Back from Beihai, here's the honest truth! August to September is not recommended for visiting.

Beihai travel guide covering must-visit attractions, pitfalls to avoid, and food recommendations to help you explore this coastal town with ease:

🌊 Must-Visit Attractions

1. Beihai Silver Beach
- Highlights: Miles-long "World's Finest Beach" with powdery white sand, stunning at sunset.
- Tips: Visit at dawn/dusk to beat the heat; try beach ATVs or sailing; enjoy light shows at night.
- Pitfalls: Free entry! Beware of "paid entrance" scams; avoid nearby seafood stalls (overpriced) - dine at Qiaogang Folk Street instead.

2. Weizhou Island
- Features: China's youngest volcanic island blending geological wonders with crystal-clear waters.
- Must-dos: Explore Crocodile Hill Volcano Park, watch sunrise at Colorful Beach, sunset at Dripping Water Screen, buy seafood at Nanwan Street for cooking.
- Pitfalls: Book ferry tickets early (choose larger ships like Beiyou 25/26); island prices are higher - bring seafood to guesthouses for cooking.

3. Beihai Old Street
- Charm: Century-old Sino-Western arcade buildings showcasing maritime Silk Road history.
- Experiences: Try Auntie Li's Shrimp Pancakes, Lao Dao Coffee; photograph under blue evening lights.
- Pitfalls: Some exhibits require tickets; avoid street "photographers" without reviewing samples first.

4. Guantouling National Forest Park
- Activities: Hike for panoramic ocean views, photograph sunset at Purple Cloud Bay's rocky shore.
- Pitfalls: Avoid deep forest areas (mosquitoes); focus on beaches; wear anti-slip shoes (no flip-flops).

⚠️ Key Avoidance Tips

- Transportation: ✘ Avoid unlicensed airport/station vehicles; use Didi or official taxis. ✘ Check e-bike battery (¥30-40/day) and clarify return time/damage liability.
- Seafood: ✘ Weizhou seafood is mostly shipped from Beihai (pricier) - eat in Beihai instead. ✔️ At Waisha Island/Qiaogang Market, watch scales, confirm price units (jin/kg), choose transparent processing shops.
- Shopping: ✘ Fake "pearls" abound near attractions - buy at supermarkets/aquatic markets. ✘ Be cautious of jet ski/diving solicitors at Silver Beach (price gouging common).
- Weather/Safety: ✔️ Check forecasts - storms may cancel Weizhou ferries; consult tide tables for mangrove foraging. ✔️ Strong UV requires physical+chemical sun protection (hats, sleeves, high-SPF sunscreen).

🍜 Local Food Map

- Seafood Heaven: → Qiaogang Folk Street: Vietnamese rolls, shaved ice, pepper mantis shrimp; → Sister Wang Seafood (locals' pick), Boat 89 Gout Pot (signature broth).
- Street Food: → Old Street: Crispy shrimp cakes, crab noodle soup; → Dessert shops: Sophora flower ice, coconut cakes.
- Breakfast: → Pork knuckle noodles (collagen-rich), Qiaogang's steamed coconut rice cakes.

📅 Itinerary Suggestions

- 3-Day Highlights: Day1: Silver Beach (sunrise/sunset) → Old Street → Qiaogang (dinner); Day2: Weizhou (Volcano Park + Colorful Beach + Nanwan seafood); Day3: Guantouling Beach → Mangrove foraging (best at dawn).
- 5-Day Deep Dive: Add Hepu Han Tombs, Maritime Silk Road Port (night show), Liuxia Village (artsy photos).

💎 Pro Tips

- Accommodation: Silver Beach area for sea views (book sea-facing rooms); Weizhou options: Dishui Village/Shiluokou guesthouses (book peak seasons early).
- Best Season: October-April (avoid heat/typhoons); November at Guantouling for migratory birds.

Beihai's beauty lies in its slow-paced coastal life and local charm. Slow down to savor the poetic southern waves! 🌅