Destination after Beijing/Shanghai

Question

Hello,

I am interested in visiting Beijing and probably Shanghai and then head off to a beach destination in May.

I have been to Thailand and I need something that is not far away before we return to Europe. Any nice ideas?Perhaps a destination in the middle or a nice Asian one?Thank you!

Answer

Since you are planning to visit Beijing and Shanghai and want a beach destination in May that is relatively close to China and suitable for a short stop before returning to Europe, there are several options worth considering. May is generally a good month for most Asian beach destinations as it’s warm but not yet peak monsoon season in the south.

Beach Destinations in China:

Sanya, Hainan Island: The most famous beach destination in China, often called “China’s Hawaii.” White sandy beaches, clear water, and a wide range of resorts. Flights from Shanghai or Beijing take around 3–4 hours. May weather is warm and sunny.
Qingdao, Shandong Province: A coastal city with beaches, German colonial architecture, and fresh seafood. Easier to reach by high-speed train or short domestic flight. May is pleasant but water is cooler than in southern beaches.
Zhuhai or Xiamen: Zhuhai is close to Macau and has beaches along the coast. Xiamen, further south, offers Gulangyu Island, beaches, and a more relaxed vibe. Both have domestic flights from Beijing/Shanghai.

Nearby International Beach Options:

Vietnam (Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc): Flights from Shanghai or Beijing take 3–5 hours. Beautiful sandy beaches, resorts, and warm weather. Less crowded than Thailand in May.
Philippines (Cebu, Boracay): About 4–5 hour flights from China. White sand, tropical islands, water sports, and resorts. May is just before peak rainy season.
Malaysia (Langkawi, Penang): Direct flights from Shanghai or Beijing, around 5–6 hours. Langkawi offers island resort experience; Penang has beaches plus cultural sightseeing.

Recommendation:

If you prefer staying within China, Sanya is your best option for a classic beach holiday. If you are open to a short international hop, Da Nang or Nha Trang in Vietnam offer tropical beaches, reasonable flight times, and are less tourist-heavy than Thailand.

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