Qinhuangdao is a port city on the Bohai Sea in northern Hebei, roughly 300 km east of Beijing. It has a long coastline and a climate with four distinct seasons: winters are cold and dry, while summers are hot and humid, with July and August averaging around 24.7 °C and most of the year's rain falling from June to August.
For a visitor, the city is best understood as three main developed areas: Beidaihe, the summer seaside resort; Haigang, the harbour city and Qinhuangdao proper; and Shanhaiguan, the tourist destination at the eastern end of the Great Wall. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what kind of accommodation to expect at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Qinhuangdao
1. Beidaihe
Beidaihe is a summer seaside resort, historically used by senior government officials and compared to resorts such as Maine or Camp David in the United States. It suits visitors who want a coastal stay and a relaxed summer base, and it is the most obvious choice if the sea is the main reason for your trip.
Because it is a resort area, you will find the widest range of visitor-oriented accommodation here. Note that the coast moderates the summer heat more than inland cities, but winters are cold and dry, so the area's character is strongly seasonal.
2. Haigang
Haigang is the harbour city and Qinhuangdao proper. It is home to Yan Shan University, the leading university in northeastern Hebei, and it is where the city's urban life is concentrated. This area suits travellers who prefer a working city base with everyday services over a resort atmosphere.
The Port of Qinhuangdao sits at the southern edge of Haigang District, on what was once a small offshore island before it was joined to the mainland. Staying here puts you in the city itself rather than at the beach, so plan on travelling to the coast or to Shanhaiguan for sightseeing.
3. Shanhaiguan
Shanhaiguan is a popular tourist destination featuring the eastern end of the Great Wall. It is the best base for travellers whose priority is the Wall and the historic sites around it, and it suits those who want to be close to their main sight rather than in the city centre or at the beach.
Accommodation here is oriented towards visitors coming for the Wall. It is a separate developed area from Haigang and Beidaihe, so if you also want beach time or city amenities, you will need to travel between the areas.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Look for simple guesthouse-style and basic hotel accommodation, most readily found in the built-up urban area of Haigang and around the main tourist area of Shanhaiguan.
- Mid-range: Standard city and resort hotels are available in Haigang and Beidaihe, with Beidaihe offering the more seasonal, coast-oriented options.
- Splurge: The higher end of the market is concentrated in Beidaihe, which developed as a summer seaside resort, and in the main visitor areas of Shanhaiguan.
Best area for a first visit
Beidaihe is the best base for most first-time visitors. It is one of the city's three main developed areas and combines a seaside resort setting with the widest choice of visitor accommodation. From there you can travel to Haigang for the city and port, and to Shanhaiguan for the eastern end of the Great Wall.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stay on the coast?
Summer. July and August are the warmest months, averaging 24.7 °C, and the coast moderates the heat more than inland. Most of the annual rain falls from June to August, so expect humid conditions.
How cold does it get in winter?
Winters are cold and dry, with northwest winds from the Siberian high reducing the oceanic influence. The January daily average is −5.6 °C, colder than Beijing's −2.7 °C.
Which area is closest to the Great Wall?
Shanhaiguan, which features the eastern end of the Great Wall and is one of the city's three main developed areas.
How do I get to Qinhuangdao?
The city is about 300 km east of Beijing on the Bohai Sea and is served by Qinhuangdao Beidaihe Airport. It also sits on the Jingshen Expressway linking Beijing with Shenyang.
Compare live prices for the area you choose with the booking tools on this page.