Just returned from Aranya, here's my honest take

🌊 Aranya, a hidden gem coastal community in Qinhuangdao, is bursting with artistic vibes! With its sea views, art installations, and laid-back lifestyle, every corner is Instagram-worthy – perfect for slow travel! Must-Visit Spots 1️⃣ Aranya Chapel ⛪️ Pure white architecture + seaside sunset = ultimate aesthetic! The chapel looks even more cinematic when lit at night – wear light-colored outfits for better photos~ 2️⃣ Lonely Library 📖 A minimalist library facing the sea. Reading by the window while listening to waves is pure therapy! *Requires advance booking via the Aranya App* 3️⃣ Dune Art Museum 🏜️ A white cave-like museum hidden in sand dunes. The interplay between exhibits and natural light makes every corner an art installation – super photogenic! 4️⃣ Aranya Art Center 🎨 Circular sunken plaza + spiral staircase – the architecture itself is art! With rotating exhibitions, it's a must for art lovers. 5️⃣ Sea Breeze Bar 🍹 Open-air seaside seating. Sip cocktails at dusk while enjoying live music – maximum romance! 6️⃣ Equestrian Club 🐎 Horseback riding along the beach or posing for British-style photoshoots. Kids can interact with ponies too~ 7️⃣ Children's Farm 👶 Perfect for families! Slides, sand play, and animal feeding will keep kids entertained all day. 8️⃣ Fish Market 🦞 Seaside market + restaurant. Freshly caught seafood gets cooked on-site – steamed scallops and spicy crabs are highlights at great prices! Food Recs 🍴 Yellow River to Sea 🍜 Northwestern-style noodles. Their signature beef noodle soup is rich, and chili oil is fragrant but not overpowering. Pair with roasted buns! 🍴 Senhai Yin Japanese Restaurant 🍱 Japanese garden setting. Fresh sashimi and melt-in-your-mouth wagyu sushi. Window seats offer views of swaying trees~ 🍴 Sea Breeze Bar 🍔 Beyond drinks, their juicy burgers and crispy fries are amazing! 🍴 Fish Market 🦀 Try steamed grouper – tender flesh needs just a dab of soy sauce. Their seafood congee makes a warm breakfast too~ 🍴 A Village Bakery 🍞 Unbelievably fragrant pretzels and croissants! Start your day with coffee and fresh pastries~ Transport 🚄 High-speed rail: Take taxi from Beidaihe Station (~30 mins, ~¥50) 🚗 Drive: Navigate to "Aranya Community" – ample parking (free for hotel guests) 🚌 Community shuttle: Yellow mini-buses run on loop (¥30/day unlimited rides) Accommodation 🏨 Hotels: • Anlan Hotel: Great value, 5-min walk to beach (family-friendly) • Tangshe Hotel: Stylish design, rooftop sea views (photogenic) 🏡 Vacation Homes: • Hidden Lodge: 3-BR sea-view unit with kitchen & terrace (great for groups) • Pulan: Beachfront villa near chapel (pricey but stunning) Tips 📌 Non-residents need reservations (art museum tickets grant entry) 🌅 Check sunrise time – east beach near chapel is less crowded 👗 Light/solid colors photograph best; bring a jacket for sea breeze 🚴 Shared bikes available via app scan 🛍️ Download "Aranya App" for maps, bookings, and tickets!