The Hidden Gem by the Sea in Aranya

OMG, you guys! Aranya is literally the most amazing place I've ever been to 😍 I'd call it a real-life "Utopia"!

The moment I arrived in Aranya, the vast, endless ocean instantly caught my eye—the sparkling water looked like it was sprinkled with golden glitter ✨ The fine, soft sand felt like walking on clouds barefoot.

The Aranya Chapel is absolutely photogenic 📸 Standing in front of it with the sea as your backdrop, every shot turns out magazine-worthy. The Lonely Library has such a unique vibe too—reading by the window with the sound of waves in the background brings unparalleled peace to the soul.

The food scene here is fantastic! The canteens offer a wide variety of delicious dishes, and the seafood is fresh and mouthwatering—every bite is pure bliss. There are also charming little specialty shops with rich coffee and exquisite desserts.

At night, there are lively bonfire parties 🔥 Everyone gathers around, singing and dancing, with laughter echoing under the starry sky. Aranya is truly a treasure of a destination that you'll want to visit again and again!

📌 Here's my ultra-practical guide:
🏠 Accommodation: Highly recommend booking community homestays via the Aranya app to fully immerse in the local vibe. Sixth District homestays are close to the beach with great family-friendly facilities, perfect for families. Ninth District is quieter during off-peak seasons, featuring a no-power playground and Lighthouse Park—ideal for return visits. For budget-friendly options, the Anlan Hotel is centrally located with shuttle services. For a luxury experience, the Hidden House offers sea-view rooms with private hot springs.
🚗 Transportation: If taking the train, Beidaihe Station is the most convenient—just a 30-minute taxi ride (¥50-70) from there. For self-driving, navigate to "Aranya Golden Coast Community"—about 3-4 hours from Beijing. Inside the community, you can rent bikes to enjoy the sea breeze or hop on free shuttle buses that run every 15 minutes (just follow the lettered routes).
🍱 Food: For breakfast, try the Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles and milk egg wine soup at the Third Canteen—perfect for Northwestern tastes. Don’t miss the Japanese egg tarts and apple pie at Sugu Bakery. For lunch, the minced noodle and Liangpi at Yellow River Into the Sea offer authentic Northwestern flavors, while Y·SEA’s garlic beef rice lets you dine with ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows. For dinner, head to the Breeze Bar for craft beer and seafood BBQ by the sea—so therapeutic! The seafood claypot rice at Changji Restaurant is a great value.
📸 Photo Spots: Book the Lonely Library 1 day in advance via the app—early morning at 7 AM is less crowded, and backlit side profiles look stunning (note: professional cameras aren’t allowed inside). The Aranya Chapel at sunrise offers magical light and shadow, and its side stairs are great for "life in the cracks" compositions. The Dune Art Museum’s cave-like architecture is perfect for photos 1 hour before closing. The pastel-colored Tagi Apple House is a dreamy spot for afternoon tea and photos. The Dog Hotel’s industrial concrete style creates geometric light and shadow magic during blue hour when the lights turn on.

Post by Sofia~Adams-Scarlett | Aug 1, 2025