With the recent opening of the high-speed rail link, the coastal city of Zhanjiang in Guangdong Province is now just about two hours from Guangzhou. This makes it a perfect weekend destination for food enthusiasts seeking authentic local flavors.
Zhanjiang, historically known as "Guangzhou Bay," offers a more relaxed pace compared to Guangdong's major metropolises. Its charm lies in its extensive coastline, vibrant seafood markets, and a lively street food culture centered around fresh, simple ingredients.
A Culinary Tour of Zhanjiang
The city's food scene is a major draw. A standout dish is Zhanjiang white cut chicken. This local specialty involves poaching a specific breed of native "three-yellow" chicken to perfection, resulting in tender, flavorful meat, often served with a ginger-scallion dipping sauce. It's considered a must-try for visitors.
Beyond this iconic dish, Zhanjiang's old streets, like those in the Chikan District, are filled with traditional snacks. Here, you can find items like Tian Ai Ba (Field mugwort rice cakes), a mild, sweet rice cake infused with mugwort, or thin, silky rice noodles tossed in sesame oil and light soy sauce.
For the ultimate seafood experience, visitors can head to a local fish market, such as the one in Xiashan Aquatic Products Wholesale Market. The practice is to choose your own fresh catch, like grouper, mantis shrimp, or crab, and have it cooked to order at a nearby restaurant for a small fee. This "market-to-table" approach ensures a remarkably fresh and satisfying meal.
As evening falls, the city's street food stalls come alive. A local favorite is charcoal-grilled oysters topped with garlic and chili. Known for their plumpness, these oysters are a highlight of Zhanjiang's food scene, offering an affordable and delicious treat.
Beyond the Plate
For those looking to take a break from eating, Zhanjiang offers several scenic spots. These include Huguangyan (湖光岩), a national geological park known for its maar lake, and Donghai Island (东海岛), which features a long, sandy coastline suitable for a relaxing stroll.
If You Go
Best time to visit: Autumn through early spring is ideal, when seafood is at its peak.
Getting Around: Taxis are a convenient way to travel within the city, while the older districts are best explored on foot.
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | Zhanjiang Daily
Editor | Huang Qini, James Campion, Shen He
