Zhanjiang, the starting point in Guangdong, is the romantic gateway from Chikan to the sea.
Arrive at Zhanjiang Station, and you'll be greeted by the extremely enthusiastic Zhanjiang people, with private cars, taxis, and electric scooters. Zhanjiang's taxis are quite attractive, in lovely shades of pink.
Accommodation is recommended near Wanda Plaza, which is close to the coastal attractions. There are also many car rental agencies nearby. Electric scooters are the recommended mode of transportation in Zhanjiang. They cost ¥40 a day, and a range of 50 to 60 kilometers is more than enough for a day's travel. Zhanjiang has its own bike-sharing system, but it's not one of the three major brands, and the fixed return points make it inconvenient as you can't park the bikes just anywhere.
Chikan Old Street doesn't seem very lively and doesn't have much to offer in terms of shopping. It's more suitable for taking photos. Visit the Chikan District Museum, the Guangzhou Bay Chamber of Commerce, the former site of the Chikan Port Wharf (No. 1-9), the small alleys of Datong Street, and Jingyuan Garden.
For a red tourism countryside tour, visit Fenghou Village, Chenchuanji Village, and Gaotian Village. Fenghou Village is the most recommended of the three, as it has some scenery, while the other two are relatively simple villages. On the road approaching Fenghou Village, it's advisable not to look around too much, as there are some dog meat restaurants with whole roasted dogs hanging up. Be warned.
Visit Beiqiao Erheng Road, a memory-filled street with stories, to see the history of old Chikan and the bougainvillea.
Coastal sightseeing route: Jinsha Bay Seaside Corridor, Rongsheng Central Plaza, China-Australia Friendship Garden, Fishing Port Park, Fisherman's Wharf.
Jinsha Bay Seaside Corridor is a great place to photograph the Zhanjiang Cultural Center, a building with a unique design.
At Rongsheng Central Plaza, you can photograph the Olympic Sports Center, the Zhanjiang Bay Bridge, and the "secret base".
The China-Australia Friendship Garden is a green space by the sea, and home to Lovers' Wharf.
Fishing Port Park is a good spot for taking photos of permanently moored cargo ships and cruise ships.
Xinhua Road Pedestrian Street is a popular food and snack street, bustling with middle and high school students after school, filled with the vibrancy of youth. Nearby are the Zhanjiang City Museum and Cunjin Bridge Park.