When the summer heat becomes unbearable in the city, my first thought is always to escape to the seaside. There’s nothing more refreshing than the sea breeze, the sound of waves crashing on the shore, and the taste of fresh seafood. This summer, I chose to visit Beidaihe, a famous coastal resort in Hebei Province, China. Known as the “Pearl of the Bohai Sea,” Beidaihe has been a popular summer destination for Chinese people for decades. With its clean beaches, clear sea water, pleasant climate, and beautiful scenery, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. My five-day trip to Beidaihe was filled with sunshine, sea breeze, and happy moments, making it one of the most relaxing vacations I’ve ever had.
I arrived at Beidaihe on a sunny morning. As soon as I got off the train, I could feel the cool sea breeze blowing on my face, which immediately relieved the stuffiness of the city. I checked into a small hotel near the beach, which had a balcony with a beautiful view of the sea. After putting down my luggage, I couldn’t wait to head to the beach. The beach was clean and spacious, with soft golden sand under my feet. There were already a lot of tourists on the beach, some swimming in the sea, some building sandcastles with their children, some lying on the beach chairs sunbathing, and some playing beach volleyball. The sound of laughter and the crashing of waves filled the air, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere.
I walked along the beach, letting the sea water wash over my feet. The water was cool and clear, and I could see small fish swimming around. I stopped to talk to a group of local fishermen who were mending their nets on the beach. They told me that Beidaihe’s sea water is very clean, so the seafood here is fresh and delicious. They also told me that in the early morning, you can see fishing boats returning to the harbor with their catches, and you can buy the freshest seafood directly from the fishermen. I decided to get up early the next day to experience this.
The next morning, I got up at 5 o’clock and went to the harbor. Sure enough, there were dozens of fishing boats returning to the harbor, their decks loaded with all kinds of seafood: crabs, shrimps, scallops, and various kinds of fish. The fishermen were busy unloading their catches, and the harbor was bustling with activity. I bought some fresh crabs and shrimps from a fisherman, and then took them to a nearby seafood restaurant to have them cooked. The crabs were big and juicy, and the shrimps were sweet and tender. It was the most delicious seafood I’ve ever had.
In addition to the beach, Beidaihe has many other scenic spots worth visiting. One of my favorite spots was the Lianfeng Mountain Scenic Area, located in the western part of Beidaihe. The mountain is not very high, but the scenery is beautiful. I hiked up the mountain, and along the way, I passed through dense forests of pine and cypress. The air was fresh, and the sound of birds chirping filled the air. At the top of the mountain, there is a pavilion called “Wanghai Pavilion,” from which you can see the entire Beidaihe coast. The view was breathtaking: the blue sea stretched as far as the eye could see, and the white waves crashed against the shore. The beach looked like a golden ribbon, and the buildings in the distance were scattered among the green trees.
I also visited the Tiger Rock Park, which is famous for its rock formations shaped like tigers. The park is located by the sea, and the rocks are eroded by the sea water and wind, forming various interesting shapes. Some rocks look like tigers lying on the beach, some look like tigers roaring at the sea. I climbed up the rocks and took photos with them. The sea breeze was strong on the rocks, and it made me feel very refreshed.
In the afternoon, I rented a bicycle and rode along the coastal road. The road is lined with green trees and colorful flowers, and on one side is the sea, on the other side are villas and hotels. I passed by many scenic spots along the way, such as the Bird’s Nest Observation Deck and the Beidaihe Zoo. I stopped from time to time to take photos and enjoy the scenery. It was a very pleasant experience, riding a bicycle in the sea breeze and enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery.
Beidaihe is also a great place for food lovers. In addition to the fresh seafood, there are many local snacks worth trying. I tried the “Beidaihe pancake,” which is a thin pancake made of flour and eggs, rolled with vegetables and meat. It’s crispy and delicious. I also tried the “seaweed jelly,” which is made of seaweed and served with a sauce made of vinegar, garlic, and chili oil. It’s cool and refreshing, perfect for summer.
In the evening, I often sat on the beach and watched the sunset. The sun slowly sank into the sea, casting a golden glow on the water and the sky. The clouds were dyed red and orange, and the sea looked like a sea of gold. The sound of waves was gentle, and the sea breeze was cool. It was a peaceful and beautiful moment. Sometimes, I would walk along the beach with other tourists, chatting and laughing. We shared our travel experiences and talked about our lives. It was a great way to make new friends.
On my last day in Beidaihe, I went to the beach early in the morning to watch the sunrise. The sky was dark at first, but gradually, a faint red glow appeared on the horizon. Then, the sun slowly rose, and the sky turned golden. The sea reflected the color of the sun, and it was a magnificent sight. I stood there, watching the sunrise, and felt a sense of peace and happiness. It was the perfect end to my trip.
When I left Beidaihe, I felt reluctant. This coastal resort has everything I could want for a relaxing vacation: beautiful beaches, clear sea water, fresh seafood, pleasant climate, and friendly people. It’s a place where you can forget all your worries and just enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or alone, Beidaihe is definitely a great choice. I can’t wait to go back there again.