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Qinhuangdao is a popular tourist city on the Bohai Sea on the Chinese North Coast, the inner bay next to Beijing, and one of the most iconic as it is where the Great Wall ends, into the sea. Its splendid ocean scenery is described in many of Mao Zedong’s poems.

It is located in the Hebei Province, about 300 km east of Beijing, and has a population of 3.14 million.

Its foundation is an integral part of the Chinese history as in 215 b.C. China’s first emperor came here to seek the elixir of immortality, naming the city after him. Qinhuangdao means ‘Qin Emperor Island’ and originally it used to be an island. Only in the late 19th century it became connected to the mainland with the construction of the naval port.

The climate is pleasant, and all four seasons are influenced by the frequent monsoons, the air is fresh and the scenery is rich and diverse. Millions of tourists come and visit each year, coming here to hike in the mountains, fish in the lakes or rivers, play in the forests, swim in the sea, or just wander around in the Summer Resort of Beidaihe.

Beidaihe is the most popular summer holiday spot for senior government officials.

One of its parks is described inside the websites of many prestigious architects for its design. Tanghe River Park with its Red Ribbon is an inspiring example of land art, where tradition meets modern architecture. A long line of half a kilometer of red benches surrounded by hidden lighting and a display of local plants, all connected to a path that follows the course of the Tanghe River.

The connection between nature and architecture is part of Chinese Harmony, and the Qinhuangdao Dune Art Museum on the beach has been awarded as one of the best examples of modern architecture.


The city has 11 universities and colleges, with a growing number of national laboratories and research institutions being established each year, attracting an increasing number of students to spend their campus time here.


Qinhuangdao once co-hosted the Asian Games and the Beijing Olympic Games. This is a one-and-only honor for the city which has been favoring sports for many years.

Over the years, the city has successfully hosted a number of domestic events such as the annual Qinhuangdao Marathon, Roller Skating Race, Bicycle Race and football games.

Moreover, it has training centers for football and bicycle racing, as well as Olympic Parks and other public fitness centers.

Qinhuangdao is famous for its golf courses, winter sports (including land yacht events) and summer sports like sailing.

Transportation and Industry

Qinhuangdao has 1 airfield, 5 domestic railways, several high-speed trains and 3 expressways that pass through its borders, as well as 1 big Port (mainly focused on energy transportation).

It is the manufacturing base of a global automotive hub, the largest production and processing base of aluminum products and the headquarters of a million-ton ship building.

Food and wine

Qinhuangdao is home to a great number of agricultural products, from sweet potato, chestnuts, corn, walnuts, cherries, etc. it is the main production point for high-quality dry red wine.

Categories: Journal

Claudia Bettiol
