On the southwestern tip of Guangdong Province, Zhanjiang emerges, a coastal city where tropical allure meets urban dynamism. Zhanjiang, dubbed the “Miami of the East”, is a modern port city offering a mix of natural beauty and history, making it a standout in China’s tourism landscape.
Like Miami, Zhanjiang enjoys a subtropical climate, with balmy winters averaging 16°C and summers reaching a peak of 29°C. Its coastline, stretching along the South China Sea, mirrors Miami’s iconic shores, with long beaches.
Donghai Island, China’s fifth-largest island, boasts a 28-kilometre-long beach, locally known as Longhaitian or “Dragon-Sea-Heaven”. Visitors can stroll along the shore, indulge in fresh seafood at beachside stalls, or explore the island’s lush forests.
Zhanjiang’s Huguangyan National Scenic Area, a UNESCO Global Geopark, rivals Miami’s proximity to the Everglades. Centred around a pristine maar lake formed by ancient volcanic activity, this park offers serene trails, ancient temples, and dense vegetation.
Culture and historical depth
Zhanjiang, once a small fishing port under French colonial rule in the late 19th century, when it was known as Fort Bayard, retains its colonial past in the European-style buildings of Chikan District.
This historical charm parallels Miami’s Art Deco District, where facades tell stories of a bygone era. Yet, Zhanjiang’s identity is distinctly Chinese.
The city’s culinary scene is a draw in itself, offering a seafood-driven cuisine that rivals Miami’s fusion of Latin and Caribbean flavours. Charcoal-grilled oysters, succulent prawns, and Lianjiang’s famed red oranges provide a local twist, served in bustling eateries or at waterfront restaurants overlooking the Qiongzhou Strait.
For those craving a taste of tradition, Zurong Village in Leizhou offers a glimpse into rural life, with its 300-year-old heritage of lion dances, wood carvings, and Yana zongzi, a rice delicacy celebrated during the Dragon Boat Festival.
A modern hub with global connections
Zhanjiang’s modern transformation echoes Miami’s rise as a global gateway. As a key port servicing southern and western China, Zhanjiang connects to over 100 countries, much like Miami’s role as a hub for the Americas.
Its strategic location, facing Hainan across the Qiongzhou Strait, positions it as a maritime linchpin, with high-speed rail links to Guangzhou (just over three hours) and a new airport in Wuchuan facilitating access. Zhanjiang’s growing infrastructure makes it a convenient stop for both domestic and international travellers.
Zhanjiang retains a laid-back charm, with waterfront parks like Zhanjiang Seaside Park and Cunjinqiao Park offering serene spots for picnics or strolls, akin to Miami’s Bayfront Park. For adventure-seekers, Naozhou Island’s historic lighthouse and volcanic rock formations provide a rugged contrast.
Zhanjiang offers an understated allure, blending Chinese traditions with coastal leisure. Miami’s South Beach is a global icon for its party scene, but Zhanjiang’s Donghai Island counters with quieter, family-friendly beaches and a focus on natural beauty.
Economically, Zhanjiang’s port and industrial base make it a rising star in China’s economy. Yet, Zhanjiang’s tourism efficiency lags behind Guangdong’s powerhouses, such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen, suggesting untapped growth potential.
Zhanjiang’s affordability, especially from June to August, when hotel prices dip, makes it an attractive alternative. For travellers, the city offers a chance to experience China’s tropical side. Whether you’re drawn to its beaches, its colonial past, or local culture, Zhanjiang is a destination that feels new, a Chinese Miami waiting to be discovered.
The urban tourist attractions are primarily scenic spots along the bay and beaches. The coastal Binhaidadao Road is home to an ancient street in Chikan District, featuring the Sea-View Gallery, Fishing Port Park, Beach Park, Techeng Island, Zhanjiang Port, and stunning bay views with French-style architecture, located opposite Potou District.
Stretching westward to the Huguang Scenic Area of Zhanjiang District of Leiqiong Global Geopark is the natural ecological landscape of the triangle Huguangyan ecotourism zone.
Best time to visit Miami of the East
The best times to visit Zhanjiang, a coastal city in Guangdong province, China, are typically late February to mid-April (spring) and mid-October to mid-December (autumn). These periods offer mild temperatures, lower humidity, and rainfall, along with more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities such as exploring beaches, islands, and seaside attractions.
The city has a subtropical monsoon climate, making it visitable year-round, though crowds may increase during Chinese national holidays, such as Golden Week in October.
For beach or pool activities specifically, aim for mid-April to early May or late September to early November, when sea temperatures are warmer (23-29°C) and days are clearer. However, typhoon risks persist into early autumn.
Text and photos: T. Sassersson
Related
- NewsVoice: Exploring Chinese Ecological Tea Culture in Lianjiang – Minghuang Eco Tea Garden
- NewsVoice: NewsVoice Visits Chikan Old Town in Zhangjiang
- NewsVoice: The Sleeping Volcanoes of Leiqiong Global Geopark
- gdfao.gov.cn: Zhanjiang, Miami of the East
- guangdong.chinadaily.com.cn: Zhanjiang
- wikivoyage.org: Zhanjiang travel guide