The Chinese Maldives are just 3 hours from Beijing.
If you're tired of the noisy streets of Beijing and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find a haven with turquoise water, white sand, and bungalows right above the sea, head to Yuetuo Island. Locals call it the "Tangshan Maldives," and it's the perfect short weekend getaway for residents of China's capital. The island is located in Leting County, Tangshan, on the Bohai Gulf. It's about 220 kilometers from Beijing, and the journey takes just 2.5-3 hours.
🗺️How to get from Beijing to Yuetuo: all options
1. Rail (the most comfortable option for tourists)
High-speed trains run daily from Beijing's North and South railway stations to Leting Nan Station. Travel time is 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes, with a one-way ticket starting from 70 yuan.
After arriving at Leting Nan Station:
· Take a taxi to Shitanghu Port (the ferry boarding point to the island) – 20 minutes, about 30 yuan;
· Public bus No. 8 is a cheap option, runs hourly, and takes 40 minutes.
2. Private car or rental car
From central Beijing, take Highway G1 to Tangshan, then turn onto Leting. The journey takes 2.5–3 hours without traffic. The port has a large free parking lot for all visitors. Ideal for groups of 3–4.
3. Group excursion from Beijing
Trip.com offers packaged one- and two-day tours, including roundtrip transfers from Beijing, ferry tickets, and sometimes breakfast included. Suitable for those who don't want to plan their own route.
⛴️Ferry to Yuetuo Island (Key Information)
A roundtrip ferry ticket costs 110 yuan for an adult; children under 1.2 meters tall receive a 50% discount.
Flight schedule (May-September season): 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, every hour. Flights are canceled in bad weather or strong winds—always check the forecast before traveling. The crossing takes only 20 minutes.
🩵The island's main attraction: overwater bungalows, just like in the Maldives
Yuetuo has earned the nickname "The Maldives of Northern China" thanks to its unique wooden houses built on stilts directly above the bay. This is the perfect accommodation option for a romantic getaway for couples:
· The room offers a direct sea view;
· Glass hatches under the floor allow you to watch the fish swimming without leaving your room;
· The private terrace has chairs for watching the sunrise and sunset.
🏘️Island Accommodation Categories
1. Overwater Bungalows (the most popular option)
Price on weekdays: 380-600 RMB per night; on weekends and holidays, prices rise to 800-1200 RMB.
2. Standard Hotel Rooms on the Beach
A budget option, without a water view, starting from 200 RMB per night. Suitable for large groups or families with children.
3. Camping Cabins
For nature lovers, prices start from 150 RMB, minimal amenities.
Important tip: book overwater cabins 3-7 days in advance, as they sell out within a few days during peak season.
⛱️🏄☀️Beaches and entertainment on Yuetuo
The island is small, you can walk around it in an hour, but there are enough activities for two full days of relaxation:
1. Central beach with white sand
The water of Bohai Bay here is clear, light turquoise, with a sandy bottom and no sharp rocks. There are swimming areas supervised by lifeguards, and you can rent swimming rings and beach umbrellas. Ideal for families with children.
2. Boat and speedboat rides
Rent small boats for a ride along the shore for 80 yuan per hour. You can try fishing in the bay; gear is available for rent on the beach.
3. Evening illumination of the embankment
After sunset, all the overwater bungalows and the embankment are illuminated with colorful lights, making for incredibly beautiful photos for social media. Local cafes open their summer terraces overlooking the lights.
4. Hiking on the Island
A trail runs along the edge of the island, offering panoramic views of the bay. Seagulls are common here, and it's quiet and uncrowded.
🥗Local Cuisine: What to Try on Yuetuo
The menu focuses on fresh seafood caught by local fishermen right in the bay—prices are significantly lower than in Beijing restaurants.
· Boiled shrimp and Bohai crabs (the most popular dish);
· Fried fish, a local recipe, with ginger and onions;
· Seaweed salad, a light, bland flavor (suitable for those who enjoy traditional Chinese food);
· Local rice cakes stuffed with seafood.
Lunch for two costs around 100-150 RMB. Most cafes are located near the pier and are open until late in the evening.
📌Pros and Cons of an Island Vacation for Tourists from Beijing
👍Pros
1. Very close to the capital – no need to plan long flights or train rides longer than 3 hours;
2. Unique overwater bungalows, almost unmatched in northern China;
3. Clean beach, calm water, and little noise compared to the popular resorts of Qingdao and Dalian;
4. A short weekend getaway – perfect for a break from work without a long vacation.
👎Cons
1. The holiday season is short: swimming is only comfortable from May to the end of September. From October to April, the sea is cold, and most overwater bungalows are closed;
2. On Saturdays and Sundays, many tourists from Beijing, Tangshan, and Shijiazhuang arrive – the beaches are full, and accommodation prices double;
3. During strong northerly winds, ferries are canceled, risking being stranded on the mainland and missing the island;
4. There are no large shopping centers on the island, only small shops selling water and snacks—it's best to bring everything you need with you.
❤️Recommended two-day itinerary from Beijing
Day 1
Depart Beijing in the morning by high-speed train to Leting, transfer to the port, and take a ferry to Yuetuo. Check into an overwater bungalow, stroll along the beach, enjoy a seafood lunch, take evening photos of the illuminated promenade, and dine on a café terrace.
Day 2
Early sunrise over the sea, walk along the island trail, rent a boat, or relax on the beach until noon. Lunch, check out, ferry back to the mainland, and train back to Beijing in the evening.
Useful tips for travelers
1. Best time to visit: mid-June or September – off-peak tourist season, warm water, affordable hotel rates;
2. Be sure to check the weather forecast the day before departure to avoid ferry cancellations;
3. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a change of swimwear – beach shops on the island are expensive;
4. If you're going on a weekend, leave Beijing early in the morning to avoid long lines for the ferry at midday;
5. Don't expect the Maldives-level infrastructure – this is a budget version of Northern China, designed for a short weekend getaway.
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