"Qinhuangdao (Hebei)" Beidaihe by explorer001

During the Mid autumn festival break here in China (3 days), I took the opportunity to drive northeast from Beijing, towards 3 towns.

Driving route:
Beijing - Beidaihe - approx 300km (about 3.5 hours) - JinShen expressway
Beidaihe - Qinhuangdao - approx 20km (about 40 mins) - inland road.
Qinhuangdao - Shanhaiguan - approx 20km (about 40 mins) - inland road.

Facts:
Hebei - Province
Qinhuangdao - City in Hebei
Beidaihe & Shanhaiguan - towns within the Qinhuangdao jurisdiction.

From a distance it looks like a small russian town, however, Beidaihe is a nice weekend breakaway for those who wanted a laidback environment, far away from the daily hustling & bustling of Beijing city.

Qinhuangdao may be just another city in Hebei, but it didn't leave me with a good impression. The seaside is pretty dead, nothing compared to it's cousin, Beidaihe.

Avoid this place if you can, and visit either Beidaihe or Shanhaiguan.

Shanhaiguan is a place for a quick visit if you are interested in a bit of ancient China feel. It has an ancient city wall (just like Xian) and great wall.

Interesting places:
1. Ancient city walls (refurbished) - a shopping street selling all sorts of Hebei souvenirs, snacks, food
2. Jiaoshan great wall
3. LaoLongTou (old dragon head) - a section where great wall meets the sea.