Location: Zhanjiang lies in the southwest of
Guangdong Province. It is
situated in Leizhou Peninsular, neighboring the South Sea in the
east and Beibu Gulf in the west. The city is separated from Hainan
Province by Qiongzhou Strait.
History: During the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC),
the area of today's Zhanjiang belonged to Xiang Shire and the
central government of the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) set Xuwen
County administering the whole Leizhou Peninsular. It was one
of the earliest departure points on the Marine Silk Road. After
the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, this area began
moving forward with big strides.
Physical Features: Most of the land of Zhanjiang
City is peninsular or islands. The terrain slopes downward from
the north to the south. A plain forms the major area of the city.
Its mountainous area is in the northern part of the city.
Climatic Features: The city enjoys a tropical
and subtropical monsoon climate with low altitudes, north of the
tropic of cancer. Influenced by the ocean climate, Zhanjiang escapes
the heat of the summer and chilliness of the winter.
When to Go: Zhanjiang is favorable for visiting
at any season because of its comfortable weather.
Local Products: sea food, pearl, sugarcane,
blood orange, litchi, sweet potato
Scenic Spots:
Huguangyan National Scenic Area: This scenic
area is also a national geological park famous for its natural
volcano relic. It has the most typical and largest maar (volcanic)
lake in the world.
Donghai Island: It ranks as the fifth largest
island in China. A popular holiday resort has been built on the
east side of the island. In addition to the forest and beautiful
sea, it also has a 28-kilomter-long beach.
Naozhou Island: This is a beautiful island that
is favorable for a visit at any season. The Naozhou Beacon with
over a hundred years' history is the highlight of the island.
Tourist Tips: Zhanjiang Airport is the only
airport in western Guangdong Province. It is only about 4 kilometers
(2.5 miles) from the Zhanjiang downtown.
Zhanjiang Port, in the southeast part of the city proper, once
had passenger transport station operating liners from Zhanjiang
to Haikou. However, there are no longer passenger liners directly
from the city proper to Haikou. Visitors should go to the Hai'an
Dock in Xuwen County for this connection.