The best beaches in China

China may not leap to mind as a top beach destination in Asia. Nearby countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and India have long dominated the sea-and-sand scene, but China boasts more than 14,000km of coastline, so it shouldn't be a big surprise that there are some great beaches along its shores.

The best beaches in China range from busy seaside resorts and emerging surf hubs to intriguing river beaches that redefine the idea of what an Asian beach should look like. Beach time in China, as anywhere, is a seasonal activity, with many spots hitting their peak from June to August, but some sections of coast are worth visiting at any time of year.

The island province of Hainan has a hint of Hawaiʻi thanks to its palm-fringed beaches and relaxed vibe, and as an added perk, many travelers can visit this island escape visa-free. Over in Hong Kong, a ferry ride or a hike through the mountains can take you to beach strips lined with seafood restaurants and quiet coves of golden sand. Surf culture is also carving out its niche along China’s coast, from the swells of Riyue Bay to emerging spots up north.

Imperial edicts once kept locals stuck in their inland provinces, but in modern China, traveling to the coast on vacation is a popular activity. The nation's beaches draw a mix of sun-seeking families, couples seeking romantic vistas and curious overseas visitors.

Ready to explore? Here are some of the best beaches in China to kick back on.

1. Yalong Bay, Hainan

Best beach for families

In the far southeast, Hainan is the hub of tropical beach travel in China, and Yalong Bay is the crown jewel of Sanya, the island's best-loved resort. This 7km crescent of soft, pale sand curves along clear, aquamarine waters, backed by lush hills and upscale resorts.

Snorkeling and diving are popular diversions, though many visitors are just as happy to bask on the beach. With this being China, the beach scene is backed up by great food and fun nightlife. If you need a culture break, it's just 2 hours by train to Haikou, with its French-influenced old town and patriotic museum.

• Location: 15km east of central Sanya.

• Getting there: From the middle of Sanya, you can take bus 15 to Yalong Bay, come by taxi, or hire an electric scooter.

• Amenities: Public showers and toilets and plenty of resort restaurants.

Planning tip: If you’re staying at one of the luxury hotels along the bay, make the most of their private beachfronts, which tend to be quieter and more relaxed than public stretches of beach, where entry fees may be charged.

2. Beidaihe Scenic Area, Hebei

Best beach for a laid-back scene

Beaches don't have to just be about bathing and basking. When the summer weather becomes stifling in Beijing, locals in the know make a break for Beidaihe Scenic Area in Hebei province, a classic Chinese seaside escape just 2–3 hours away by bullet train. It gets busy here at weekends, but weekdays see the coast at its best.

The beaches along this stretch of coast have wide stretches of golden sand, and the pace of life is delightfully unhurried. Birdwatching is big, especially during the spring and fall migration seasons, with some 400 bird species spotted here. You'll also spot plenty of people flying kites or facing off in friendly games of beach volleyball.

• Location: 285km east of central Beijing.

• Getting there: High-speed trains run from Beijing South railway station to Beidaihe, and buses, taxis and rideshares can get you to the beaches.

• Amenities: Waterfront parks, beach sport areas, toilets and food kiosks.

Detour: An hour’s drive northeast from Beidaihe will bring you to Laolongtou, set at the easternmost end of China's Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Sandy beaches flank the point where the wall finally dips into the sea.

3. Red Beach, Panjin, Liaoning

Best beach for coastal views and unique photos

A one-of-a-kind spectacle at the mouth of the Liaohe River, Panjin’s famous Red Beach transforms into a sea of crimson from September to October. The striking hue comes from a plant called seepweed, which flourishes in the saline-alkali soils of the tidal flats and changes color with the seasons.

This isn't a spot for water sports or sunbathing. The water's edge is hemmed by tidal wetlands that feel more like a painting than a beach. Raised wooden boardwalks cross the marshes, offering a great vantage point for photos.

• Location: 30km south of central Panjin.

• Getting there: From Panjin Railway Station, take a taxi or a seasonal tourist shuttle bus (September to October).

• Amenities: The viewing area has toilets and boardwalks; the best eating options are in Panjin.

Planning tip: Keep your binoculars handy. This protected marshland is a hot spot for over 260 species of migratory birds, including endangered black-billed gulls and rare red-crowned cranes.

4. Wuzhizhou Island, Hainan

Best beach for diving

A mere speck off Hainan’s coast, heart-shaped Wuzhizhou Island has built a name for itself as a tropical paradise escape, often likened to the Maldives – and for good reason. Its crystal-clear waters shimmer in shades of turquoise, revealing a rich underwater world that makes it one of China’s most celebrated diving spots.

Divers and snorkelers can see an impressive array of marine life, including over 350 species of coral. The island has its own dive center, and gleaming beaches trace the northern shoreline, on either side of the boat jetty, with plenty of other water sports on offer.

• Location: About 3km offshore from Haitang, 30km east of central Sanya.

• Getting there: From downtown Sanya, take bus 28 to the wharf at Haitang, then a 15-minute boat ride.

• Amenities: Toilets, numerous food and drink vendors, plus water sports facilities and a dive center.

Detour: Don’t miss the island's Matsu Temple, one of Hainan’s oldest structures. It's sacred to the Chinese sea goddess, patron deity of fishermen, sailors and coastal communities.

5. Tai Long Wan, Hong Kong

Best beach for escaping the city

Hong Kong has some of China’s most beautiful beaches, and many are just a short taxi or boat ride from the city hubbub. For those willing to put in a bit of extra effort, Tai Long Wan on the Sai Kung Peninsula to the east of Kowloon delivers a dose of sublime serenity. Bring sunscreen and a hat, though, as there isn't a lot of shade.

Accessed via a 40-minute hike from the Sai Wan Pavilion near Sai Kung Town, this remote bay contains four gorgeous beaches: Sai Wan, Ham Tin Wan, Tai Wan and Tung Wan. Visitors can chill on white sands, swim, camp or refuel at rustic beachside eateries, enjoying a calm escape from the city crush.

• Location: About 30km northeast of Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon.

• Getting there: From central Hong Kong, take the MTR train to Mong Kok, then a minibus to reach Sai Kung; from here, you can take the NR29 bus or a taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion to start the hike.

• Amenities: There are simple food stands and public toilets at Sai Wan beach.

Planning tip: To skip the hike, especially in the hot months, you can board a seasonal speedboat between Sai Kung and the beaches (but check the schedule before you head out).

6. Tianya Haijiao, Hainan

Best beach for couples

Tianya Haijiao is a poetic, palm-fringed stretch of coastline west of Sanya in Hainan, often chosen as a wedding backdrop because of its dramatic views and romantic lore. The name translates to “the end of the earth and sea," and with its sands and giant boulders, the mood is appropriately romantic. Expect things to be quite busy at weekends and during public holidays.

Scattered along the shore are five famous rocks – Tianya (Heaven’s Edge), Haijiao (Sea’s Corner), Southern Heaven Rock, the Love Rock, and the Rock of Blessings – where couples pose for photos. The shoreline has been developed for tourism with waterside parks and walking paths, and visitors can enjoy the usual beachside activities or charter a yacht for an offshore escape.

• Location: About 18km northwest of central Sanya.

• Getting there: Coming from Sanya, take a taxi or DiDi rideshare, or jump on a bus.

• Amenities: The tourist complex has food stands, public toilets and plenty of touristy activities.

Planning tip: Combine a visit to Tianya Haijiao with a detour west to Nanshan Temple, where a causeway leads out to an enormous statue of Guan Yin, set on a manmade island.

7. Sun and Moon Bay, Hainan

Best beach for surfing

Widely considered to be China’s top surfing spot, Sun and Moon Bay (also known as Riyue Bay) in Wanning, Hainan, draws wave-chasers from across the country and abroad. The surf clubs here double as relaxed beach hangouts, and beginner-friendly schools offer classes for those picking up a board for the first time.

The waters on this strip of coast are clear and clean, and the long waves can pack a punch during heavy swell. But if surfing’s not your thing, the bay’s turquoise coastline is ideal for other beach activities or simply sitting back and soaking up the sea breeze.

• Location: About 90km northeast of Sanya, on Hainan's east coast.

• Getting there: Take the train from Sanya or Haikou to Wanning, then a taxi or DiDi rideshare to the surf breaks.

• Amenities: The coast at Wanning has cafes, public toilets, surf clubs and surf schools.

Planning tip: Surfing is possible year-round in Hainan, but the peak surf season is from November to March, when 1–2m waves appear consistently.

8. Golden Beach, Zhuhai

Best beach for walking

Just a stone’s throw from the airport at Zhuhai on the estuary of the Pearl River, Golden Beach lives up to its name with a wide expanse of soft sand framed by mountains. Stretching for 3km, it’s the largest beach in Zhuhai – and one of the most peaceful.

One of the most scenic spots in Guangdong province, it's a favorite destination for weekend campers, barbecue lovers, and those who prefer a quiet barefoot stroll along the shore – a rare experience on many stretches of the Chinese coastline.

• Location: About 30km southwest of central Zhuhai, near Zhuhai International Airport in Jinwan district.

• Getting there: Take a bus or a taxi or DiDi rideshare from Zhuhai.

• Amenities: The beach has some basic amenities.

Planning tip: If you visit Zhuhai, it's worth popping over the border to Macau, just 14km south of the center. City buses run from Zhuhai to Gongbei Port, where you can pass immigration and enter this former Portuguese city-state.

9. Gulangyu Island, Xiamen

Best beach for historic exploration

Just off the coast of Xiamen, pedestrian-only Gulangyu Island is a breezy escape, famed for its colonial-era architecture, giant statuary, sandy beaches and scenic gardens. Shaded by towering banyan trees and coconut palms, the island is a relaxing expanse of winding lanes lined with historic European-style mansions built in the distinctive Amoy Deco style, spilling down to laid-back beaches.

A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Gulangyu is also known as “Piano Island” – a nod to its rich musical heritage. Add in cute shops, plenty of seafood restaurants and some appealing stretches of sand – particularly at Mei Hua and Gangzaihou – and you’ve got a coastal getaway with plenty of soul.

• Location: Offshore from Xiamen, at the mouth of the Jiulong River.

• Getting there: Ferries run from several terminals in Xiamen to Gulangyu; the crossing takes about 20 minutes. Different terminals operate at different times of day, so make sure you’re heading to the correct terminal.

• Amenities: Most Gulangyu beaches have toilets and places to eat.

Detour: Don’t miss the piano museum while exploring Gulangyu’s elegant Shuzhuang Garden, which spills back from the shore at the south end of the island.