Beidaihe - Mao's Beach

Tired of work? Want to get away from the stress-filled city? Can't stand choking down another
lung full of corrupted Beijing air? Head to the coast; and to the beach!

Beidaihe has long been the getaway of choice for discerning Beijingers for many years,
offering fresh air, clear skies, and, of course, sand and the sea.

A mere two hour train ride from the capital, Beidaihe is sure to sooth your weary soul.

especially if what your soul needs is a paddleboat ride in the ocean.

For obvious reasons, in peak season the beach can get packed with nationals, and apparently swarms of Russians. Most signs are bilingual for this reason. Good thing I learned so much from my time in Russia...
now at least I can read the signs that I will not be able to understand.

As you can see, visiting before summer offers all of the benefits of a Chinese beach town, 
with none of the annoyances that one would expect from hoards of tourists, or the warm water.

Look how happy these city-weary folk are, having finally arrived within sight of the
golden sands of Beidaihe beach.

I think it is time to relax.

And maybe relax some more.

And enjoy.