The best beaches close to you(3)

Kayaking at Jinshan City Beach.

Fengxian Beach

Like Jinshan Beach, this one in Shanghai's southern suburbs also takes an hour's drive from downtown but it provides more recreational activities.

In addition to activities on the sand such as beach volleyball and go-karts, a rock climbing wall, canoe rentals and a small amusement park are all within the vicinity. You can also try motor boating and aquatic cycling.

The fi ne soft golden sand is again imported from Hainan. A powerful water filtration system turns the sea into an appealing shade of blue and the ocean water is clean and suitable for swimming.

During the World Cup season, there will be a party on the beach where people can watch the games with beers and barbecue and work o the excitement with water-pistol battles, beach soccer games and a beer drinking competition.

Address: Haihan Road, Fengxian district, Shanghai

9 am to 9 pm, open seven days a week

Admission: 40 yuan for weekdays from 9 am to 5:30 pm and 60 yuan for nights on weekdays from 5:30 pm to 9 pm and weekends

Note: Go to Hai'ou Road to sample the seafood.

Jihu Beach

This is the largest beach in East China and often called the "Hawaii of Zhejiang". You can enjoy many recreational activities here, including crab-catching as the creatures appear on the beach after sunset. Bring flashlights and buckets to catch them.

Address: in Jihu village of Shengsi county in Zhoushan city, Zhejiang province

7:30 am to 10 pm, open seven days a week

Admission: 60 yuan

100 Steps Beach and 1,000 Steps Beach

These two secluded beaches are worth a peaceful stroll on a clear day. Temples dot the shoreline, several reachable from the beach by stairs and from the vantage points, the view of the bay is breathtaking.

Address: on the east coast of Putuo Mountain in Putuo district of Zhoushan city, Zhejiang province

7:30 am to 4:30 pm, all the year round

Admission: 20 yuan

Songlanshan Seashore Resort

Located near Ningbo, the beach resort has several caves for exploring, and protected reefs for diving along its 25-sq-km expanse.

Address: in Baisha Bay of Xiangshan county in Ningbo city, Zhejiang province