Silver Beach in Beihai [Beijing Review]

Beihai of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, one of the first 14 coastal cities in China's initial opening up to the world a few decades ago, covers a land area of 3,337 square km, and boasts a total population of 1.63 million.

In recent years, the city has received many honorable titles, including China's Famous Historical and Cultural City, Best Tourism City in China, and China's Excellent City With Best Landscaping.

Located at the southern end of Guangxi and the northeastern bank of the Beibu Gulf, Beihai has Southeast Asia to its front and southwest China on its back. As the pivot of the South China Economic Rim, Southwest China Economic Rim and ASEAN Economic Rim, the city also serves as the most convenient gateway leading southwest China to the sea and the bridgehead facilitating exchanges between China and ASEAN countries.

As early as 2,000 years ago, Beihai became an important entry port for the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Today, the establishment of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and the deepening of Pan-Beibu Gulf Economic Cooperation have endowed Beihai with more geographical advantages than ever before.

With the Guangxi Beibu Gulf Economic Area Development Plan having been approved by the Central Government in 2008, Beihai has entered a new period of opening up and development.