Mantis shrimp, hun guo (mixed hotpot), Huiji mung bean cake… a list of Qinhuangdao's must-try local foods.
Why visit
Beidaihe is a century-old summer seaside, where gentle beaches alternate with sanatorium villas, and the sea breeze at dawn and dusk carries only leisure. It is the closest summer bay for Beijing and Tianjin residents. Set aside half a day to stroll.
Flavors not to miss
- Seafood feast: Qinhuangdao seafood is cooked fresh from the catch—mantis shrimp, swimming crab, and scallops steamed are the sweetest. Buy fresh at the Gangcheng Street seafood market and have a shop cook it
- Hun guo (mixed hotpot): a Shanhaiguan specialty copper pot, meat and vegetables stewed together—a hearty dish for local holidays and hosting guests. Shanhaiguan's old-brand hun guo is the most authentic
- Huiji mung bean cake: from the century-old Huiji in Shanhaiguan, the mung bean cake is fine and not greasy—a classic souvenir. Huiji main shop on Shequ Road
- Great Wall boluo cake: a wild-herb pie wrapped in boluo leaves, a Shanhaiguan intangible-cultural-heritage snack with a unique fragrance. Try it at farmhouses around the scenic area
🧭 Local tips
- The bathing beach is free and open; half a day is relaxed
- Early mornings have fewer crowds, good for walks
- Summer peak season has tight lodging
- Climb the city tower for the layout of the pass; 2–3 hours is relaxed
- A combo ticket with the Old Dragon Head saves money
- Arrive early to avoid tour-group crowds
FAQ
When to go to the seaside in Qinhuangdao?
June to September is best, when the seawater warms enough for swimming. Spring and autumn are cool and good for the Great Wall; winter is cold and some scenic areas are under maintenance.
How to plan two to three days in Qinhuangdao?
One day at Shanhaiguan and the Old Dragon Head, one day at Beidaihe's Geziwo Park, and the rest at the Golden Coast and Nandaihe. A Beijing high-speed train reaches it in two hours.