Qinhuangdao, the Pearl of the Northern Coast: A Dreamlike Journey Guide

Hey everyone! Qinhuangdao, this hidden gem of a coastal city, is practically a real-life fairytale kingdom. It hides romance and tranquility in every sea breeze and every wave. Today, I'm bringing you a super practical Qinhuangdao travel guide to help you easily explore this seaside city! Preparations ● Documents: ID card, student ID (don't forget if you get discounts). ● Clothing: Qinhuangdao has a large temperature difference between day and night. Besides bringing plenty of pretty summer clothes, it's best to bring a light jacket. Girls can bring several flowy dresses for gorgeous photos! ● Sun Protection: The UV rays are extremely strong at the beach, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sun-protective clothing. ● Other: Bring some commonly used medications, such as cold medicine, stomach medicine, and motion sickness medicine. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Qinhuangdao is from May to October. May and June are ideal for birdwatching and enjoying the sea views; July and August are perfect for escaping the summer heat and swimming in the sea; September and October offer cool weather, ideal for seafood and hiking to enjoy panoramic views. Itinerary Day 1: Pigeon Nest Park - Fairy Snail Island - Anaya Chapel ● Pigeon Nest Park: 🌅 Be sure to get up early to see a stunning sunrise at Pigeon Nest Park. It's a bird sanctuary, and with luck, you might spot flocks of migratory birds. The park also has large shallow beaches where you can collect shells at low tide. Entrance fee: 25 yuan. ● Fairy Snail Island: 🚢 After leaving Pigeon Nest Park, head to Fairy Snail Island. You can take a cable car to the island and enjoy the beautiful sea views from the air. The island features attractions such as Fairy Snail Pavilion and Seven Star Stone, and you can also collect shells and catch crabs on the beach. Round-trip boat ticket + cable car ticket: 75 yuan. ● Anaya Chapel: 🏰 In the afternoon, head to the Anaya Chapel. This white chapel stands quietly by the sea, like a dreamlike castle. It's a fantastic spot for photos, but advance reservations are required. The Anaya Library is also nearby, worth checking out as well. Day 2: First Pass Under Heaven - Laolongtou - Biluo Tower Seaside Bar Park ● First Pass Under Heaven: 🏯 In the morning, experience the weight of history at the "First Pass Under Heaven." This is the eastern starting point of the Great Wall. The watchtower is magnificent, and climbing it offers a panoramic view of the ancient city of Shanhaiguan. Entrance fee: 40 yuan. ● Laolongtou: 🌊 Next, head to Laolongtou, the easternmost point of the Ming Great Wall where it meets the sea. The stone wall resembling a dragon's head protruding into the ocean, playing with the waves. Here you can enjoy the spectacular view where the Great Wall meets the sea. Entrance fee: 50 yuan. ● Biluo Tower Seaside Bar Park: 🌃 Head to Biluo Tower Seaside Bar Park in the evening. This is a popular spot for photos, featuring various unique bars, performances, and bonfire parties. Enjoy a drink while admiring the night view of the sea – the atmosphere is simply amazing. Tickets: 100 RMB. Day 3: Nandaihe International Entertainment Center - Xianluo Island (Optional) ● Nandaihe International Entertainment Center: 🎠Those who love thrill rides shouldn't miss this place. It offers sandboarding, grass skiing, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and many other attractions, as well as a large bathing beach. Tickets: 120 RMB. ● Xianluo Island (Optional): If you didn't get enough of Xianluo Island in the first two days, you can go again today, or take a leisurely stroll along the beach and enjoy a relaxing time. Food Recommendations ● Seafood: Seafood in Qinhuangdao is fresh and inexpensive. Be sure to try steamed crab, spicy stir-fried clams, garlic scallops, braised mantis shrimp, etc. We recommend buying seafood at the market and then having it cooked at a nearby restaurant. ● **Menzi:** This is a specialty snack of Qinhuangdao, made from starch, with a chewy texture. Served with sesame paste, minced garlic, and other seasonings, it tastes amazing. ● **Sitiao Baozi:** Primarily filled with pork and scallions, these thin-skinned buns are generously filled and have a delicious flavor. A long-established local brand. Accommodation Recommendations ● **Beidaihe:** Located near the sea, Beidaihe offers convenient transportation and a variety of hotels and guesthouses to choose from. If you want to stay by the sea and enjoy the sunrise, consider a guesthouse near Liuzhuang. ● **Anaya:** For a high-quality vacation experience, you can choose to stay in hotels or guesthouses within the Anaya community, but the prices are relatively high. Save this guide, everyone, and embark on a romantic seaside trip to Qinhuangdao! Tell me in the comments which place you're most looking forward to visiting! 😘