
While traveling through the northern part of China, you'll stumble upon an incredible place known as Beidaihe. This charming resort is rightfully considered one of the most picturesque spots in the Celestial Empire. Beidaihe is a district within the city of Qinhuangdao, offering a serene and peaceful environment. It's a favorite destination for family vacations, not only among visiting travelers but also cherished by the Chinese themselves.
The resort is nestled along the coast of Bohai Bay in the Yellow Sea. Here, the sea waves are gentle, and the coastline boasts soft, golden sands. Beidaihe boasts three beautiful beaches, with a combined length of nearly eleven kilometers. The Yanshan Mountains provide protection against strong winds and adverse weather, ensuring a comfortable environment for visitors.
The mountain slopes are adorned with pine forests, contributing to the healing qualities of the air in Beidaihe. Consequently, this resort is not only appealing for its beaches but also for its medical center. Local doctors offer traditional treatments along with qigong techniques and gymnastics.
During the winter months, Beidaihe transforms from a beach resort into a ski destination, as the mountain slopes are equipped for skiing.
Beidaihe encompasses two small villages, along with tourist and hotel complexes. Here, you'll discover a plethora of amusement parks, a zoo, and various other attractions suitable for family vacations.
If you're intrigued by Chinese culture but seek a getaway from the hustle and bustle, Beidaihe is the perfect destination. Beidaihe is renowned not only for its peaceful ambiance and ancient architecture but also for its beachfront experience along the Yellow Sea coast.
Compared to similar Asian resorts, Beidaihe is relatively affordable. If you choose to visit in May or October, outside of the peak season, you can expect to spend less.
Around $2,000 USD per person typically covers flights and accommodation. However, if you're on a budget, you can often find more affordable hot deals.
Beidaihe benefits from a favorable climate zone, ensuring mild winters. This means you can enjoy your visit whenever you secure a hot tour, with plenty of activities to enhance your trip.
Naturally, every traveler to China aims to witness the Great Wall of China. When you visit Beidaihe, you'll have that opportunity as well. To experience the best of Chinese medicine, consider a visit to the renowned Qigong Sanatorium.
Booking a sightseeing tour is a proven way to learn more about China. These tours cover major landmarks and attractions, allowing you to immerse yourself in Chinese culture.
Beidaihe's attractions offer a glimpse into the ancient history of this nearly two-thousand-year-old local area. The renowned Great Wall of China is the most popular excursion destination in Beidaihe. The scenic surroundings of the resort are also ideal for hiking routes. Beidaihe offers numerous parks and other attractions for family vacations. And for those who love Chinese cuisine, the restaurants in Beidaihe will surely delight your taste buds.
The resort does not have its own airport. Therefore, you will need to book flights to Beijing Capital International Airport (Shoudu) to reach Beidaihe. From there, you can take a high-speed train or a bus, which takes about two hours.
Direct flights from Europe to Beijing are operated by Lufthansa, Air France, LOT, Iberia, and others. Ticket prices from Warsaw start at €580, from Berlin at €620, and from Budapest at around €600. Flights from Paris and Milan cost approximately €650. Booking in advance may help you find better deals.
Hotels in Beidaihe are concentrated in separate complexes or are located in the Qinhuangdao area adjacent to the resort. At five-star hotels such as the Sheraton Qinhuangdao Beidaihe Hotel, a room for two people will cost 150-200 USD per night. In a four-star hotel, such as the Jicheng Hotel, a room will cost you from 50 to 170 USD per night. In three-star hotels, such as Beidaihe Yuehua Hotel, you can find a room for two for 30-45 USD per night. Inexpensive hotels and guesthouses in Beidaihe you can stay for 20 USD per night.
The lion's share of the budget when traveling to Beidaihe is typically spent on airfare to Beijing and obtaining a visa for China. However, the cost of food and accommodation within Beidaihe itself can be quite reasonable. It's possible to find affordable lodging and restaurants with moderate prices in the resort.
Local entertainment, especially if you go to Beidaihe with children, is a significant expense. After all, the dolphinarium, oceanarium and other amusement parks are aimed primarily at family vacations. You should not forget about the recreational part of the trip, which will also require certain expenses.
| The budget for a trip to Beidaihe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | From 200 USD | Flight | from 1300 USD |
| Accomodation | from 40 USD per day | Average check in a restaurant | from 10 USD |
| Transportation fare | from 0.1 USD (1-2 CNY) | Excursion | from 40 USD |
| Total: about 2700 USD for two people for a week | |||
Beidaihe does not have its own airport. Almost all tourists get there via Beijing's airport called Shoudou. The airport, which consists of three terminals, is located twenty kilometers from the center of Beijing.
To get to Beidaihe from Shoudou Airport, you can take an express bus to Qinhuangdao from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. The ticket price is CNY 126. You can also take a train to Qinhuangdao from one of Beijing's train stations.
Car rental in Beidaihe will cost from CNY 100 to CNY 300, depending on the level of the office. However, you will not be allowed to drive the car yourself, you can only rent a car with a driver. Sometimes you have to pay an extra 50 CNY for this service.
The role of public transportation in Beidaihe is performed by buses. A ride on them will cost you 1-2 CNY. Ticket vending machines are located on the bus itself. Cabs around the city will cost you 10-12 CNY, and outside the city - within 50 CNY.
Beidaihe can hardly be called a safe resort, as it is part of the larger Qinhuangdao, and anything is possible in such huge cities. So keep a close eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone in remote areas.