Plan at a glance
West Gate and main sights
Pigeon Nest Park (鸽子窝公园) is at 25 Gechi Road in Beidaihe District. Most visitors use the West Gate. Inside, you can link Gezi Square (鸽子广场), Wanghai Changlang (望海长廊), Yingjiao Pavilion (鹰角亭), and Dachao Ping Wetland (大潮坪湿地). The main experiences are sunrise, birdwatching, and exploring the tidal flats.
Tickets and opening hours
In peak season, roughly May–October, an adult ticket is about RMB 35 and a half-price ticket about RMB 17. Children aged 0–6 or under 1.2 m, visitors over 70, and other eligible groups are generally admitted free with valid identification. Hours vary by season; the September reference is 5:00 am–7:30 pm. Check the park's notice for that day before setting out. If you are going for sunrise, make sure the gate opens early enough.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Sunrise, wetland, and tidal flats
Yingjiao Pavilion is the park's main elevated sunrise viewpoint. Wanghai Changlang and Dachao Ping offer views of the coast, wetland, and migratory birds. After sunrise, standing water on the tidal flats can reflect the sky and birds. Spring and autumn—March to May and September to November—are the best birdwatching seasons. At low tide, visitors can look for shells and small crabs on the flats.
Choose a theme for your visit
Photographers can focus on sunrise over the sea and birds. Families can feed pigeons in Gezi Square (鸽子广场) and look for intertidal life on the beach. Clouds and air conditions affect sunrise, so even a clear forecast does not guarantee that the sun will be visible as it rises over the sea.
Build your day
One-hour sunrise route
Enter through the West Gate, walk through Gezi Square, and continue to Wanghai Changlang and Yingjiao Pavilion. After sunrise, take photos by the shallow water on the tidal flats, then return. Work backward from sunrise and arrive 30–60 minutes ahead to enter and find a spot. Check the park's opening time as well; if it opens after sunrise, visit after sunrise rather than using an unofficial entrance.
2–3 hour wetland and tidal-flat route
Enter through the West Gate and Gezi Square, follow the boardwalk to Wanghai Changlang, then climb to Yingjiao Pavilion for a panoramic view. Continue along the path to Dachao Ping. The period around low tide is generally the best time to explore the flats. Leave through the east exit or return to the West Gate.
Time the tidal flats around low tide
Check the day's low-tide time before going and plan your tidal-flat visit around low tide, using roughly a two-hour window as a reference. Check the day's tide forecast as well. If low tide conflicts with sunrise, take the shorter sunrise route or return during another low-tide window. Bring a small shovel and bucket. If the flats are not suitable that day, stay on the boardwalk and use the birdwatching areas.
Get there
Bus, taxi, and electric scooter
Take bus 34, 37, or 15 to the “Pigeon Nest Park” or “Pigeon Nest” stop. A taxi within Beidaihe District costs about RMB 10. You can also rent an electric scooter and ride along Zhonghaitan Road (中海滩路) toward Tiger Stone Sea Park (老虎石海上公园) or Pingshuiqiao Beach (平水桥浴场).
Early-morning parking
For driving, navigate to “Pigeon Nest Park Parking Lot” (鸽子窝公园停车场); parking is about RMB 10 per day. During the June–August peak season, arrive before 4:00 am for sunrise. Later arrivals may need to park farther away and walk to the entrance. Check the day's parking and entry arrangements.
Know before you go
Tickets and discount eligibility
You can buy tickets in advance by searching WeChat Mini Programs for “北戴河全域旅游” or “鸽子窝公园.” Half-price tickets are available to visitors aged 6–18, adults aged 60–69, and full-time students up to undergraduate level. Children aged 0–6 or under 1.2 m, visitors over 70, and other eligible groups may enter free with valid identification.
Weather, wind, and bird season
Weather and air conditions affect sunrise visibility. Mornings and evenings can be much cooler, and sea breezes can be strong, so bring a light jacket and sun protection. Spring and autumn, from March to May and September to November, are the best birdwatching seasons. Yingjiao Pavilion (鹰角亭) and the Dachao Ping trail can be visited on the same walk.
Rocks, jellyfish, and unsolicited sales
Do not climb on dangerous rocks, especially when visiting with children. Keep away from jellyfish on the tidal flats or beach; do not touch them. People near the park may try to sell boat tickets or offer access to a supposedly free beach. Enter through the official gate, use the park's ticketing options, and do not pay roadside touts.
Food and leaving the park
There are many restaurants near the park; check the menu prices before ordering. Qinhuang Alley (秦皇小巷) nearby is another place to eat. If you rent an electric scooter to visit Tiger Stone or Pingshuiqiao, confirm where to return it and how you will get back. Do not let the morning visit run so late that you miss your planned bus.