Beihai's rustic serenity

Beihai Silver beach. [Photo by Pauline D. Loh/Shanghai Star]

Silver beach

In a city where beaches are often just around the corner, this is the one everyone knows.

The square in front of Silver Beach is dominated by a huge steel sculpture that reputedly cost the city a hefty penny. From afar, it resembles a huge watermelon, so I reckon it does fit the summery theme.

The real sights are down on the beach where modestly garbed girls and boys frolic. Bikinis are rare here, and most of the bathing suits are of the one-piece design, with floppy frilled skirts to mask the figure.

Even on weekdays, Silver Beach is a favorite destination with whole families settling down among beach umbrellas and deck chairs. Stalls around sell everything from colorful floats to flip-flops.

And when hunger pangs hit, a flotilla of seafood restaurants nearby satisfy the appetites according to budgets.

Beihai Shangri-la

Sixteen years ago, the Shangri-La Hotel in Beihai opened, amazing the local population with its opulence and luxury.

It is still the only international five-star hotel in town.

Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries are all marked here, and as part of the local culinary scene, its outlets have all made their marks.

The Coffee Garden's daily buffet is the highlight and offers a popular mix of Western, Asian and local delights under the eagle eye of executive chef Fay Luo.

At Shang Palace, Cantonese and Guangxi cuisines take precedence, and without officially declaring allegiance to the organic movement, the chefs still offer fresh, local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients in their menus.

For visitors who want a comfortable stay while enjoying the natural attractions of Beihai, the Shangri-La still offers the best option. The 16-year old hotel is very well maintained, and its dark-wood furniture gleams with the sort of patina that comes with years of loving care.

Half its rooms open up to the sea view and its free-form swimming pool, a marvel since opening day, is still a favorite with both locals and visitors.

If you go

Domestic airlines fly in from both Beijing and Shanghai . Taxis are affordable but meters can be arbitrary.

ADDRESS: Shangri-La Hotel Beihai 33 Chating Road, Beihai City,Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region 广西北海市茶亭路33号

TEL:0779-206-2288

Beihai has smaller hotels in both old town and along the beaches at Silver Sand. Rooms costs range from 100 yuan upwards.