Blue Sea Bathing Beach

Blue Sea Bathing Beach

Located in the eastern part of Leting Coastal Tourism Area, 25 kilometers from the county town, between the mouth of Laomigou River and the estuary of Luanhe River, the beachfront stretches 5 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide, covering a total area of 5 square kilometers. Originally formed as an alluvial island due to the actions of the sea and wind, the bathing beach later became connected to the mainland after shrimp ponds were developed in the north. The sandy beach is 50–100 meters wide, mainly composed of medium-fine sand, with many sand dunes in the northeast, the highest reaching 7–8 meters above sea level. The beach here is flat and broad, with clear water, gentle waves, soft sand, calm tides, clean water quality, pristine scenery, and pleasant climate. It is a natural large-scale coastal bathing beach. Situated along the southeastern coast of Leting County, it is also known as Lantern Shop. Legend has it that when Emperor Kangxi traveled incognito, he spent the night at a fisherman’s home. Unaware of the emperor’s presence, the fishermen chatted away, sharing tales of wonders such as treasure bowls, fishing deities, and the origins of Bohai Bay. Intrigued, Kangxi listened with growing interest until the hour neared midnight. Suddenly, lights shimmered across the sea like giant lanterns, illuminating the area for miles. Amazed, Kangxi asked the fishermen about it. They explained that it was just an unnamed stretch of sand dunes, with only a few fishing shacks during the day, but every night, inexplicable lights would appear. These lights couldn’t be blown out by the wind, and if they danced without any breeze, it signaled no rain or wind the next day. Hearing this, Kangxi—forgetting his imperial status—spontaneously named the place Lantern Shop. And so the name has been passed down ever since. The Blue Sea Bathing Beach boasts a flat, expansive sandy shore, crystal-clear and gentle waters, and a tranquil environment. There are fishing boat docks on both sides of the beach, offering abundant seafood. To the north are fishponds and shrimp pools where you can go fishing; to the west lie vast salt pans providing an open scenic view. Nearby, the Laomigou River bend is a hotspot for birdlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Adjacent to the beach is the national-level forest park—State-owned Jianggezhuang Forest Farm—which adds an ecological charm to the Blue Sea Bathing Beach.

Time Needed

4 hours

Transportation

After exiting the Tangjin Expressway via the Beijing-Shenyang Expressway, take the Tanggang Expressway to the port exit. Drive south along Legang Road to Xiaogaotan, then follow the coastal highway eastward. There are signposts along the way, and the destination is not far.

Admission Fee

Admission fee: 10 RMB per person, parking fee: 10 RMB, freshwater shower: 10 RMB per use, sun umbrella + lounge chair: 200 RMB, swimming ring: 10 RMB each

Opening Hours

All day

Location

Mouth of Laomigou River, Leting County, Tangshan City, Hebei Province