Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province

Beidaihe

北戴河History & Culture · Photography · Nature

Beidaihe is a long-celebrated seaside resort in Qinhuangdao, and summer is one of the best times to visit for a relaxing holiday.

Beidaihe, Qinhuangdao

Key facts

Time needed
2 days
Getting there
Near Beidaihe District Government (bus stop)
Guidebook rating
3 / 5

From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 1773. Open in Google Maps

About Beidaihe

Beidaihe is a long-celebrated seaside resort in Qinhuangdao, and summer is one of the best times to visit for a relaxing holiday.

Tips from the guidebook

  • Beidaihe Travel Tips
  • 1. Yingjiao Pavilion at the northeast corner of Beidaihe is an excellent spot to watch the sunrise over the sea.
  • 2. Peak season brings huge crowds. You will generally find it far more pleasant to visit during the off-season.
  • 3. It is recommended to stay near the area where the sanatoriums are concentrated, where the beaches are free of charge.
  • 4. Qinhuangdao is also a paradise for birdwatchers. According to available sources, China has 1,186 bird species in total, and Beidaihe alone has 405 species across 20 orders and 61 families. The best seasons are from mid-March to late May and from early September to mid-November.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Beidaihe?

Near Beidaihe District Government (bus stop)

How long should I spend at Beidaihe?

Plan on 2 days for Beidaihe.

Where is Beidaihe?

Beidaihe is in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, in the North China of China.

More places in Qinhuangdao

Nandaihe — illustration

Nandaihe

Nandaihe sees far fewer visitors than Beidaihe, so swimming here and enjoying the sunshine and sand is a wise choice.

Aranya

Located on the Golden Coast in Changli County, Aranya boasts excellent beaches, extensive black locust woodlands and a natural river wetland. The site features an auditorium, a library and an art museum, all with highly artistic architecture. It frequently hosts music festivals and art exhibitions, making it a true “utopia” for artsy young people.

1–4 hours

Pigeon Nest and Tiger Rock Park

Pigeon Nest is where Mao Zedong wrote his poem “Waves Sifting Sand · Beidaihe,” and also where Cao Cao composed “Viewing the Sea” (“Standing at Jieshi in the east, I gaze upon the vast ocean”). The views are wide open, and it is a great place to watch the sunrise and wild seagulls. Tiger Rock is simply a few rocks shaped like tigers. Visitors who make a special trip to see these stones may be a little disappointed, but the sunsets here are beautiful.

Pigeon Nest: ¥35; Tiger Rock Park: free admission

Qinhuangdao Wildlife Park

The largest wildlife park in Asia, where visitors can get up close to animals, including Northeast China tigers and African lions. Guests can drive their own cars through the park or ride the distinctive forest mini-train for a sightseeing tour.

¥45 (December–March); ¥90 (April–November); self-drive vehicle tickets: ¥50 (up to 7 seats, including 7 seats), ¥100 (8–19 seats), ¥150 (20 seats or more, including 20 seats) · 4–6 hours

Shanhaiguan Pass

Shanhaiguan is known as the “First Pass Under Heaven.” It is both a popular tourist destination and a symbolic dividing line between cultures and regions. However, the surviving structures are not authentic historical ruins, and the many cleverly staged “ambushes” built into the scenic area alone can leave visitors feeling worn out.

¥50 for Shanhaiguan Pass (First Pass Under Heaven); ¥130 combined scenic-area ticket (includes First Pass Under Heaven, Bell and Drum Towers, Wangyang Tower, Yingen Gate Tower, Wangjia Courtyard, Laolongtou and the old town sightseeing shuttle) · 4–6 hours

Laolongtou (Old Dragon's Head)

Here the Great Wall reaches the sea, its form like a green dragon plunging into the ocean, a truly spectacular sight. It is the point where the Great Wall meets the sea, and a genuine fortress guarding both the sea and the land.

¥60 · 2–3 hours