Qinhuangdao, a coastal city in Hebei Province, blends golden beaches, ancient history, and fresh sea breezes—making it a top summer getaway in northern China. Whether you’re seeking relaxation by the sea or adventures rooted in history, here are the must-do activities for your trip.

1. Relax on Beidaihe Beach

Beidaihe, Qinhuangdao’s most famous coastal area, is known for its soft sand, calm waters, and cool summer temperatures (around 25°C–28°C). It’s perfect for unwinding:

• Take a leisurely walk along the 10-kilometer-long beach at sunrise or sunset—watch fishing boats return to shore and seagulls glide over the Bohai Sea.
• Try water sports like jet skiing (¥200 per 15 minutes) or banana boat rides (¥150 per person) near Tiger Rock Beach, a lively spot with beach bars and seafood stalls.
• Visit Bird’s Nest Park nearby—home to over 400 bird species in spring and autumn, a paradise for birdwatchers.Tip: Avoid weekends in July–August (peak season) to skip crowds; stay at a beachfront hotel for easy access to the shore.

2. Explore Laolongtou: Where the Great Wall Meets the Sea

A 30-minute drive from Beidaihe, Laolongtou (“Old Dragon’s Head”) is a unique section of the Great Wall— the only part that extends into the ocean. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it was once a crucial coastal defense.

• Walk along the “Sea Wall” (Haiqiang), a stone structure that juts into the sea, and imagine how soldiers guarded against enemy ships centuries ago.
• Visit the “Chenghai Tower” (Chenghai Lou), the highest point here—climb to the top for panoramic views of the Great Wall, sea, and surrounding hills.
• Don’t miss the “Underwater Great Wall” relics—parts of the wall submerged by the sea, visible from a viewing platform at low tide.Practical Info: Ticket ¥50; take Bus 25 from Qinhuangdao Railway Station to Laolongtou Stop (1 hour).

3. Watch the Sunrise at Geziwo Park

Geziwo (“Pigeon Nest”) Park, in eastern Beidaihe, is one of the best spots in China to watch the sunrise over the Bohai Sea. It’s also a wetland reserve teeming with wildlife.

• Arrive at 4:30 AM (summer) to secure a spot on the wooden viewing platform—as the sun rises, the sky turns orange and pink, painting the sea in golden light.
• After sunrise, explore the wetland boardwalks—you might spot herons, egrets, and even red-crowned cranes (in winter).
• Visit the “Eagle Stone” (Ying Shi), a large rock shaped like an eagle, for photos with the sea in the background.Tip: Bring a light jacket—mornings by the sea can be cool, even in summer.

4. Taste Fresh Seafood at Shanhaiguan Night Market

Shanhaiguan, an ancient town near Qinhuangdao, is famous for its well-preserved Ming Dynasty city walls and delicious seafood. Head to its night market (open 6:00 PM–10:00 PM) for a feast:

• Try “fried clams” (chǎo há), “steamed sea bass” (zhēng hǎidāo), and “seafood congee” (hǎixiān zhōu)—all made with catch of the day, priced around ¥30–50 per dish.
• Pair your meal with “millet wine” (xiǎomǐ jiǔ), a local mild wine that complements seafood.
• After eating, wander Shanhaiguan’s ancient streets—admire the red lanterns and traditional courtyard houses lit up at night.

5. Hike the Jieshi Mountain Scenic Area

For nature lovers, Jieshi Mountain (60 minutes from Qinhuangdao city center) offers lush forests, rocky peaks, and views of the sea. It’s also steeped in history—ancient poets like Cao Cao once wrote poems here.

• Hike the 2-hour trail to the “Jieshi Peak” (Jieshi Ding)—the summit offers sweeping views of the mountain, sea, and distant Qinhuangdao skyline.
• Visit the “Cao Cao Poetry Stele” (Cao Cao Shibei), a stone tablet inscribed with Cao Cao’s famous poem about Jieshi Mountain.Practical Info: Ticket ¥40; wear comfortable hiking shoes—some parts of the trail are steep.

Qinhuangdao’s mix of beach relaxation, history, and nature makes it a versatile destination. Whether you’re watching the sunrise over the sea or exploring where the Great Wall meets the ocean, every moment here feels like a perfect blend of calm and adventure.