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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, 18 Vol.19 • No. 10 • December 2009 / January 2010
Travel but on the whole they are never to crowded. When you’ve made it onto the island everything is within walking distance. The traditional fishing bays are rustic and charming. Bring food for a BBQ in the pits provided, then meander the pathways to colonial mansions and past the dramatic seacrashing waves on the rocks. How to get there: From Xiamen Airport, take Bus 27 to the ferry. Hong Kong has many beaches. The Shek O beach (classic fun beach) has great facilities, sensational scenery and a laid-back party atmosphere. Her you see an mix of surf dudes, families, sunbathers, hippies and expat wives in relaxation mode. The small seaside village of Shek O is a great place to wander or grab a bite to eat when you’ve finished tanning. How to get there: In Hong Kong; Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan station and take exit A2. From the bus terminal, take Bus 9 heading to Shek O beach. You will find peaceful romance at Lamma Island. Yung Shue Wan is home to artsy expats and the most popular beach on the island, Hung Shing Yeh beach, is only a 15-minute walk. The sand is very fine here, and the water extremely clean, making it a Grade 1 beach. You can eat at a snack shack, have barbecue under the palms or have dinner at one of the fresh seafood restaurants at Sok Kwu. The almost unvisited Lo So Shing Beach also Grade 1 has a few amenities but is a peaceful, heart-skipping paradise. How to get there: Once you arrive in Hong Kong, catch a ferry from Central to Sok Kwu Wan (Lamma Island), then just follow the signs. The best beach destination of China is the island province Hainan and especially the area around Sanya City. The Shimei Bay (empty beach) offers zero distractions but plenty of time to get lost in your own thoughts. In this tropical idyll you’ll have all the soft sand to yourself. There isn’t any kind of entertainment and it’s a long way to the local shops. Be sure to bring a few books as well as food and water. However, if you want all your essentials taken care of, the new luxury Le Meridien resort faces the beach and offers comfortable loungers on the bay. How to get there: Fly to Sanya and it takes around an hour drive from Sanya to stay at Le Meridien Sanya. If you can find space, Dadonghai beach (classic fun beach) is the perfect place to lie back on your towel, close your eyes and listen to the delighted screams of children piling onto banana boats and lobbing balls at each other. On this family beach there is something to do every moment of the day. At the promenade you find meat stick stalls, Russian vodka bars and dozens of families wearing matching Hawaiian-style shirts and shorts. There’s also a mega shopping centre (Summer Mall) right by the shore selling all sorts of international brands. But if you actually get a chance to stop and look, the views are tropically gorgeous with white sands, palm trees and shimmering blue waters along the stretch of this crescent-shaped beach. How to get there: Fly to Sanya. Shuttle buses run from Sanya Airport to Dadonghai. You can find a ‘secret’ surfers spot at Houhai beach (sporty beach). The Chinese only started surfing in Hainan a few years ago. Locals will stand watching, perplexed, as crazy Westerners carve up this beautiful all-year-round long boarders wave. Local surf outfit Surfing Hainan will pick you up, take you there, lend and give instructions. How to get there: Fly to Sanya and stay in either Dadonghai or Yalong bay, or contact Surfing Hainan at www.surfinghainan.com. The China beach tour will finish at the famous resort brand the Banyan Tree. This is a villa-only resort with a private beach far from the sprawl of Sanya City at the Luhuitou Bay (romantic beach). All the 61 secluded villas have a large ‘natural’ private pool an outdoor sunken bathtub. The beach is private and offers full amenities, plus you get your own little bed-cabin to hide away from the midday sun. This resort is a favourite get-away for the Chinese Heads of State. How to get there: Several airlines fly daily to Sanya from both Pudong and Hongqiao (prices vary). Banyan Tree Sanya arranges Sanya Airport pick-ups. For more information visit www.banyantree.com. More info on beaches in China: http://shanghai. urbanatomy.com/index.php/life-a-style/ travel/1924-chinese-beaches-the-classics 19 Vol.19 • No. 10 • December 2009 / January 2010
Page 1: December 2009 / January 2010 MITA 3
Page 4 and 5: A monthly publication of the Associ
Page 6 and 7: Business World Expo 2010 Shanghai C
Page 8 and 9: Business What does a Chinese consum
Page 10 and 11: Business Rich, Richer, Richest: Wea
Page 12 and 13: Business Building business ties By
Page 14 and 15: Business My Chinese adventure: host
Page 16 and 17: Business Under Chinese management B
Page 18 and 19: Green Page Low Carbon City Initiati
Page 22 and 23: Interview Ask4Me in Guangzhou By Fr
Page 24 and 25: Interview Doing business in China,
Page 26 and 27: Interview Vendors (ISVs) to help th
Page 28 and 29: Special Tibet, or did the 13 th Dal
Page 30 and 31: Know your tax China challenges Spec
Page 32 and 33: Business news Sources: Het Financie
Page 34 and 35: Event Agenda BODY WORLDS: The origi
Page 36 and 37: Conference Calendar A selection of
Page 38 and 39: Association Info New Members Anne E
Page 40: Connected Heart-to-heart Reserved F

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