Not just Hainan: China's beach resorts
PolinaGreat news! Starting September 15, 2025, a trial visa-free regime for Russians in China has come into effect, and this is a fantastic reason to discover a new destination for a beach holiday. When we think of the sea in the Middle Kingdom, the island of Hainan immediately comes to mind. But what if we told you that this is just the tip of the iceberg? The mainland of the country hides dozens of stunning resorts with excellent beaches, each with its own unique atmosphere.
China is not only the Great Wall and megacities. It is also thousands of kilometers of coastline across three seas. We will tell you where to relax on the beach in China if you want something new, and prove that a beach holiday here can be incredibly diverse.
Qingdao, Shandong Province
“Chinese Germany” on the shores of the Yellow Sea. In the early 20th century, Qingdao was a German colony, which gave it unique architecture: cobblestone streets, villas with red tiled roofs, and Gothic cathedrals coexist here with modern skyscrapers and Buddhist temples. It is also China's beer capital, home to the famous Tsingtao beer.
Qingdao's beaches are wide sandy strips within the boundaries of a large and well-maintained city. They are well-equipped, surrounded by beautiful parks and promenades.
- Shinan Old Town Beach: the most popular and crowded, with postcard-perfect views of the city's European architecture. Ideal for walks and photoshoots.
- Shilaoren Beach: a huge three-kilometer beach, located a little further from the center. It is cleaner and more spacious, perfect for swimming and relaxing with children.
When to visit: the best time to visit Qingdao is from late May to early October. Summers here are warm and sunny, and the famous International Beer Festival takes place in August.
What to do besides the beach? Walk through the historic center, climb Signal Hill for the best city panorama, visit the old Tsingtao Brewery for a tasting, and go to the mountainous Laoshan area, considered the cradle of Taoism.
How to get there? Qingdao has a large international airport, Jiaodong (TAO). To get to this unique resort, you can buy tickets from Moscow to Qingdao with a convenient transfer in Beijing or Shanghai.
Beidaihe, Hebei Province
Nostalgic charm and tranquility. Beidaihe is one of China's oldest resorts, which was a favorite vacation spot for the party elite during Mao Zedong's time. Today, it is a very green and peaceful town on the shores of Bohai Bay, ideal for a relaxed family holiday.
Where are the best beaches in China for children? Perhaps right here. They are famous for their fine, almost white sand and gentle entry into the water, making them safe for the youngest tourists.
- Central Beach: the main recreation area with good infrastructure, cafes, and water activities.
- Tiger Stone Park: a more picturesque area with large boulders resembling tigers. Great photos can be taken here, especially at sunset.
When to visit: the beach season here is shorter than in the south – from June to September. It's an ideal place to escape the summer heat that prevails in other parts of the country.
What to do besides the beach? Visit the beginning of the Great Wall of China – the place where it goes directly into the sea, known as the 'Dragon's Head'. You can also visit a safari park and stroll through numerous parks and gardens.
How to get there? The nearest major airport is in Qinhuangdao (BPE), but it's most convenient to get here from Beijing. You can find tickets from Moscow to Beijing, and from there take a high-speed train to Beidaihe in just 2 hours.
Xiamen, Fujian Province
Tropical relaxation and creative spirit. Xiamen is one of China's most beautiful and clean cities, located on islands and the coast of the Taiwan Strait. It is a resort that perfectly combines beach holidays with strolls through colonial streets and modern parks.
Xiamen's beaches are a tropical idyll with soft sand and palm trees.
- Beaches on Gulangyu Island: this small island is entirely pedestrian, with no cars, but it has beautiful sandy beaches, colonial villas, museums, and cozy cafes. A true island of tranquility.
- Baicheng Beach: located at the foot of picturesque hills near Xiamen University. Popular with students and locals.
When to visit: Xiamen is a southern resort, so the season here is long – from April to November. The most comfortable months are spring and autumn.
What to do besides the beach? Be sure to spend a whole day on Gulangyu Island, visit the Nanputuo Buddhist Temple complex, rent a bicycle and ride along the 30-kilometer Island Ring Road promenade.
How to get there? Xiamen has its own international airport, Gaoqi (XMN). To enjoy the tropics, look for tickets for the Moscow – Xiamen route with a transfer in major Chinese cities.
Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Classic beach holiday. Beihai is a resort for those who primarily seek the sea and sun. The city's main pride is its famous 'Silver Beach', considered one of the best in the country.
- Silver Beach: a huge 24-kilometer strip of fine white quartz sand that glistens like silver in the sun. The beach is very wide, with a gentle entry into the water, and the water temperature in the South China Sea allows swimming almost all year round.
When to visit: the best time to visit is from April to November. Summers can be very hot and humid, so spring and autumn are considered the ideal seasons.
What to do besides the beach? Take a ferry to the volcanic Weizhou Island with its rocky landscapes and coral reefs, and also stroll through the old part of Beihai city with its colonial European architecture.
How to get there? Beihai has its own airport, Fucheng (BHY), with flights from many major Chinese cities. When planning your trip, you can buy tickets from Moscow to Guangzhou or Shenzhen, and from there fly to Beihai with local airlines.
As you can see, the answer to the question 'where are the beaches in China?' is much broader than just Hainan. Choose what appeals to you – European charm, Asian exoticism, or classic relaxation – and get ready for a new amazing journey!
