湛江市

Why this place

Zhanjiang is at the tip of the Leizhou peninsula, facing Hainan across the strait, and it was a French concession — so the old town has boulevards and colonial buildings. Inland, Leizhou has volcanic soil, eucalyptus and a distinct dialect culture.

What to see

• The old French concession quarter with its arcaded streets and villas
• Huguangyan, a volcanic crater lake near the city, with clear water
• The Leizhou peninsula's volcanic landscape and its fishing villages
• The coast road and the beaches along the South China Sea

What to eat

• Zhanjiang seafood — the city is one of China's biggest fishing ports
• Leizhou white-cut chicken, a regional classic with a specific dipping sauce

Best time

October–December and March–April