Beidaihe upgrades into a stylish coastal retreat

As the May Day holiday approaches, Beidaihe New District in Hebei province is rolling out a refreshing seaside experience. A curated mix of trendy shops, a new hotel, live performances, and family-friendly attractions has been assembled along the Bohai Bay coastline.

Globally recognized Iron Hand Coffee, ranked among the world's top 50, returns with a beachside pop-up, joined by new arrivals such as UFRUIT juice bar debuting in early May.

A key highlight is the debut of the Resea Hotel Beidaihe, Vignette Collection, which opened on April 25. It marks the first northern China property for global hospitality group IHG under its boutique Vignette Collection brand.

The hotel is part of Resea Coastal Resort, a low-density development that already operates two other properties.

"Resea Coastal Resort is designed to ease urban stress and reconnect guests with a more authentic pace of life," says Liu Zhi, managing director of the resort.

"We offer an immersive coastal lifestyle beyond the everyday — a quiet, elegant, and beautiful year-round destination for families, couples, and leisure travelers seeking a high-end seaside escape."

The site stands out for its rare natural mix of ocean, beach, forest, lake and hot springs. "Any one of these could sustain a resort. We have all five," Liu notes.

That combination has shaped a low-density approach. "Even when fully booked, only about 2,000 people spread across 360 hectares. It still feels relaxed," he adds.

After two years of operations, the resort identified a clear market gap: high-end family travel. "Parents want their children to have plenty to do, but they want to enjoy themselves too," Liu says, adding that the Vignette Collection property is designed with that balance in mind.

Beyond the new hotel, sports enthusiasts can explore a diamond skateboard park, BMX pump tracks, and a full water sports center with yachts and sailboats. A 1,500-square-meter indoor entertainment center and a 4,000-square-meter indoor water park mean family fun isn't dependent on the weather. An open-air coffee festival and a live science show add a laid-back vibe.

Presales have been strong, and the resort posted a positive gross operating profit — turning a profit on day-to-day operations — in its first year, a rarity in hospitality, Liu says.