Picture choosen by: Mr.Daniel Paul Beihai With the influx of tourism revenue, locals have responded with increased development. Bars and nightclubs are more common than ever, and there's plenty to keep visitors occupied. Experts predict Beihai will be one of the world's fastest-growing communities in the next decade.

Silver Beach is the centerpiece of local tourism, but it isn't as sought-after as the island paradise, Hainan Island. Visitors regularly depart from Beihai's port for Hainan (dubbed 'China's Hawaii'), but those who don't have time can make do with the beach facilities in Beihai.

The harbour area retains lovely old buildings. Pearl production later cemented its reputation. Thousands of Chinese-Vietnamese refugees landed here after the 1979 Sino-Viet conflict – look for evidence of the Vietnamese community around the harbour.

Other major sites in the city are a product of an international influx of embassies during the late 1800s. Beihai boasts several century-old consulates and colonial-style buildings that have fared well in this tropical climate.