Go to Beidaihe! Spend your summer like an old movie

Summer in Beidaihe is a romance etched in the memories of the Chinese people—old villas covered in ivy, the sunrise at Pigeon Nest Bay turning the sea orange, the waves at Tiger Stone crashing against century-old reefs, eating an old-fashioned popsicle on the beach at dusk, with the salty nostalgic breeze all around. This place is not just a summer resort, but a place where life can be lived like poetry.

Preparation

- Clothing: In summer (June to August), wear short sleeves and shorts, and bring a sun-protective shirt (sea breeze can cause tanning); July and August are rainy seasons, so bring a folding umbrella or disposable raincoat.
- Gear: Beach shoes (essential for reef areas), sunglasses, sun hat; if you want to catch seaweed, bring a small shovel and bucket (available for 10 yuan per set at Liuzhuang Night Market).
- Others: During peak season (July to August), book hotels at least one week in advance; weekend prices rise by 30%, so it’s recommended to visit off-peak from Thursday to Sunday.

Transportation Guide

- High-speed rail: 1.5 hours from Beijing to Beidaihe Station, then take bus 501 (2 yuan) directly to the seaside area; 2 hours from Tianjin, 3 hours from Shenyang, very convenient.
- Self-driving: Navigate to "Liuzhuang Parking Lot," about 3.5 hours from Beijing; parking at the scenic area costs 10 yuan/day, and driving along the coastal road with the sea breeze is very pleasant.
- Local transport: Rent an electric scooter for 50 yuan/day, cycling around the sea is very enjoyable; most buses cost 2 yuan, route 34 reaches most attractions.

Must-Visit Attractions

1. Pigeon Nest Park: The top spot to watch the sunrise! Arrive at Eagle Corner Pavilion by 4:30 AM to see the sun jump out from the sea horizon, with dawn clouds dyed pink and purple. At low tide, you can pick small crabs on the mudflats (sprinkle some salt at the holes, and razor clams will come out by themselves).
2. Tiger Stone Sea Park: The 10 yuan entrance fee is worth it! The yellow reef group looks like a crouching tiger. Wear a red dress for photos; snap the shutter as waves hit the rocks to instantly create a “sea blockbuster.” Sit on the rocks at sunset to watch the sun dye the sea golden red.
3. Lianfeng Mountain Park: A local morning exercise spot. Climb for 1 hour to the Sea Viewing Pavilion for a panoramic view of the entire Beidaihe coastline. Red-roofed villas hidden among green trees look like a European town. Entrance fee is 25 yuan, very cost-effective.
4. Biluo Tower Sea Bar Park: The highlight is at night! The blue and white buildings resemble Santorini. When the lights come on, it’s super romantic, with live band performances and bonfire parties. Entrance fee is 50 yuan, perfect for young people to take photos and check in.

Food Recommendations

- Seafood stalls: Buy seafood at Shitang Road Market and have it cooked at a restaurant (10 yuan cooking fee per dish). Clams cost 10 yuan per jin, mantis shrimp 30 yuan per jin. Pair with a bottle of Shanhaiguan soda, about 60 yuan per person to eat until full.
- Yang Changzi Ham: A Beidaihe specialty, century-old shop on Caocang Middle Road. Buy freshly sliced ham (50 yuan per jin), delicious with bread. Vacuum-packed ham makes a great souvenir.
- Old-fashioned popsicles: 1 yuan each at seaside stalls, creamy flavor, a cool bite that pairs perfectly with the sea breeze. Avoid overpriced popsicles inside the scenic area.

Itinerary

- One-day tour: Watch sunrise at Pigeon Nest Bay early morning → play at Tiger Stone in the morning → eat seafood at noon → hike Lianfeng Mountain in the afternoon → enjoy night view at Biluo Tower at dusk.
- Two-day tour: Follow the one-day itinerary on day one; on day two, go to Shallow Water Bay to catch sea creatures in the morning, shop for specialties at Shitang Road Market at noon, and visit Jifa Agricultural Dream Kingdom in the afternoon (a must for families with kids, where you can pick fruits and vegetables and enjoy non-motorized rides).

Accommodation Suggestions

- Liuzhuang Homestay: High cost-performance, 150-200 yuan per night, 5 minutes walk to the beach, convenient for night market visits. Recommended “Old Captain Homestay,” where the owner suggests off-the-beaten-path activities.
- Hotels near Tiger Stone: Sea view rooms cost 300-500 yuan per night, with sea views from the window, ideal for couples. “Beidaihe Seaview Holiday Hotel” is right next to Tiger Stone.

Notes

- Don’t trust the “low-price fishing boats” soliciting on the beach; most are scams. For boat rides, go to the official dock (Pigeon Nest Bay boat ride costs 50 yuan per person).
- Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! UV rays are very strong by the sea, or you’ll peel after one day.
- Best seasons: June (fewer people), September (seafood is plump, weather is cool). July and August are crowded but lively, like returning to the seaside glory of the 1980s.