Qinhuangdao is one of the closest beaches to Beijing. Despite Tianjin being a huge port town, it's definitely not a seaside feel and I was in great need of some sea breeze. It's not a great beach. Not real sand but the best I was going to get without travelling down south. A good fun break. Gave many Chinese people much entertainment blobbing around in my swimming costume! Also the weekend I decided to stay in China for another year.