The eight most beautiful seaside destinations I’ve visited in China

Head to the coast and feel the breeze—it’s incredibly rejuvenating to simply gaze at the ocean.

🌊 Fujian · Sihuo Islands
⏰ Best Season: April to September
Dubbed the real-life Hyrule from The Legend of Zelda, these islands feature towering cliffs that stand dramatically in the sea, capturing a blend of solitude and romance. Untouched and undeveloped, the Sihuo Islands preserve their raw, natural beauty, with seagulls soaring near cliffs in June and July.

🌊 Shandong · Weihai
⏰ Best Season: Year-round
Weihai glows with warm, vibrant summers, and transforms into a snowy paradise reminiscent of Hokkaido in winter. With its shipwrecks, seagulls, windmills, and distinctive “orange sea,” Weihai seems like it’s lifted right from a fairy tale.

🌊 Liaoning · Dalian
⏰ Best Season: June to March
A coastal city with European charm, where seagulls circle above the docks and the roads seem to lead straight to the ocean—a perfect backdrop for a seaside escape.

🌊 Hainan · Sanya
⏰ Best Season: Year-round
Often referred to as the “Maldives of China,” Sanya boasts sapphire waters and pristine beaches that need no filter. Wuzhizhou and West Islands offer fantastic marine activities for visitors.

🌊 Hainan · Wanning
⏰ Best Season: Year-round
A hidden gem in Hainan, where a coastal road lined with coconut groves meets the sea. At sunset, the red lighthouse against the “orange sea” resembles scenes from a storybook.

🌊 Shandong · Yantai
⏰ Best Season: June to September
A charming coastal city with a relaxed vibe and beautiful scenery. The “Lonely Whale” spot is ideal for sunrise views, and Yangma Island offers stunning “jelly-blue” waters.

🌊 Zhejiang · Zhoushan Dongji Island
⏰ Best Season: June to October
Located on the easternmost edge of China, Dongji Island is the first place to see the sunrise in the country. Accessible by boat only, each of its three islands offers unique landscapes.

🌊 Guangxi · Beihai Weizhou Island
⏰ Best Season: October to May
This serene, rustic island is perfect for a leisurely pace. Rent a scooter and explore at ease, with opportunities for tide-pooling, diving, and fishing along the way.

These coastal gems, with their distinctive beauty and character, stand alongside the world’s most enchanting seaside destinations!