You don't usual associate going to China with a trip to the beach, but here it is: the most popular beach resort for Beijing residents with all the gaudy seaside kitsch and skimpy bikinis you'd expect!

Originally a colonial getaway, then haunt of the Communist party elite, Beidaihe is now open to the masses and where the usually industrious and sober Chinese show their more relaxed and mischievous side.

A big part of the experience is embracing the commercialism of it all - having your photo taken dressed as an emperor or seated on a stuffed tiger or browsing the eye-catching nonsense sold by street vendors. Pretty tawdry but all good fun!