Things To Do
in Zhanjiang

A build-your-own table hotpot with local fish, shellfish, squid and leafy greens — widely available at seaside restaurants and night markets.

Must-Try!

Simple, savory mutton dishes from the inland Leizhou area; try braised or stewed preparations at local family-run eateries.

Fresh oysters topped with scallions and sauce, grilled at seaside stalls — a local favorite at night markets and coastal BBQ spots.

A breakfast or lunch staple: light rice noodle soup topped with slices of fish or small prawns, found in small shops and markets.

Bustling early-morning markets where fishermen sell the day’s catch; great for photos and to buy ultra-fresh seafood prepared by nearby stalls.

Evening clusters of stalls offering grilled shellfish, skewers, fried snacks and small plates — the best places to try local specialties and mingle with residents.

A simple '你好' (nǐ hǎo) works; address older people respectfully and use formal language when needed. Small talk about food and travel is common and appreciated.

Sharing dishes is standard; wait for elders to start eating or for a host’s invitation. It’s polite to try a little of each dish offered.

In some homes and traditional places remove shoes when asked; show respect at temples by dressing modestly and not pointing feet toward altars.

Queueing can be informal — be patient and polite. Public displays of anger or loud confrontation are socially frowned upon.

Tipping is not customary in most places in Zhanjiang. Service staff in high-end hotels and some tourist services may welcome small tips, but it’s not expected. For informal meals and taxis, rounding up is sufficient; for exceptional guided tours or private drivers, a modest tip is appreciated.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are ubiquitous across shops, markets and taxis — set these up if you can. Cash (RMB) is useful at small stalls and rural areas. International credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants but less so at markets.

Warm and increasingly humid with occasional rain; good time for beaches before the intense summer heat, but bring a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes for sudden showers.

Hot, very humid and often sunny; sea swimming is popular but beware of strong sun and jellyfish in some months. This is typhoon season (June–October) with the highest risk in August–September — monitor forecasts.

Generally the nicest travel season with cooler, drier weather and lower humidity; good for outdoor activities, coastal drives and volcano hikes.

Mild and short winters with comfortable temperatures and little rain — light layers suffice, and it's a good time to enjoy seafood without the summer crowds.

Vegetarian meals are possible but less varied because of coastal seafood focus. Ask for '不放肉' (bù fàng ròu) or '素' (sù) and seek vegetarian restaurants or Buddhist-style eateries in the city.

Vegan options exist but are more limited; rely on vegetable dishes, rice, noodles and tofu. Use a translation card to explain no animal products and double-check broths, which are often fish- or pork-based.

Halal-certified restaurants are not widespread; Muslim travelers should look for halal eateries listed in apps or choose vegetable-based dishes and avoid suspicious meats. Major hotels can sometimes assist.

Rice-based dishes are common, but soy sauce is ubiquitous. Communicate '无麸质' (wú fūzhì) and be cautious with fried food that may use wheat-based batter or soy sauce.