Guangxi's Beihai steps up development of ocean-based economy

Beihai, a city on the southeastern coast of China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, was once a key port of the Maritime Silk Road and among China's first coastal cities to open up to foreign trade. Now, it is seeking to expand its ocean-based economy.

Weizhou Island in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Over the past years, China has accelerated the construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in western China, which connects global ports via railways, sea routes, and highways through southern Chinese provincial regions including Guangxi.

The Haisi First Port Scenic Area in Hepu county, Beihai city, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The Pinglu Canal, China's first river-to-sea canal opened to traffic for navigation on Sept. 16 in Guangxi.

The arcade streets of Beihai Old Town, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

These further improved the connectivity of the Beibu Gulf Port, which comprises three individual ports located in the coastal cities of Beihai, Qinzhou, and Fangchenggang in Guangxi. These ports are turning Beihai into a gateway for opening up and cooperation between China and the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

These conditions have become tailwinds pushing the port-side industrial cluster in Beihai's Tieshan Port to steadily expand. Meanwhile, cooperations with ASEAN countries in trade, marine industries, and other areas are becoming ever more practical and meaningful.

A cargo ship at Tieshan Port in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Through the China-ASEAN Expo, Beihai is also using cultural tourism as a bridge to continue strengthening people-to-people ties with ASEAN countries and promote exchanges. 

An aerial photo of the volcanic coast of Crocodile Hill in Weizhou Island in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

At the same time, Beihai is remaining committed to prioritizing ecological conservation while developing its ocean-based economy. 

A bustling street in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]