December 2009 / January 2010 - Association of Dutch Businessmen

Travel
China beaches
By Sara Caris
Lying on the beach is not the first thing that comes to mind, when you think about China. The average
Chinese does not want to get a tan and most of them cannot even swim. Most of them are wearing an
umbrella to protect from the sun because a tan doesn’t look very healthy. So it is hard to find any sunscreen
below factor 30 and most of the creams are whitening. But of course it can be extremely hot, so to cool
down they made a “Fake” Beach in Shanghai: Dino Beach. They claim it is the largest water park in Asia.
The sand is imported from the south of China, a wave machine guarantees perfect surfing waves and the
rumour goes that the roof can be closed. Every year there is a Miss Beach Honey Pageant.
But of course there are real beaches in China. Here is a guide with a variety of the best beaches.
The island Putuoshan, Zhejiang (south of
Shanghai) is a relaxing and spiritual getaway with
well-looked after patrolled beaches. This mystical
place, seeped in folklore, has become a Buddhist
sanctuary attracting pilgrims from all over China.
Along the hike you’ll come across temples, the
smell of incense in the air and sounds of distant
chanting. If you climb 297m. to the top of its peak
you have beautiful sea views.
How to get there: A 12 hours ferry is the only
way to get to the island from Shanghai. Seats or
beds can be booked from the ticket office under
Nanpu bridge (call 337 66178 to book) .
At the east coast of China Qingdao, Shandong
(classic fun beach) is famous for its beaches,
its beer and its beer festival. Of its six beaches,
Huiquan Beach (the leading bathing beach) is
considered one of the best in China by the Chinese,
and is very popular among young tourists. So you
have to arrive early to claim a spot in the sand.
The beach also hosts an annual sandcastle-making
competition in August, but where they find the
space is a total mystery.
How to get there: Fly to Qingdao
Located just across the straits from Taiwan,
Xiamen is famous for its long stretch of
accessible beach and infinite island exploration
possibilities.
The Drum Wave Islet (eco beach) was for
centuries the home of wealthy foreign and Chinese
traders on China’s old Maritime Silk Road, the
ca. 2 sqkm island is home to endless paths that
meander through sea surf and wind-swept rocks.
With cars, mopeds and even bicycles forbidden,
tranquil Drum Wave is a stunning place for
natural exploration, with numerous guesthouses
and restaurants dotted here and there. Though
it lacks much beach, it’s possible to swim off
its outcroppings. For real beach going, head to
Xiamen proper, an island in itself with numerous
beaching and sunning possibilities.
How to get there: Fly to Xiamen. Take a ferry
700m across Xiamen Harbor to Drum Wave Islet.
The best place for kite surfing in China is
Haiyuntai beach (sporty beach) in Xiamen.
The 8km-long beach has become a haven for
enthusiasts because of its wide stretches of sand
and ever-changing windy conditions. One thing to
be aware of is the drastic tide changes, so always
double-check the weather conditions online before
you go. Also, be aware of the rocky areas in the
water towards the east of the beach. There’s a
kite surfing centre on the sand.
How to get there: Fly to Xiamen Airport and
then get buses 29, 47, 503 or 805 to the Asia Gulf
Hotel. For kite surfing lessons call: 13959211005.
If you want a real castaway experience book a
mid-week to the Gulangyu Island (empty beach)
also known as the ‘Piano Island’ in Xiamen.
On special occasions, national holidays and on
weekends, the beaches will be relatively busy,
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Vol.19 • No. 10 • December 2009 / January 2010