Jinshitan Golden Coast (Golden Pebble Beach)

Best bathing beach in northern China (a 4.5 km fine-sand beach dubbed the "No. 1 Beach of Northeast China"), with sailing and a sand sculpture festival. Jinshitan Golden Coast's 4.5 km stretch of fine sand is extremely rare on the northern coastline; with clear, shallow water and a gentle slope, it is hailed as the "No. 1 Beach of Northeast China" and the finest seaside bathing beach in the north. In summer, beach volleyball, sailing experiences and kayaking spread out along the shore, and during the sand sculpture festival giant sculptures line up along the coastline, making a popular backdrop for family photos. The beach is free to enter, with showers and food services for a small fee. July-August is crowded in peak season, while early June and early September still have acceptable water temperatures with fewer people. Together with the Coastal National Geopark and Discovery Kingdom, it sits in the Jinshitan resort area, and the combo route of "reefs in the morning, beach time in the afternoon" tops Dalian locals' weekend lists year after year.

Getting there: Jinshitan Station