Beijing - weekend getaway

[JunXiong]

Hi !

I’ m planning to stay next month in Beijing, for lessons on Chinese.

I wonder if there any places near Beijing for weekend getaway and swimming?

Many thanks!!!

[johnmck]

The "Beijing hikers" are a bunch of expats who meet up every Sunday to go hiking in the countryside outside of Beijing. See http://www.beijinghikers.com/home.php

[roddy]

There are a few places along the coast north of Tianjin - Shanhaiguan, Qinhuangdao, Beidaihe, Nandaihe spring to mind. But swimming? Hmmm . . .

[cdn_in_bj]

There are a few places along the coast north of Tianjin - Shanhaiguan, Qinhuangdao, Beidaihe, Nandaihe spring to mind. But swimming? Hmmm . . .

Your comment about swimming is either in reference to the cold water temperature this time of year or the heavy pollution of the Bohai sea. I'm guessing it's the latter.

[gato]

Well, here's Beidaihe, which is not too far away from Beijing. It's swimmable, though a bit crowded from the looks of it.

http://www.lznews.gov.cn/travel/lyfg/20060712/094145.shtml

[roddy]

Are you particularly keen on beaches? To be honest there's nothing special in the north of China. You could maybe go to Qingdao for a weekend and then you can see the city as well, which is quite nice.

[JunXiong]

I know Qingdao and I have heard some good comments.

I hope I will visit Qingdao. I think it is 1 hour travel by plane.

But I'm looking for beaches near Beijing, with 2 -3 hour travel by train or by car.