, available at Yipin Sweet Soup on Jiefang Road for 6 RMB. Another local favorite is coconut milk jelly, sold by street vendors near Silver Beach for 5 RMB. For a unique experience, try the durian-flavored ice cream at Ice Age Dessert at 23 Changle Road, priced at 12 RMB per scoop.
πΊ Evening Food Markets
As night falls, the Beihai Night Market on Beihai Avenue comes alive with food stalls. Try the grilled squid skewers (10 RMB) and the spicy crawfish (30 RMB per portion). For a drink, grab a bottle of local Zhujiang beer from nearby convenience stores to pair with your snacks.
π° Budget Tips
Most street food items cost between 3 and 15 RMB, making Beihai very affordable for food lovers. For a full meal at a mid-range restaurant, budget around 80-120 RMB per person. Avoid eating at tourist-heavy spots near Silver Beach, where prices can be double; instead, walk a few blocks inland for better value.
π Getting Around for Food
Many food spots are concentrated in the Old Street area and along Beihai Avenue, which are easily walkable. For farther destinations like Waisha Island, take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app for around 15 RMB from the city center. Public buses also run along major routes, with fares starting at 2 RMB.
The guide is right about the Old Street, but if you want the best grilled oysters, skip the main strip and walk down the side alley across from the clock tower. There's a woman there who shucks them fresh and tops each one with a mix of minced garlic, fermented black beans, and a tiny dab of butter, it's 12 RMB for six but worth the extra 2 RMB. I usually grab a bag of those pickled mango slices from the cart near the alley entrance to reset my palate between orders.
honestly the guide nails the big stuff but one thing i always tell people is to hit the dai pai dong style stalls near the north gate of Zhongshan Park around 7pm. there's this old guy who sets up a tiny charcoal grill and does these squid tentacles that are way better than the night market ones, chewier and smokier, 8 RMB for a skewer. he's usually there unless it rains, just follow the smoke and the line of locals
This guide covers the big names well. I'd add that the sandworm porridge at Laojie is good, but I actually prefer the version from the morning market on Heping Road. They use a bit more ginger and white pepper, which cuts through the richness better, and it's only 6 RMB a bowl.
One thing the guide doesn't mention is the local snack of pickled mango slices. You'll see them sold from glass jars on pushcarts around the Old Street, especially near the clock tower. They're tart, slightly sweet, and sprinkled with chili salt, a great palate cleanser between heavy seafood dishes for about 3 RMB a bag.
For the Waisha Seafood Island, try to go on a weekday evening if you can. The weekends get packed with tour groups and the service can slow down noticeably. The steamed crab is a solid choice, but the stir-fried conch with chives is what the locals usually order.
Beihai Airport to City Center (2026)
Beihai Fucheng Airport (BHY) is about 25 kilometers northeast of the city center. It serves both domestic and a few international flights, with a single terminal that is compacβ¦ βοΈ Airport Overview
Beihai Fucheng Airport (BHY) is about 25 kilometers northeast of the city center. It serves both domestic and a few international flights, with a single terminal that is compact and easy to navigate.
π Airport Shuttle Bus
The most affordable option is the airport shuttle bus, which costs 20 CNY per person and takes about 40 minutes. Buses run every 30 minutes from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, dropping you at Beihai Railway Station and the Silver Beach area.
π Taxi Tips and Scams
Taxis from the airport to the city center cost around 80 to 100 CNY and take 30 minutes. Avoid drivers who refuse to use the meter or quote flat rates above 120 CNY. Always insist on the meter or use a ride-hailing app like Didi for a transparent price.
π Future Metro Plans
As of 2026, Beihai does not have a metro system, but a light rail line connecting the airport to the city center is under construction and expected to open by 2028. For now, buses and taxis remain the primary options.
π Ride-Hailing Apps
Didi Chuxing is widely available and often cheaper than taxis, with fares around 60 to 80 CNY to the city center. Use the app to book a ride from the designated pickup zone outside the arrivals hall. Payment is via Alipay or WeChat Pay.
π Private Transfer Services
Pre-booked private transfers cost 150 to 200 CNY and offer door-to-door convenience. Companies like Ctrip and Klook provide reliable options with English-speaking drivers. This is ideal for groups or those with heavy luggage.
π Public Bus Routes
Local public buses 21 and 22 connect the airport to downtown for just 2 CNY, but they take over an hour and run infrequently. This option is best for budget travelers with light bags and plenty of time.
π‘ Booking Tips
For the best experience, book a Didi or private transfer in advance during peak hours to avoid long waits. If taking the shuttle, have exact change or use mobile payment. Avoid exchanging money at the airport; use ATMs in the city for better rates.
yeah the didi thing is solid advice. just make sure your phone has data working before you land, the airport wifi is spotty and you'll be stuck trying to connect while everyone else grabs their bags. i usually download the offline map for beihai on alipay maps just in case, saves a headache
another tip for the didi pickup zone - it's actually past the taxi line, not right at the exit. you'll see a bunch of drivers holding signs, walk past them to the covered waiting area. i stood at the wrong spot for 10 mins once like an idiot
honestly the public bus route is not worth it unless you're really trying to save every yuan. i tried bus 22 once and it took almost 90 minutes because it loops through a bunch of random villages before hitting downtown. the 2 yuan fare is nice but you'll regret it if you're carrying a suitcase on those bumpy roads
one thing the guide didn't mention is the shared minivan service at the airport exit. they charge about 30 yuan per person and leave when full, so it's faster than the shuttle and cheaper than a taxi. just look for the guys holding signs that say "εΈεΊ" near the parking lot. they'll drop you anywhere along the main road but not to specific hotels
if you're heading to silver beach area, the shuttle is actually decent because it goes straight there without the downtown detour. but for laojie or the train station, didi is the move every time
the shuttle bus is fine but honestly just use didi. the bus stop at the airport can be a bit confusing to find if you're not familiar with it, and the 40 minute estimate is optimistic with traffic. i usually pay around 65 yuan to get to laojie area, the old street, and it's way less hassle than figuring out the bus schedule