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Unique culture, delicious food, ancient temples, extreme hiking, and yes, excellent beaches. This is China. If you’re looking for a break from the same beaches in Thailand and other popular Asian beach vacation spots and want something more unique, check out the top 5 beach cities in China. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to China.
1. Qingdao, Sandong
This city, famous for its beer brewing, is also your next beach vacation destination. The city of Qingdao itself, located in Shandong, masterfully combines traditional Chinese aspects with all the amenities and luxuries of most modern cities. Plus, the city is full of colonial German-style architecture, perfect beaches, and of course, is home to China’s own Tsingtao Beer. For the best beach in China, head over to the No. 1 Bathing Beach (it’s actual name), with gentle waves perfect for swimming and soft golden sand perfect for sunbathing. This beach was the site of the 2008 Olympics sailing competitions, and as such is full of high-end, restaurants, bars and places to stay.
2. Sanya, Hainan Island
Often called the “Hawaii of China”, Sanya is an obvious go-to destination for some sandy beach fun. With around 25 miles of coastline, a bustling downtown area, and beachfront hotels, Sanya is built for tourists — both Chinese and foreigners. Sanya, on China’s Hainan Island, can get pretty packed with fellow beachgoers, however. So if you’re looking for a little more peace and quiet, check out Dadonghai Bay, more common with western travelers, or Yalong Bay, a private section of Sanya’s pristine beach. Yalong Bay is lined with luxury resorts, giving you the ultimate comfort. Spend your days lying out in China’s hot sun and finish them by getting pampered in your resort. What could be a better vacation?
3. Dalian, Liaoning Province
Check out this northern city for some of the best swimming in China combined with excellent historical sites and incredible nightlife. Dalian, in the Liaodong Peninsula, is home to the historic port of Lushan, some of China’s best gourmet restaurants, and over 1,000 miles of golden sand beaches that are ideal for your days swimming and playing a beach sport in the water. Check out Tiger Beach or Xinghai Beach for some of the best waves Dalian has to offer.
4. Wuzhizhou Island, Haitang Bay
Looking for pristine beaches? Head to this picturesque island in the Haitang Bay. Wuzhizhou Island boasts ideal beach temperatures all year round. Don’t wait for beach season to pop up on you to head to Wuzhizhou Island. The island’s clear blue seas are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Check out the nearby coral reefs and see what colorful fish you can see swimming below your feet. Plant lovers will love the island’s nearly 3,000 different plant species, while outdoorsy folks will love the south side of the island’s mountains complete with hiking trails. Check out some of Wuzhizhou’s famous sites, including the Goddess Matsu Temple, or the Sunrise Rock for the best views of the sunrise over the sea.
5. Zhuhai, Guangdong Province
Check out this charming coastal city in the southern part of Guangdong Province. Zhuhai is known for its pleasant climate, relaxed beach town atmosphere with great city life, and for having multiple amazing beaches close together. Zhuhai’s beaches, however, can get crowded during the summer months. Check out Hebao Island to get away from some of the hustle and bustle of Zhuhai’s other beaches. This quieter beach island is surrounded on all sides by the same soft golden sand and gentle turquoise waves.
