A long stretch of fine white-sand coastline on the Gulf of Tonkin, often cited as one of the best mainland beaches in China. The shallow, gently sloping seabed and warm subtropical water make it popular for swimming, and the seafood night market a short walk inland is one of the best places in Guangxi to eat freshly caught shellfish.
Silver Beach runs for several kilometers along Beihai's coastline on the Gulf of Tonkin in southern Guangxi, and is regularly cited as one of the best natural beaches on mainland China. Its fine, pale sand and a seabed that slopes gently for a long distance offshore make the water shallow and warm well into the shoulder season, drawing swimmers rather than the surfers found on more exposed coastlines. Basic beach access is free, with paid zones offering chairs, umbrellas, and shower facilities clustered near the main entrance, alongside water-sport operators renting jet skis and banana boats at rates that are often negotiable outside the summer peak. A short walk inland leads to Beihai's seafood night market, where stalls display the day's catch of crab, oysters, and shellfish that can be selected live and cooked to order, making a beach afternoon into an evening seafood outing without needing transport elsewhere. The western end of the beach, away from the main entrance and water-sport crowds, is quieter and offers the clearest view of the sun setting over the gulf.
| Admission | Adult Free (beach access); paid zones for chairs/showers approx. ¥20-40 ($3-6) · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours (paid facility areas 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM) |
| Typical visit | Half day |
| Best time | afternoon |
| Address | Yintan Road, Yinhai District, Beihai |
Good to know
- Best for
- families, beachgoers, food lovers
Location
Yintan Road, Yinhai District, Beihai
21.4667, 109.2333 View on map
Highlights
- Fine white-sand coastline on the Gulf of Tonkin
- Shallow, warm water suited to swimming
- Beihai seafood night market a short walk inland
- Water-sport rentals near the main entrance
- Sunset views from the beach's western end
Tips for visiting
- Water sports rentals cluster near the main entrance; prices are negotiable in the off-season
- The seafood street a few minutes' walk away serves the day's catch grilled or steamed
- Sunset over the gulf is best viewed from the western end of the beach
When to visit
Late afternoon into evening is best, avoiding peak midday sun and allowing a sunset view followed by dinner at the nearby seafood market; summer has the warmest water.
Accessibility
The beach itself is soft sand without paved paths, which can be difficult for wheelchairs or limited mobility; the paved promenade behind the beach is accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Silver Beach take?
Most visitors spend a half day, combining beach time with a visit to the nearby seafood market in the late afternoon or evening.
Is Silver Beach worth it for kids?
Yes; the shallow, gently sloping water is well suited to families with children, though supervision is still recommended given the open gulf setting.
Is photography allowed on Silver Beach?
Photography is unrestricted along the entire beach, including the paid amenity zones.