The best beaches in China
With summer officially here, you’ll probably be busily planning your great escape to a beach somewhere sunny – that is if you haven’t already booked your summer getaway! Many travellers choose far-off destinations to get their annual dose of vitamin D. But when thinking of the best beach destinations to travel to, chances are you wouldn’t have considered China as a potential candidate for sun, sea, and sand.
Those in search of crystal clear waters and white sand won’t be disappointed. China is home to many stunning beaches, whether the aim of your trip is to relax or enjoy the most exhilarating water sports. Discover the best beaches in China below.
Yalong Bay
Referred to by locals and visitors alike as ‘China’s Hawaii’, Sanya is paradise in every aspect. As the southernmost city of China’s Hainan Island, Sanya certainly benefits from great weather. It’s also home to long stretches of beach, the most famous being Yalong Bay. A visit to Yalong Bay isn’t just for travellers who crave luxury. The beach is renowned for its snorkelling as The Telegraph explains:
“About 15 miles south-east of Sanya, the crescent-shaped sandy beach at Yalong Bay sits in its own wildflower-filled coastal park. Best known for high-end resort hotels like the Ritz-Carlton Sanya and Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay, average water temperatures are 25C year round. It also has water visibility of up to 35ft so is great for snorkelling.”
The beach lines a tropical rainforest. The rainforest offers the perfect opportunity for lovers of the great outdoors to explore the natural beauty of the region. Adventure awaits when you get tired of lazing in the white sand looking at the clear waters and cloudless blue skies.
Shimei Bay
Yalong Bay is a popular beach and in turn, attracts scores of visitors. People looking to escape the crowds should head to Shimei Bay, also in Sanya.
Shimei is based further away from the tourist hotspots of the island, making it a more relaxing day at the beach for those wishing to enjoy a slower pace. Fewer crowds also make it a more budget-friendly option. This is perfect for people travelling for wellness, but wishing to keep things affordable for the remainder of their trip.
Silver Beach
Stretching for some 16 miles, Silver Beach in Beihai is another budget-friendly beach getaway. Budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean boring. You’ll be able to enjoy all the top water sports here, including paragliding, sailing, jet skiing, and beach volleyball.
When you’re not catching some rays or getting active, you can explore the historical surrounding area. Beihai’s Old Quarter is particularly heritage rich with its colonial architecture a beautiful sight to behold.
Weizhou Island
Nature lovers will love exploring the nearby volcanic island of Weizhou, which is easily accessible from Beihai. It takes 70 minutes by ferry to reach the island and the short journey is well worth making. Weizhou may be China’s youngest volcanic island, but it’s also the largest. Here, you can view the most unique volcanic rock formations alongside colourful coral and sea-eroded landscapes.
Weizhou has its own array of beautiful beaches, making it a great beach getaway in its own right. In addition to this, the island has an excellent reputation for producing fresh and super tasty seafood. Enjoy fresh oysters and scallops, not forgetting to try the island’s famous Weizhou shrimp.
