Guangdong's seafood capital with a unique blend of French colonial heritage, tropical coastlines, and the vast Leizhou Peninsula.
Zhanjiang sits at the southernmost tip of mainland China, occupying the Leizhou Peninsula that juts into the South China Sea. As the westernmost prefecture-level city in Guangdong Province, Zhanjiang controls important sea lanes and boasts China's finest natural deep-water harbor at Zhanjiang Port.
The city is defined by its dual identity. On one hand, it is a major industrial and naval port with shipbuilding, steel, and petrochemical industries. On the other, Zhanjiang is a laid-back tropical city with French colonial architecture, pristine islands, and a seafood culture that draws food lovers from across China. The city gained nationwide fame through the documentary series "A Bite of China," which featured Zhanjiang oysters, cementing its reputation as the seafood capital of China.
Zhanjiang history is closely tied to French colonialism. In 1898, France leased the territory of Guangzhouwan (Kwangchouwan) from the Qing government, establishing Fort Bayard (now Zhanjiang) as its administrative center. The French developed the port and built colonial infrastructure including banks, churches, and civic buildings, many of which survive in Chikan Old Street today.
After the French lease ended in 1945, Zhanjiang became a base for the People Liberation Army Navy South Sea Fleet. The city experienced rapid industrialization from the 1950s onward, with the construction of Zhanjiang Port and related heavy industries. The economic reforms of the 1980s and 1990s brought further growth, making Zhanjiang a key hub in the Guangdong-West China economic corridor.
Zhanjiang economy is anchored by port logistics, heavy industry, and fisheries. Zhanjiang Port is one of China top 15 ports by cargo throughput, handling over 300 million tons annually. It is a major hub for iron ore, crude oil, grain, and containers. The Baosteel Zhanjiang Iron and Steel base, one of the most advanced steel mills in China, has an annual production capacity of over 10 million tons.
Petrochemical refining is another pillar, with Sinopec Zhanjiang Refinery processing over 10 million tons of crude oil annually. The fishery and aquaculture sector is nationally significant: Zhanjiang supplies a large portion of China oysters, shrimp, and farmed fish. The city is also a major producer of tropical fruits including pineapple and banana. GDP reached approximately ¥380 billion in 2024, with heavy industry and manufacturing contributing over half of economic output. Tourism, driven by seafood cuisine and coastal attractions, is a growing sector.
Discover the culinary treasures of Zhanjiang, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Morning exploring Chikan Old Street, seafood lunch at the port. Afternoon at Huguangyan Geopark. Evening oyster feast at the seafood night market.
Day one: morning on Donghai Island, afternoon visit to Leizhou Ancient City. Day two: Nansan Island exploration and evening seafood dinner cruise in Zhanjiang Bay.
Zhanjiang Wuchuan International Airport (ZHA) with direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming, and other major cities.
Zhanjiang West Railway Station serves high-speed trains to Guangzhou (~2.5h), Shenzhen (~3h), Nanning (~3h), and other cities on the coastal high-speed rail network.
No metro system. Public buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services provide urban transportation. The city is bike-friendly in the central areas.
Mar - May
Warm and moderately rainy. The countryside is lush and green. Good for city sightseeing and cultural tours.
Jun - Aug
Hot, humid, and rainy with occasional typhoons. Peak season for beach activities and tropical fruits. The oyster season begins in late summer.
Sep - Nov
The best season with comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and perfect weather for outdoor activities. Prime season for oysters and seafood.
Dec - Feb
Mild and dry, with daytime temperatures around 17-22°C. The most comfortable season for extensive sightseeing. Oysters are still excellent.
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