Beihai Old Street
Beihai Old Street
Historical Evolution
Founded in 1876 as a treaty port under the Qing Dynasty, Beihai Old Street thrived as a hub for silk, tea, and pearl exports. Its arcades, designed to shield pedestrians from sun and rain, reflect a fusion of Chinese and European urban planning. Today, restored buildings house museums, cafes, and art galleries, preserving its legacy as a UNESCO-recognized "Historic and Cultural Street."
Architectural Highlights
Stroll beneath the street’s iconic barrel-vaulted arcades, supported by granite columns and adorned with wrought-iron balconies. Notable landmarks include the 1883 Catholic Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and the 1927 Beihai Post Office, blending Gothic and Art Deco styles. The street’s "Riding-House" design—where shops open onto the street and living quarters above—is a rare architectural gem.
Cultural Experiences
Engage with local artisans crafting pearl jewelry, coral carvings, and traditional snacks like shaved ice with mango. Attend evening performances of Cantonese Opera or folk dances at the Cultural Square. The street’s museums, such as the Beihai Pearl Museum, showcase the region’s pearl-diving heritage and maritime Silk Road history.
Local Cuisine and Delicacies
Savor Beihai’s seafood specialties, including steamed grouper, spicy crab, and oyster omelets, at riverside restaurants. Sample street snacks like pork floss buns and sugar-coated haws. For a sweet treat, try coconut pudding or grass jelly from historic tea houses.
Browse boutiques selling mother-of-pearl inlay crafts, batik fabrics, and seashell art. Look for handmade fans, embroidered slippers, and vintage-style postcards. Don’t miss the Pearl Market for affordable pearl necklaces and earrings—bargaining is expected!
Nearby Attractions
Extend your trip to the Silver Beach, a 24-kilometer stretch of powdery sand, or the Weizhou Island Volcano National Geopark. The Beihai Underwater Archaeology Museum displays relics from sunken trade ships, while the Old Port Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Tonkin Gulf.
Practical Tips
Best Time: Visit in autumn (October–November) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Transport: Take a taxi or bus from Beihai Railway Station (20-minute drive).
Essentials: Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones; carry cash for small shops.
Photography: Capture the street’s golden-hour glow and neon-lit evenings.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
