Qinhuangdao travel guide

Qinhuangdao, China

By the Travel Wiki editorial team

Qinhuangdao

Introduction

You can explore Qinhuangdao, a port city situated on the coast of northern Hebei in China. Located along the Bohai Sea, which serves as the innermost gulf of the Yellow Sea, this coastal destination sits to the east of Beijing.

Before you go

Before you arrive in this coastal city in northeastern Hebei Province, familiarize yourself with its distinct districts to better navigate your itinerary. You can explore the urban and port atmosphere of Haigang or head toward the historic Shanhaiguan area to see the eastern terminus of the Great Wall within a preserved fortified town.

For those seeking coastal scenery along the Bohai Sea, you can choose between different seaside environments:

Getting there

You can fly into the local Beidaihe Airport, which handles daily domestic flights to several destinations including Shanghai and Qingdao. If you prefer to book your flight through an airline website, be aware that these sites are only available in Chinese; alternatively, you can request assistance from your accommodation staff to book your tickets.

Alternatively, you can reach the city by train or bus from nearby hubs like Beijing or Tianjin. High-speed "D" or "Dong" trains provide a quick journey from both cities, while slower "T," "K," and numbered trains offer an alternative if you do not mind a longer travel time. If you prefer to travel by road, frequent long-distance buses depart from Beijing, including a direct route from the airport to Qinhuangdao.

Getting around

Because Qinhuangdao sprawls linearly along the coast from Shanhaiguan to Beidaihe, you will find taxis and buses to be the necessary means of transportation for navigating the area.

Taxis are abundant and often preferred by travelers. Since many drivers do not speak English but can read Chinese, you should have your destination written in Chinese on a card or provide a local phone number to ensure the driver knows where to take you. While most drivers use meters, be cautious near railway stations where some may refuse to use them. Alternatively, you can utilize the bus system. You can obtain city maps featuring bus routes from kiosks located near the central bus and train stations; however, keep your personal belongings secure as these buses are often crowded.

Food & drink

Savor a variety of international flavors across the city's dining scene. You can enjoy Chicago-style pizza with handmade crusts and ample toppings at Pu Shi, where you can choose between elegant private rooms featuring personal flat screens or the lively atmosphere of a piano bar. For an authentic taste of Hanoi in a refined setting, Vietnam Youyou Cafe offers Vietnamese cuisine accompanied by live music. If you are seeking high-quality cuts of meat and plump steaks, Butterfly is located in the heart of the entertainment district near People's Square. For a coastal experience, head to the seaside resort area to enjoy a fresh seafood buffet while watching the waves roll in.

Your drink options range from beachside relaxation to sophisticated lounges:

What to see and do

Explore the historic fortifications where the Great Wall meets the sea at Shanhaiguan, known as the "First Pass under Heaven." You can walk along the thick city walls that guard the pass between the mountains and the ocean or visit the Old Dragon Head to see a reconstructed section of the wall jutting into the water. For a different perspective on the fortifications, head toward Jiao Shan where you can see the wall snaking over hills; here, some sections remain in their original, crumbling state made of raw stone rather than brick. Nearby, you can also find unrestored earth walls where locals are often seen herding sheep or walking dogs.

Experience the coastal atmosphere across three distinct urban areas: Shanhaiguan with its fortified history, Haigang featuring a harbor district and a park commemorating the legend of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and Beidaihe, a well-established seaside resort. In the Haigang district, you can visit a coastal park with reconstructed pavilions or explore an ocean park featuring sea animals and a polar region exhibition hall. Further south along the Changli Coast, you can find beach areas in Nandaihe and the sandy dunes of Emerald Isle, as well as a contemporary art museum embedded in the coastal dunes at the Aranya community.

When to go

You can experience four distinct seasons in Qinhuangdao, where the coastal location influences the local climate. During the summer months, you will encounter hot and humid conditions driven by onshore flows. While this season brings the majority of the region's rainfall, the proximity to the coast provides a slight moderation of the heat.

If you visit during the winter, prepare for cold and dry conditions. Strong winds from the northwest can minimize the influence of the ocean, leading to temperatures that are notably colder than those found in nearby Beijing.

Three days in Qinhuangdao

Day one, you can begin your journey in the coastal area of Haigang to experience the atmosphere of the Bohai Sea. You can explore the local surroundings and enjoy the coastal scenery before moving on to other nearby locations.

Day two, travel toward Shanhaiguan where the Great Wall meets the sea. You can take in the historical significance of this area as you transition from the coast toward the inland landmarks of Hebei Province.

Day three, you can visit Beidaihe or Nandaihe to experience the coastal landscape. Alternatively, you can explore Changli County to see different aspects of the region before concluding your time in Qinhuangdao.

About this place