"Between the Sea Colors at Dawn and Dusk, Tianjin Binhai’s Hidden Sunrise and Sunset Poems"

"Between the Sea Colors at Dawn and Dusk, Tianjin Binhai’s Hidden Sunrise and Sunset Poems" Tired of the hustle and congestion of long-distance travel during the National Day holiday? Why not turn your gaze to a romantic place just a 2-hour drive from Beijing—**Tianjin Binhai New Area**. Here, you can avoid the crowds and privately enjoy a magnificent feast of the sea and light: **witness the majestic sunrise, admire the gentle sunset, experience the fun of crab fishing, and feel the tranquility and romance generously gifted by the world.** Chasing the morning and evening light in Binhai New Area, I have condensed its essence into two main areas: **the northern line along Dongti Park** and **the southern line along Dongjiang Coastal Park**. (Fig. 2: Overview of sunrise and sunset viewing areas in Binhai New Area) * **Fig. 3: Dongti Park Line · Magnificent Sunrise** – At dawn, the horizon where sea meets sky is dyed in a molten gold gradient. * **Fig. 4: Dongti Park Line · Tranquil Coastline** – The long walkway and open sea make it an excellent place to clear your mind. * **Fig. 5: Dongjiang Coastal Park Line · Dawn Moment** – When the first ray of sunlight pierces through the clouds and shines on the shimmering sea, the heart leaps with joy. * **Fig. 6: Dongjiang Construction Development Memorial Park · Fusion of Industry and Nature** – Unique landscape design tells the story of this land. * **Fig. 7: Free Tidal Flats on the South Side of Dongjiang · Sea-Rushing Paradise** – At low tide, the reef and sandy beach emerge, a natural playground for digging clams and catching crabs. **After much exploration, here is an exclusive “Light-Chasing Guide” to help you encounter the perfect coastal dawn and dusk:** 1. **Arrive off-peak, start with sunset:** It’s recommended to depart in the afternoon and arrive by evening. Not only can you enjoy a splendid sunset first, but more importantly, daytime visitors occupying the best viewing spots start to leave, making it easier for you to “snatch” an excellent position. We were lucky to catch a family leaving, seamlessly taking over their unbeatable view. 2. **Smart parking, free is best:** Another advantage of arriving in the afternoon is convenient parking. The official parking lots along Dongti Park charge about 1 yuan per half hour, but **free roadside parking spots are often available along Dongti Road parallel to it**. At dusk, as returning vehicles increase, empty spots are easier to find, making it much easier to unload camping gear nearby. 3. **Campground choice, adapt to the location:** * **Northern line Dongti Park:** Lush green lawns with many camping spots, ideal for pitching tents and stargazing. * **Southern line Dongjiang Coastal Park:** Limited lawn space but full of charm—you can choose to camp on the **wooden boardwalk by the coast**, sleeping with the waves as your pillow. 4. **Sunrise spots, southern line wins?** After personally testing sunrises at both locations, I prefer the **southern line Dongjiang Coastal Park**. The northern line has safety railings but feels a bit distant; the southern line allows you to **walk down to the reef beach**, letting your camera capture the triple harmony of **sunrise, boundless sea, and rugged reefs**—rich in layers and perfect for breathtaking shots. (Fig. 5, Fig. 7) 5. **Avoid pitfalls, free tidal flat fun:** The **Dongjiang Bay Scenic Area (artificial beach) on the south side charges about 50 yuan per person**, which I find average in value. I recommend exploring south of it, where you’ll find **free natural sandy and reef beaches** (Fig. 7). At low tide, locals often rush the sea here, digging clams and catching crabs—wild fun with zero cost and plenty of joy. 6. **Simple outdoor cooking, warm body and soul:** If lighting a fire to cook feels troublesome, **self-heating hot pot and self-heating rice** are wise choices. The deep autumn seaside nights are chilly, and after playing, a steaming hot meal instantly soothes body and mind. Want to add some ambiance? Bring a **portable cassette stove, tea leaves, or coffee beans**! In the early morning, facing the bursting sunrise, holding a cup of steaming fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee—such comfort is priceless. 7. **Lip care, don’t neglect it:** **Lip balm is a must!** Don’t underestimate the power of the sea breeze; after an afternoon of blowing wind, lips easily dry and peel the next day, so be sure to protect them. 8. **Crab fun experience, north and south differ:** * **Northern line Dongti Park:** Suitable for night fishing enthusiasts. Bring a **crab trap**, throw it into the sea at dusk, and if lucky, you can harvest several pounds of lively sea crabs by early morning, perfect for cooking a delicious seafood porridge. * **Southern line Dongjiang Tidal Flats:** Sea-rushing is the way to go. Prepare **rubber shoe covers, a folding bucket, and a small rake or shovel**, watch the tide schedule, and at **early morning and evening low tides**, venture deep into the tidal flats to enjoy the fun of digging small crabs and shellfish by hand. The sunrises and sunsets of Tianjin Binhai are a visual love poem written for busy city dwellers. No need to travel far or face crowds—you can embrace this grandeur and gentleness close at hand. During the National Day holiday, why not come here, let the sea breeze brush your face, let the rosy clouds embrace you, and write your own coastal dawn and dusk memories!