When people think of China, beaches may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, they often consider its rich cultural heritage and unique landmarks, such as breathtaking places, skyscrapers, and spectacular national parks. However, China has a vast coastline with numerous beaches to visit. From the tropical beaches of Hainan Island to the historic beaches of Shandong Province and the shores of China’s Zhoushan Archipelago, there is something to cater to a wide range of tastes and interests. Let’s explore these beaches!

Xichong Beach (Shenzhen City)

Shenzhen’s ‘Gold Coast’, a series of sandy beaches extending eastward around Mirs Bay, starts just 12.5 miles (20km) from downtown. The beaches become less crowded and more peaceful the further away you get from the city. Xichong Beach, a two-hour drive from the skyscrapers, offers a 1.85-mile (3km) stretch of wild, silvery sand that feels blissfully isolated and unspoiled. Although facilities are limited, there are protected swimming areas with lifeguard towers, as well as lockers and showers. Xichong is also the centre of Shenzhen’s small but growing surfing community due to the beginner-friendly waves that roll gently into the bay.

Putuoshan Island (Zhejiang Province)

Located approximately 15.5 miles (25km) off the coast of China and within reach of Shanghai, the picturesque island of Putuoshan in Zhejiang features sandy beaches, pine groves, temples, and one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains. One Thousand Step Beach occupies a large area of the island’s east coast, with a languid stretch of yellow sand. However, swimming is only permitted between May and August. One Hundred Step Beach, located on a smaller bay to the south, features a much-photographed pagoda perched artfully on a rocky outcrop.

Silver Beach (Guangxi Province)

The city of Beihai in Guangxi is a popular destination for local tourists due to its Silver Beach, a 15-mile (24km) stretch of silvery-yellow sand that is highly praised in tourist brochures and teeming with scuttling sand crabs. After enjoying a paddle, visitors can admire the city’s Old Quarter, which boasts some impressive colonial buildings dating back to Beihai’s brief period as a treaty port. These buildings were once home to the colonnaded consulates, banks, and trading companies of eight Western nations.

The Bathing Beaches (Qingdao, Shandong Province)

Qingdao is a charming coastal city with an enchanting scarlet-capped old town set amid green hillsides. Established by the Germans as a foreign concession in 1897, it is known for its eponymous Tsingtao beer, spicy clams, and bathing beaches. The most famous of these is Number 1 Bathing Beach, a sublime 580m-long crescent of golden sand that spans Huiquan Bay. Walking eastwards along the coastal paths from Number 1 will lead you to Number 2 Bathing Beach, a secluded cove with clapboard changing rooms painted in pastel shades. Continue on to Number 3 Bathing Beach, which is framed by a forest of gleaming skyscrapers and has water sports clubs and cafes on its western cape.

Beidaihe (Hebei Province)

Beidaihe’s main crescent of crumbly sand, backed by ice-cream sellers and seafood restaurants, is the closest beach to the capital Beijing. High-speed trains cover the 162 miles (260km) in two hours, making it easily accessible for day-trippers. Nineteen miles (30km) up the coast is another stretch of sand that is less picturesque but has an unusual structure jutting out into the water. This is not a pier or jetty, but rather where the Great Wall ends its long journey and dips into the sea at Old Dragon Head.

Yalong Bay (Sanya, Hainan Province)

Located approximately 22 km east of Sanya’s beautiful beach city, Yalong Bay is a tropical paradise and one of the most famous beaches in China.  It is often referred to as the ‘Hawaii of China’ due to its crystal clear waters, white sandy shores, and palm trees. Travellers can relax and rejuvenate on its soft sandy shores.

One Hundred-Step Beach (Zhoushan Island, Zhejiang Province)

 Zhoushan Island is an urban archipelago located on the East Coast near the city of Ningbo. The beach features a small pagoda perched on the rocks overlooking the sand. Swimming is permitted at the beach from May to August until 6 pm. To reach Zhoushan Island, travellers can fly into Zhu Jia Jian Island’s small airport and take a taxi or the airport bus across the connecting road bridge to Zhoushan.

Huihon Xunliao Bay (Guangdong Province)

Huihou Xunliao Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in China. The beach boasts some of the most pristine waters in eastern Guangdong, with an 11 km stretch of beautiful sandy shore. Visitors can bask in the warm sun, collect shells, enjoy cocktails aboard classic wooden boats, or indulge in the delectable cuisine at one of the resort hotels.

Are you looking forward to your journeys for Chinese Labor Day? If you need any suggestions for your upcoming trip, please do not hesitate to contact our travel consultants.