Beihai (Railway Station)

Beihai Railway Station is a key transport hub connecting this popular seaside resort with other major cities in China. Located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, this terminal serves both conventional and high-speed trains (CRH), making the journey to the famous Silver Beach fast and comfortable. The station building features modern architecture, while the spacious station square is convenient for meeting guests and transferring to urban transport.

It is important for passengers to know that the station maintains a strict security control system, which is standard for China's transport network. Entry to the building is permitted only with a ticket and valid identification (passport). Navigation inside the terminal is duplicated in English, simplifying orientation. Main platforms are located at ground level or require access via escalators, so please monitor the electronic boards for your train number and platform indicators.

• Official Website: www.12306.cn (unified portal for China Railways)
• Inquiry Phone: +86 12306 (hotline, English support may be limited)
• Address: Beijing Road, Haicheng District, Beihai, Guangxi, China
• Opening Hours: Daily from 06:00 to 23:00 (times may vary depending on the train schedule)
• Luggage Storage: Available in the waiting hall or near the ticket counters (paid service)
• Accessibility: The station is equipped with ramps, lifts, and special restrooms for passengers with reduced mobility; escort services are available upon prior request.

Getting to Beihai Railway Station is straightforward, as it is located within the city limits on Beijing Road. This is one of the main transport arteries connecting the city centre with the resort areas.

Public Transport: Numerous bus routes lead to the station. For example, bus No. 17 connects the station with the famous Silver Beach, while route No. 2 goes towards the historic Old Street. The fare is usually 1–2 RMB. The bus stop is located directly on the station square.

Taxi: This is the most convenient method of travel with luggage. A trip from Silver Beach will take approximately 20–25 minutes (costing ~20–30 RMB), and from the city centre or Old Street, about 10–15 minutes. Always ask the driver to use the meter.

The infrastructure of Beihai station offers a basic set of services for a comfortable wait before your journey. The building houses spacious waiting halls equipped with air conditioning, which is particularly important in the hot climate of southern China.

Available to passengers:

• Ticket Counters: Separate windows for sales, exchanges, and refunds. International tourists are advised to use counters marked English Speaking or any window by presenting their passport.
• Self-Service Machines: These mostly accept Chinese ID cards, so tourists are better off using the manned counters.
• Hot Water: Free dispensers with hot water for making tea or noodles (a traditional Chinese service).
• Wi-Fi: Available, but connecting often requires a Chinese phone number to receive an SMS code.
• Restrooms: Toilets (including Western-style cubicles) and mother and child rooms.

If you need a bite to eat before your journey, there are several options at Beihai station and in its vicinity. Inside the terminal, the selection is limited to small shops selling drinks, snacks, and vacuum-packed food. Prices here may be slightly higher than in the city.

For a substantial meal, it is better to go out to the station square or walk along Beijing Road. Within a 5–10 minute walk, you will find:

• Chain Fast Food: Nearby points such as KFC or McDonald's are often available, offering a familiar menu and coffee.
• Local Cuisine: Small cafes serving famous Guilin rice noodles or dishes made from fresh seafood. This is an excellent option for a budget-friendly and filling lunch (average bill 15–25 RMB).
• Convenience Stores: Chains like 7-Eleven or local equivalents help you stock up on water and sandwiches for the road.

The history of railway communication in Beihai is closely linked to the economic development of the Guangxi region. For a long time, the city was known primarily as a sea port, and the railway line played a secondary role.

Radical changes occurred with the arrival of the era of high-speed railways. The modern station building was reconstructed and upgraded to accommodate CRH type trains. The launch of high-speed connections to Nanning, Guilin, and Guangzhou transformed Beihai from a remote seaside town into an accessible and popular tourist centre. Today, the station stands as a symbol of the city's integration into China's national high-speed network.

To ensure your journey through Beihai station goes smoothly, please consider several important points:

• Arrival Time: Arrive at the station at least 40–60 minutes before departure. Security checks and passport control can take time, especially during holidays.
• Tickets and Documents: China operates an electronic ticket system, but foreigners must carry the original passport used to make the booking. It will be required when entering the station and boarding the train.
• Luggage: It is prohibited to carry flammable items, knives, and aerosols exceeding 120 ml. Be prepared for all bags to be scanned at the entrance.
• Boarding: Access to the platform (Check-in) opens approximately 15–20 minutes prior and closes 5 minutes before the train departs. Do not be late!