Durban's unheralded delights

The impressive Moses Mabhida Stadium hosted seven games during the 2010 World Cup. [Photo by Hilton Yip / China Daily]

South Africa's third largest city may not be as well known as other parts of the country, but as Hilton Yip reports, not only is it a vibrant, multicultural metropolis, it also boasts pristine beaches and great food.

In March, President Xi Jinping went to South Africa on his first official overseas tour. One of the main reasons for his visit was to attend the BRICS heads of states meeting in Durban, South Africa's third largest city and its busiest port. Durban has become well-known in recent years for hosting major international conferences such as the BRICS meeting and the 2011 UN Climate Change Conference. But unlike that other famous South African city, Cape Town, it's not renowned as an international travel destination.

However, for many South Africans, Durban is a favorite holiday destination. Not only is it a major port city, its sandy beaches and pleasant weather year-round give Durban a laidback vibe that is backed by it's unique historical herChina DailyChina Dailyitage and multicultural character.

The first thing people notice about Durban is its coastal location on the Indian Ocean, which blesses the city with temperate, subtropical weather.

The city is framed by the Golden Mile, a long line of sandy beaches where Durban's residents often swim and surf in full view of hotels and office towers, somewhat similar to Miami or Sydney.

Alongside the Golden Mile is a promenade where you can buy souvenirs such as woodwork figurines and brightly painted handicrafts from vendors, watch musical performances, and visit an impressive marine theme park and aquarium.

If you want to gamble, there is a casino at the northern end of the Golden Mile, one of two local casinos.

You can even ride on brightly decorated rickshaws, but if you just want to take pictures, do be aware that they will want to charge you.

People from the Zulu ethnic group are the majority in Durban, as their homeland is the province which Durban is part of, KwaZulu-Natal.

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma is a Zulu and hails from this province.

Away from the beaches, Durban boasts other charms.

The city's CBD has an older feel, and there are several British-built structures that are highlighted by the majestic City Hall. Built in 1910, this large Edwardian neo-baroque building also houses a museum and art gallery, which you can visit for free.

Zuma is from KwaZulu-Natal and spent part of his childhood in Durban's suburbs. However Zuma is not the loftiest leader Durban has a link to.

At the turn of the 20th century, Mahatma Gandhi lived in South Africa, helping fight for the civil rights of black and Indian laborers.

In 1904, he established the Phoenix Settlement in Inanda, on the outskirts of Durban. Living with his family and followers, he developed his Satyagraha philosophy at the settlement.

Today the settlement serves as a community center and monument to Gandhi.