One of the world’s most overcrowded beaches sees up to 40,000 people visiting in peak times – with tourists struggling to find a spot to pitch up.
Dalian Beach is located in northeast China’s Liaoning province, with the 500m stretch of sand struggling come summer months with overcrowding.
During peak times, it can be hard to even see the sand as thousands of locals and tourists flock to the popular spot for a beach day during warm summer days.
The beach has been a breaking point during heatwaves, with masses searching for respite from the scorching 40C heat.
Officially named the Fujiazhuang Beach, it benefits from good transportation from the nearby town.
Though it’s not a holiday hotspot for European tourists, residents living in China often visit this part of the country come summer months.
There are a few hotels nearby, though the city of Dalian is a good distance away from the beach. Pictures of the beach during peak times show a sea of umbrellas as thousands of people pitch up for the day.
Visitors are stuck elbow-to-elbow in the heat, with the local Dalian Evening Newspaper claiming the beach has even received more than 40,000 visitors during the weekend due to hot weather.
A spokesperson from the Xinghaiwan resort said since the beginning of summer, they had been receiving up to 60,000 visitors a day during weekends – in comparison with 20,000 people on a normal day.
For cleaners, it can be a difficult beach to clean due to the number of visitors, with around 20 tonnes of rubbish daily.
Apart from Dalian, the other Chinese cities favoured by beach-goers in summer include Qingdao, Xiamen and Sanya.
China itself is known for overcrowding, though it is no longer the most populated country in the world. From the beginning of summer, the beach is expected to reach around 60,000 visitors in 2024.
Other beaches in China struggle with overcrowding, though Dalian sees the most tourists visiting during peak months.
