Its pristine beaches, sleepy coastal town feel and great location make Qinhuangdao a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the nearby metropolises of Tianjin, Beijing and Chengde. It has long been a favorite getaway for government officials, factory bosses and bigwigs from neighboring cities.

Qinhuangdao is divided into three districts, Beidaihe, Haigang and Shanhaiguan. Over the last couple of years the local government has made great efforts to spruce up the town with the expectation of receiving more than 2 million tourists during the Olympics. So now is a great time to go and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and have some fun in the sun while the renovations are still fresh.

Qinhuangdao (Qin Emperor's Island), was named after emperor Qin Shihuang (221-206 BC), China's original emperor. Towards the end of his life, the ailing emperor journeyed to this area in search of a pill to augment his longevity. Finding no such miracle cure for old age, Emperor Qin sent a pair of likely fellows out to sea to beg the gods to grant Qin the gift of immortality. Knowing full well that they could never complete the task, and not wanting to bear the wrath of an angry emperor, the two set forth on their journey and were never heard from again.

Later, in 1898, the city was declared a seaport, thanks to its large ice-free harbor. This brought about its developed from a small fishing village into one of the biggest ports in northern China. Primary exports are soybeans, peanuts and coal, but the town's economy relies heavily on the fishing and tourism industries.

The best time to visit the area is from May to October. But this period should be shortened from June to August if you want to appreciate the nearby sights and beaches. The yearly average temperature is about 10°C (50°F), with moderate humidity.