48-Hour Practical Guide to Aranya: Dining, Accommodation, Transport & Photo Spots

Just returned from Aranya last weekend—sharing this practical guide with you all👇🏻

❇️Transportation:
🚄High-speed rail: Beidaihe Station (30km away), Changli Station (18km away)
🚗Self-drive: About 3.5 hours from Beijing

❇️Best photo times:
📍Sunrise: Chapel, Library, Xiao Ye Sculpture
📍Afternoon: Doghouse (must book in advance, shaded in mornings)
📍Late afternoon: Swings (backlit in mornings), North Shore Chapel
📍New spot: Aranya Mini Train (P1) at 10th Beach. Currently only the platform exists, giving Kyoto Kamakura vibes.

❇️Entry methods:
1️⃣Accommodation: Hotel guests enter directly; homestay guests check in at reception first.
2️⃣Exhibition tickets: From 7/1/2025-8/31/2025, only dual tickets for Aranya Art Center & Dune Art Museum grant entry.
🅿️Homestay guests must book vehicle entry by 10:00 AM two days prior. Parking fee: 40💰/day.

❇️Dining options:
🍗Cafeterias: No.3 is overcrowded in peak season; No.4 has more space/variety.
🌿Senhai·Four Leaves: Nice ambiance, average food.
🍜Yellow River to Sea: Long queues but tasty.
🍕Wai Canteen: Great durian pizza, fresh juices. Opposite Neighborhood Center.
🍹Seabreeze Bar: Crowded but better drinks than neighboring K Bar.
☕1402/One-Way Space: Decent coffee spots.
🍵Tongyuan Teahouse (Chinese tea) and Utopia (books/coffee/alcohol) are my favorites.

❇️Shopping:
🛍️Plenty of boutiques near Town Square + beachside market. For quieter options, try 9th District (P11)—new shops, North Shore Chapel, go-kart track, etc.

❇️Accommodation:
🏨Hotels: Popular choices like Suka, Anlan, Yinlu cost 2000+💰 in summer.
🏡Homestays: 1st-10th districts available (2-4 bedroom units).
📍Locations: 1-6 South Community; 9 North District. 1-2 have chapel/sea views; 4 is central; 6 near Hive Theater, GOODBAI store, beach market.
💎Entry: Homestays register all guests (up to 6 people). Ideal for groups/families.

❣️TIPS:
1️⃣Check Aranya's mini-program for updates.
2️⃣Free shuttle buses and charging stations available.