The best beaches in China

With summer here, it's time to take a look at where you can find the best beaches in China. Undoubtedly, the most famous ones are located on the island province of Hainan, but did you know that there are also great beaches in northeastern China?

China has a coastline stretching over 18,000 km. Its shores are touched by the waters of the Bohai, the Huanghai, the East China and the South China seas.

Here's where to go, if you're looking to relax in the sun or catch some waves:

Guangxi: In Beihai of southwest China's Guangxi province, you can find beaches that easily rival the more crowded ones in Hainan. In this 2000-year-old city you can enjoy the charm of old buildings and local architecture and frolic in the sand on the Silver Beach, located about ten kilometers from Beihai. The white sandy beach here stretches for nearly two kilometers. There is a 25 yuan admission fee.

Liaoning: Dalian, the second largest city in the northwestern province of Liaoning provides the perfect blend of urban sights and beach relaxation. On Tiger Beach you can marvel at a massive marble tiger statue or visit the nearby amusement park or polar aquarium. The beach here is quite rocky, so if you're looking for more tranquil tides, go to Bangchuidao Jugqu, five kilometers from the city center. Here you can enjoy the privacy of a beach located on the grounds of the Bangcuidao Binguan hotel, which is a favorite among some of China's most influential people. Admission costs 20 yuan. In addition, there is also Fujiazhuang Beach, which offers the best in budget swimming, as admission is only 5 yuan. Another choice for great swimming is Golden Stone Beach, 60km north of Dalian. Here you can also try out your swing on a world-class golf course.

Did you know that a part of China is located in the tropical climate zone? (Image: Radio86)Hainan: The tropical island of Hainan is undeniably the beach capital of China. Here you can soak up the sun in paradise-like surroundings comparable to beach resorts in the Caribbean. The main beach zone, and thus most popular tourist destination, is located in Sanya in the south. This part of the tropical island boasts beautiful white sandy beaches, palm tree-lined boulevards and unmatched charm. Yalong Bay in the east is by far the most beautiful beach featuring seven kilometers of white sand. If you're looking to escape the crowds, go for Luhuitou Peninsula in the city's southwest. To the southeast lies Dadonghai Beach, which is also very popular and easy to reach, but also quite small.

Shandong: Shandong on China's eastern coast is home to Qingdao, a city renowned for its curious mixture of Chinese and Bavarian architecture as well as its coastal setting. The city hosted the sailing events of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Its beach resorts constitute a favorite among communist party members. Qingdao is particularly famous for its six beaches, which, nevertheless, may fall a little short of meeting the criteria for world-class surfing. The No 6 Bathing Beach is conveniently located just a few steps from the train station. For the cleanest and quietest beach-experience, we recommend the No 2 Bathing Beach in the eastern part of the city. If you want still more tranquility, you can catch a boat to Huang Dao or Yellow Island, where you can enjoy the very best swimming conditions in the entire city! To the north of Qingdao is located the city of Weihai, which also enjoys a golden coastline. Here, the International Beach is your best bet for a perfect day out in the sun.

Guangdong: Shenzhen in the southeastern province of Guangdong also boasts some of the best beaches in China. Its most popular beaches include the Dameisha and Xiaomeisha. Xichong Beach near the Da Peng Bay is the longest one in the province. From there, you can take a boat to Lovers' Island, a popular honeymoon destination. In Guangdong, you can be sure to have all you need to indulge in all the pleasures of beach life and try out some great diving opportunities. All the mentioned beaches have small admission fees. A number of inviting beaches also await you across the bay in Zhuhai. The lush city, dubbed "the garden city," boasts a subtropical climate, beautiful beaches and a convenient transportation network. A group of small islands located just a short boat ride away from the coast provide the ideal setting for a more private getaway.

Fujian: And of course, you cannot list China's best beaches without mentioning Xiamen Beach in Fujian. Its coastline stretches for miles on end, offering endless sunbathing and swimming opportunities. And what's best, here you can enjoy the sight of palm trees swaying in the breeze and bury your toes in the white sand at no cost. The unique feature of this sunbathing paradise is a wooden boardwalk that passes on top of the water on the rocky side of the beach.