Beihai

Beihai has a well-connected transportation network.

Beihai Fucheng Airport (BHY), about 24 km from the city center, serves domestic and limited international flights. Travelers can take a taxi or airport shuttle bus to the city.

Beihai Railway Station in Haicheng District is a stop on the Guangxi Coastal Intercity Railway Line, offering high-speed trains to Nanning, Guangzhou, Guilin, and more. The station is near the city center and accessible by bus or taxi. Specific bus routes go to Silver Beach and Beihai Old Street.

• City Bus: Beihai's public bus system has 9 routes, including a special railway line. Key hubs are Beibu Gulf Square and The People's Theater, with service to attractions like Silver Beach. Buses run from early morning to late night, with fares from CNY1 to CNY1.5
• Taxi: Taxis are a popular alternative, especially downtown. The starting fare is CNY8 for the first 2 km, then CNY1.8 per additional km. Night-driving charges apply, and haggling over flat rates is common. Bike-sharing is also available for eco-friendly exploration

In Beihai, Mandarin is the official language, but Cantonese dialects, including the local Beihai dialect, are also widely spoken. English is not commonly spoken, as Beihai is not a major tourist destination for foreigners. Travelers are advised to use translation apps, gestures, and written Chinese phrases to overcome language barriers.

• Alipay: Widely used payment app that works by scanning QR codes and can be registered with international cards.
• WeChat: Essential for communication, supporting text, voice, and video messages, along with digital wallet and integrated services like taxis.
• Didi Chuxing: Convenient for ride-hailing and can be used through Alipay without a local Chinese number.
• MetroMan: Helps navigate metro systems in various cities, calculating routes and costs.
• Gaode Maps: Provides accurate, real-time navigation for finding locations and streets.

Mobile data packages for visitors are available from local carriers like China Mobile and Unicom.

• China Mobile: Prepaid SIM with unlimited text and calls within China, high-speed data (sometimes 5G), no long-term contracts.
• China Unicom: SIM cards with data packs including unlimited music apps, also without long-term contracts.
• eSIMs: Unlimited data starting at $6.
• Public WiFi: Widely available in airports, restaurants, coffee shops, and malls; often requires Chinese phone number for verification.
• Global WiFi devices: Convenient alternative (e.g., Skyroam) connecting multiple devices without setup upon arrival.

Beihai has a subtropical monsoon maritime climate with mild, humid conditions, no extreme cold in winter or oppressive heat in summer.

The annual average temperature is 22.9°C, with annual rainfall of 1670 mm.

Typhoons are the main natural disaster, typically from June to August.

• Light clothing for warm temperatures
• Rain gear during the wet season
• Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for sun protection

During typhoon warnings, stay informed and follow safety precautions.

Mobile payments are prevalent in Beihai, with WeChat Pay and Alipay widely used for both online and offline transactions.

• Digital Payments: WeChat Pay and Alipay are the primary mobile payment platforms. Alipay dominates e-commerce and offline transactions.
• Credit/Debit Cards: WeChat Pay allows foreign tourists to link international cards for a smooth payment experience.
• Fees: Be aware of transaction limits and potential fees; no ID is required for transactions under a set amount.