12 Most Beautiful Beaches in China 2025: Best Coast Destinations Revealed

From Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, East China Sea to South China Sea, China’s 32,000 kilometer coastline blesses it with a wealth amount of stunning beaches, each of which is a gift from nature. Today, we will unveil the 12 most beautiful beaches in China. They each have their own features, not only as coast destinations and geological wonders, but also as witnesses of the interdependence between Chinese civilization and the ocean. Whether you want to sunbathe, relax on vacation, explore water sports, listen to the sound of sea waves, feel the magnificence of the sea, or enjoy romantic time, you can always find a place you love.

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• 1. Yalong Bay, Sanya: A Tropical Paradise
• 2. Wuzhizhou Island, Sanya: A Hidden Gem
• 3. Gulangyu Island, Xiamen: An Artistic Oasis
• 4. Golden Sand Beach, Qingdao: A Feast of Ocean Views & Seafood
• 5. Tianya Haijiao, Sanya: Legends of Love and Beauty
• 6. Silver Beach, Beihai: Sea Views & Fountain Shows
• 7. Beidaihe Scenic Area, Near Beijing: A Coastal Retreat
• 8. Sun and Moon Bay, Wanning: Best Spot for Surfing
• 9. Red Beach in Panjin, Liaoning: The One and Only Red Coastline
• 10. Xiapu, Fujian: Breathtaking Coastline Featuring Tidal Flats and Seafood
• 11. Qianbusha Beach, Zhoushan, Zhejiang: The Largest Natural Beach on Mount Putuo‌
• 12. Baisha Beach, Kending, Taiwan: A Popular Shell Silver Beach and Filming Location

1. Yalong Bay, Sanya: A Tropical Paradise

As one of the most family-friendly and beautiful beaches in China, Yalong Bay is an ideal winter destination for leisure vacation and water entertainment experiences. This crescent-shaped bay at the southernmost tip of Hainan boasts 7.5-kilometer fine white sandbeach and lush primitive vegetation growing on shore, giving it a unique tropical island style.

Viewed from afar, Yalong Bay appears in several different shades of blue. Its seawater is clean and transparent with a visibility of 7-9 meters, suitable for undersea diving. Here you can clearly observe corals, abundant tropical fish, precious seashells, etc.

Known as the “Oriental Hawaii” and “Number One Bay in the World”, Yalong Bay has a temperature of 26 °C in winter, and the seawater temperature reaches over 20 °C, making swimming suitable all year round.

Location: 28 kilometers southeast of Sanya City, Hainan Province

Best time to visit: from November to April during the dry season, when the weather is sunny, comfortable, and perfect for beach vacation and water activities.

Recommended Hotel: Yalong Bay Villas & Spa

Recommended Sanya Tours:

• 4 Days Classic Sanya Private Tour
• 5 Days Private Sanya Highlight Beach Tour

2. Wuzhizhou Island, Sanya: A Hidden Gem

Another blessful beach in China and one off the romantic hideaways, Wuzhizhou Island is praised as “a hidden gem” embedded in the ocean. It is like a serene retreat away from the world and presents its untouched beauty to travelers. Wuzhizhou Island also boasts diverse marine ecosystems. No one can resist the chance to dive in the spectacular underwater world here to have an intimate contact with shoals of tropical fish. You can also take a leisure walk on the soft beach or simply lie on a chair to bask in the sun and gentle sea breeze.

Features:

• Untouched Natural Scenery– Embraced by the vast sea, Wuzhizhou Island feasts tourists with its unspoiled beauty of white beach, turquoise waters and lush vegetation.
• Paradise for Diving– Just equip yourself with diving gears for an exploration into its diverse marine ecosystems by viewing various coral reefs and colorful tropical fish.

Location: Wuzhizhou, Haitangwan Town, Haitang District, Sanya City, Hainan Province

Best time to visit: from November to March, ideal for snorkeling, diving, and enjoying the island’s stunning beaches.

Recommended Hotel: Wuzhizhou Coral Hotel

Recommended Tours:

• One Day Wuzhizhou Islet Tour
• 5 Day Sanya Beach to Tour Wuzhizhou Island

3. Gulangyu Island, Xiamen: An Artistic Oasis

One should not miss peaceful shores of Gulangyu while visiting Xiamen. Another blissful beach in China, it is a “pedestrian-only” island, as all attractions are within walking distance, making it a perfect escape for visitors to have a leisurely vacation.

Gulangyu Island offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural enrichment. Here, you can have a relaxing time along the seashore, visit historical buildings like private gardens and ancient military facilities, and feel its strong artistic atmosphere at music-themed museums.

Features:

Included in the World Heritage List in 2017, Gulangyu Island is known as the “Garden on the Sea” for its architecture, music, lush vegetation and flowers.

• International Architecture Expo: Gulangyu Island currently has over 1000 historical buildings with different styles, among which the most noteworthy is Shuzhuang Garden, which combines Chinese and Western architectural styles and houses more than 40 antique pianos.
• “Piano Island” and“Music Town”: With the highest per capita piano ownership rate in China, music genes are deeply rooted in Gulangyu’s blood. China’s first Piano Museum, the world’s largest Organ Museum, and Gulangyu Music Hall are all located here.
• Sunlight Rock: Asthe high-point on Gulangyu, Sunlight Rock offers a breathtaking view of the entire island, especially enchanting at sunrise. Gangzaihou is an ideal natural bathing beach with beautiful scenery as well as good sand, water quality, and climate.

Location: Gulangyu Island, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian Province

Best time to visit: from October to April, when the weather is mild, pleasant, and a perfect time for exploring the island’s cultural sites and historic architecture.

Recommended Hotel: Gulangyu Bayview Inn

Recommended Xiamen Tours:

• One Day Xiamen City Sightseeing and Gulangyu Island Tour
• 3 Days Xiamen Tour to Tulou and Gulangyu Island

4. Golden Sand Beach, Qingdao: A Feast of Ocean Views & Seafood

Qingdao’s Golden Sand Beach is a coastal gem that enjoys a reputation as the “No. 1 Beach in Asia” because of its powdery and golden sands. It is one of the top beaches in China, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and beach sports like volleyball.

Foodies can also content themselves with tasty seafood here. If you come here during the International Beer Festival, there will be colorful activities offering a special culinary experience during your China tours.

Features:

• The Most Beautiful Bathing Beach –It attracts travelers with its iconic yellow shore with sands as delicate as powder, as sparkling as gold.
• Savor Seafood & Beer –There are a number of stalls and restaurants serving diverse delicious seafood, which goes perfect with local famous beer – Tsingtao Beer.

Location: Qingdao Economic and Technological Development Zone, Shandong Province

Best time to visit: from June to September, when you and your family can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and the vibrant seaside atmosphere.

Recommended Hotel: Wyndham Grand Qingdao

5. Tianya Haijiao, Sanya: Legends of Love and Beauty

Embraced by the endless ocean and azure sky, Tianya Haijiao, translated as “the end of the earth”, has become synonymous with eternal love. As one of the most famous beaches in China, it is steeped in legendary tales and is filled with romantic landscapes, making it the first choice for young Chinese couples to shoot wedding photos. Besides breathtaking coastal views, you’ll also encounter several inscribed giant rocks as you walk along the sandy beaches, which form a unique landscape along the sea shore.

Features:

• Romantic Elements –There are so many romantic landscapes adding the feeling of love, such as heart-shaped rocks, pure churches, and entangled palms resembling a couple hugging each other.
• Inscribed Rocks –A number of colossal boulders are scattered along the shore, some of which were inscribed with words and poems written by ancient literati and officials, endowing the island with profound cultural accumulation.

Location: 26 kilometers west of Coastal Bin, Sanya, Hainan Province, under Maling Mountain

Best time to visit: from November to March, when savor slowly the scenic coastline and iconic rock formations.

Recommended Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Hainan, Sanya

Recommended Tour: 5 Days Private Sanya Highlight Beach Tour

6. Silver Beach, Beihai: Sea Views & Fountain Shows

The Silver Beach in Beihai is well-known for its fine sandy shore, and one of the best surfing havens in China. The sands are so delicate that you won’t feel hurt at all when walking on the beach barefoot. The Silver Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in China, that shows a harmonious blend of ocean views and music. There is a large music sculpture fountain on the shore. Four fountain shows are on every night. Accompanied with beautiful music and colorful lights, it will turn the coastline into a dazzling world.

Features

• Ideal for Swimming– The highly transparent seawater and the gently sloping shore together make swimming here extremely safe. With an average water temperature of 23℃, there are nine months of the year that is suitable to play in the sea.
• Music Sculpture Fountain –Asia’s largest music sculpture fountain is set on the Silver Beach. Seen from distance, it looks like a giant pearl with seven beautiful girls surrounding it. At night, spectacular fountain shows will give you a different beach-visiting experience.

Location: Yintan Middle Road, Yinhai District, Beihai City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

Best time to visit: From April to October, when don’t miss the various fun beach activities along the pristine coastline.

Recommended Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel, Beihai

Recommended Tour: 3 Days Beihai and Weizhou Island Beach Tour

7. Beidaihe Scenic Area, Near Beijing: A Coastal Retreat

Beidaihe Scenic Area is a celebrated coastal retreat located in Hebei and a perfect option for those looking for beaches near Beijing. There are several scenic spots offering you diverse visiting experience. You can go to China’s top bathing beaches to enjoy the charming coastline, observe birds in the nearby shoals, or hike the trails to explore the lush hills.

Features:

• Beidaihe East Bathing Beach– It is the largest beach in the whole Scenic Area of Beidaihe, boasting a long winding coastline, gentle sandy shores and crystal-clear waters.
• Tiger Stone Park– As its name indicates, there are several oddly-shaped rocks dotted on the shore, resembling a pack of tigers crouching on the beach. Here, you can also appreciate splendid scenery of giant rocks stretching into the sea, with earshot of waves crashing on the reefs.
• Lianfeng Mountain– It is a natural oxygen bar near the expansive beaches of Beidaihe. Follow the hiking trails to explore the lush forest. At the hilltop, you can have a panoramic view of the seascape.

Location: The middle section of Binhai Avenue, Beidaihe District, Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province

Best time to visit: From May to October, when you can enjoy birdwatching, and many beach activities.

Recommended Hotel: Sheraton Qinhuangdao Beidaihe Hotel

8. Sun and Moon Bay, Wanning: Best Spot for Surfing

Sun and Moon Bay, embedded on the southeast coast of Hainan Island, interweaves the wild genes of “China’s surfing capital” with the gentle rhythm of South Sea style. China National Geographic states that “every wave here hides the epic of the ocean”.

As a famous surfing destination in the world, Sun and Moon Bay has clear water quality and beautiful environment. The waves are long and strong with frequent fluctuations, with seawater’s average annual temperature being about 26.5 °C. Thus, it is suitable for surfing all year round. Nowadays, there are over 30 surfing clubs stationed here, providing surfing experiences and teaching.

Sun and Moon Bay at night is a carnival for everyone. Bars, dance floors, and cafes along the shore are popular for young people. You can fully release and enjoy yourself here.

• Location: Riyuewan South Sea Fishing Village Cultural Tourism Zone, Liji Town, Wanning City, Hainan; 200 kilometers from Haikou City; 95 kilometers from Sanya City
• Best time to visit: from October to April, with perfect temperature and beautiful tropic scenery
• Recommended Hotel: Atlantis Sanya

9. Red Beach in Panjin, Liaoning: The One and Only Red Coastline

Located at the mouth of Liaohe River, Red Beach in Panjin offers the one and only coastline in the world, that presents fiery-red landscape during September to October due to a kind of sea blite growing in the mudflats. This unique scenery makes the Red Beach one of the most beautiful beaches in China. Visitors can follow the wooden walkway to fully take in the special natural beauty here. Besides, Panjin Red Beach is also the habitat for thousands of migrant birds, which injects a sense of vitality into this red land.

• Location: about 30 kilometers from Panjing City, Liaoning Province
• Best time to visit: from late August to October, when the seepweed turns vibrant red, creating a stunning natural landscape.
• Recommended Hotel: Panjin Ecological Hotel

10. Xiapu, Fujian: Breathtaking Coastline Featuring Tidal Flats and Seafood

Selected as the “most beautiful beach in China” by CNN, Xiapu is famous for its unique mudflat scenery, rich marine resources and charming fishing villages. Tidal fluctuations and light shadow changes throughout four seasons make this sea area exceptionally beautiful. Its unique coastline attracts numerous tourists to drive the East China Sea No.1 Highway.

Xiapu can satisfy all your fantasies about the seaside: the stunning sunrise at sea in Huazhu, the romantic orange sea sunset in Dongbi, the clean and well-equipped Dajing Beach, the Xiawei Island with a large sea cave, the Santorini style Haiwei Castle, the Luxia Lighthouse… In addition, Xiapu has a rich variety of seafood and is known as the “Fujian Seafood Coming from Xiapu”. The combination of fishermen’s labor with the mountains and sea has formed a unique photography destination.

• Location:Xiapu County, Ningde City, northeast Fujian Province
• Best time to visit:from April to June (kelp season) and from September to November (laver season), with moderate temperature and unique scenery
• Recommended Hotel:SHIJIANHAI XIAPU Hotel

11. Qianbusha Beach, Zhoushan, Zhejiang: The Largest Natural Beach on Mount Putuo‌

Located on the eastern coast of Putuo Mountain Island, Qianbusha (Thousand Step Beach) is an iconic beach of the “Buddhist Kingdom on Sea”. Qianbusha stretches 1.75 kilometers long, with golden, pure and soft sand. As one of the most beautiful beaches in China which blends Buddhist serenity and oceanic grandeur, Qianbusha is perfect for wave treading, watching the sea, listening to the tide, and swimming.

As the tide recedes, the “Listen to the Tide” rock emerges from the sand. At dawn, you may see and hear the spectacular “three layers of waves”. On sunny days, a “mirage” wonder can be faintly seen where the sea meets the sky. Together with Buddhist attractions such as the Purple Bamboos and the Bukenqu Guanyin Temple, it creates a unique atmosphere of “Buddhist chanting and waves coexisting”.

• Location:At the northern foot of Jibao Ridge, Putuo Mountain Scenic Area, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province
• Best time to visit:from May to October, with pleasant weather in spring and autumn,  and enjoying water activities in summer
• Recommended Hotel:Lvtyuange Boutique Hotel

12. Baisha Beach, Kending, Taiwan: A Popular Shell Silver Beach and Filming Location

Baisha Beach is famous for its 500-meter-long white shell beach and clear blue warm seawater. It is not only a popular destination for shallow water swimming, diving, windsurfing and other water sports, but also a great relaxing resort for sunbathing. 90% of the sand particles here are ground from the shells of marine organisms. When stepping on them, it feels like stepping on millions of broken jade pieces, creating a fine ding-dong sound. This is praised by China National Geographic as a “singing beach”.

Maintaining primitive natural appearance, Baisha Beach boasts unforgettable coral reef coastline, sunset and starry sky. It is also the starting point of Taiwan’s longest bike lane. Many movies such as “Life of Pi” and “Cape No. 7” have been filmed here.

• Location:West Coast of Kenting National Park, Hengchun Town, Pingtung County, southern Taiwan Province
• Best time to visit:from April to May and from October to November, avoiding typhoons in summer and the Hengchun Winter Monsoon
• Recommended Hotel:Bay Forest Boutique Hotel

Top Chinese Beaches Comparison Table​

Top Travel Tips for Visiting the Most Beautiful Beaches in China

• Steer clear of the busiest travel times. For example, avoid going to Sanya’s beaches during the Lunar Chinese New Year, when there are a lot of people and the cost is high.
• When choosing seafood, avoid street stalls and recommend regular restaurants.
• Check the weather forecast ahead of time, and avoidthe inclement weather.
• Follow beach safety signs.Do not swim or play in non-designated areas and pay attention to safety warning signs on the beach.
• Children and non-skilled swimmers are required to wear life-saving equipment.
• Don’t wade in water after drinking.Alcohol can affect your judgment and physical coordination. And it is very dangerous to go into the sea after drinking.
• Wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to prevent sunburn and heat stroke.
• Learn basic drowning rescue and mutual rescue techniques, such as CPR and the Heimlich maneuver.

Popular China tour packages to the 12 most beautiful beaches in China:

• 4 Days Xiamen Amazing Tour
• Sanya Beach Holiday: 6 Days Surf Class Coffee Factory Tour
• 5 Days Xiamen, Tulou & Wuyi Mountain Exploration Tour