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Beidaihe Beach is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the beautiful coastline. Visitors can also try water sports like surfing and boating, or take a relaxing walk along the beach. The surrounding area has beautiful parks and nature reserves for hiking, and Beidaihe is known for its birdwatching, especially during the migration season.
Beidaihe Beach, stretching from Daihekou in the west to Yingjiaoting in the east, is 10 kilometers long from east to west and 1.5 kilometers wide from north to south. It is a natural bathing beach. Beidaihe offers beautiful scenery, with verdant mountains and the vast ocean complementing each other, and exquisite villas blending into lush forests.
Here, the coast is flat and winding, the sand is soft and level, and the seawater has a high salinity and strong buoyancy, creating excellent natural bathing beaches. Numerous unique rock formations and caves, carved by long-term granite weathering and erosion or by the scouring of waves, as well as pavilions, towers, temples, and courtyards, form a series of picturesque scenes, commonly known as the 24 Scenic Spots of Beidaihe. These are mainly distributed in places such as Lianpeng Mountain, Zhonghai Beach, Jinshanzui, and Yingjiao Rock.
The coastline is long and winding, with a gentle beach, soft sand, flat tides, and clear water. Numerous villas, rest homes, sanatoriums, restaurants, hotels, bars, dance halls, and other entertainment facilities are located here. It is one of the largest seaside summer resorts in my country with beautiful scenery and relatively complete facilities.
The south boasts a long and gentle coastline with fine-grained, gently sloping waters, soft sand, and flat tides. The water is of good quality and has a moderate salinity. Over 30 private and public bathing beaches along the coast provide ideal places for tourists to enjoy the sea, sand, and sunbathing.
Suitable for all seasons, a summer resort
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
free
All day
Beidaihe Beach has long been a popular summer retreat for both locals and tourists, especially for those from nearby Beijing. The beach's popularity dates back to the early 20th century, when it became a favored vacation spot for the elite. It is also famous for being a key spot for birdwatching, especially in the autumn and spring months when migratory birds stop here.
Beidaihe Beach is located in the city of Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, around 300 kilometers from Beijing. The easiest way to get there is by taking a train or high-speed train from Beijing to Qinhuangdao, followed by a short taxi ride or bus to the beach. Alternatively, you can take a long-distance bus or drive directly to Beidaihe.
Beidaihe Beach is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to October, with the peak season in July and August. The beach is busiest during these months, and visitors can enjoy the warm weather and water activities. For a quieter experience, consider visiting in the spring or autumn.
There is no entrance fee for accessing Beidaihe Beach. However, some private resorts or beach clubs along the coast may charge an entrance fee or require reservations for certain facilities. It's best to check with specific hotels or resorts for more information.
Booking in advance is not required for general beach access, but it is recommended to book accommodation and any special tours or activities, especially during the peak tourist season in summer. It's advisable to book hotels or beach clubs 1-2 weeks in advance during the high season.
Visiting Beidaihe Beach can be done in a half-day or full-day trip. If you plan to relax on the beach and enjoy water sports, allocate a full day. If you want to explore the nearby parks and birdwatching areas, a day or two is ideal.
The main highlight of Beidaihe is its long sandy beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities. Other must-see areas include the nearby Laohutan Scenic Area, a park with beautiful coastal views, and the famous Birdwatching Tower, which is great for spotting migratory birds during the seasons.
Guided tours are available in Beidaihe, particularly for birdwatching or nature tours. English-speaking guides may be available, but it’s recommended to check in advance, as most tours are conducted in Chinese.
The best viewpoints for photography include the Laohutan Scenic Area, with panoramic views of the sea and coastline. The Birdwatching Tower also offers great views, especially during the migratory seasons when birds can be spotted in the sky. The beach itself is a perfect spot for sunset photography.
Start your day with a relaxing walk along Beidaihe Beach, followed by a visit to the Laohutan Scenic Area for views of the coastline. If you’re into birdwatching, head to the Birdwatching Tower. You can finish the day by exploring the nearby parks or enjoying some local seafood.
Beidaihe Beach is primarily a daytime destination, but there are some evening activities available, such as seafood dinners at beachside restaurants. Some resorts may offer light shows or evening entertainment during the summer months. Nighttime beach walks are also quite popular.
The beach can be very crowded during the summer months, particularly on weekends and holidays. For a quieter experience, visit in the spring or autumn, or try early mornings or weekdays during the summer season.
Beidaihe Beach has basic facilities, including public toilets, drinking water stations, and rest areas along the beach. Several beachside restaurants offer food and beverages, including local seafood and snacks. There are also some small shops selling souvenirs and beach essentials.
Beidaihe Beach is generally accessible to elderly visitors and children, with flat pathways and areas for sitting. However, for disabled visitors, some areas might pose challenges due to the natural terrain, but the beach is mostly accessible with assistance.
While cash is still commonly used in some local shops and markets, most businesses at Beidaihe Beach, including restaurants and hotels, accept mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) and credit/debit cards.
There are numerous restaurants along the beach offering local Chinese and seafood dishes. Popular spots include seafood restaurants that serve fresh catches and beachfront cafes for snacks and drinks. The central Beidaihe area also offers a variety of dining options.
Vegetarian options are available in many restaurants, especially in larger tourist areas. Halal food options are also available in select restaurants, catering to Muslim visitors.
Several hotels are located near Beidaihe Beach, including resorts and beachfront hotels. Notable options include the Beidaihe Resort Hotel, Grand Bay Hotel, and the Beidaihe Hilton. These offer easy access to the beach and surrounding attractions.
Nearby attractions include the Qinhuangdao Wildlife Park, the famous Laohutan Scenic Area, and the Shanhaiguan Great Wall. These are all within a short drive from Beidaihe Beach and can be easily combined into a day trip.
There are souvenir shops along the beach selling typical items like seashell jewelry, beachwear, and local handicrafts. You can also find souvenirs such as traditional Chinese tea sets, calligraphy, and painted fans in nearby markets.
After visiting Beidaihe, taxis, rental cars, or buses are the best transportation options to continue your trip. For longer trips, the Qinhuangdao train station is easily accessible, providing high-speed train services back to Beijing and other major cities.
