IT’S the time of the year again to get away from the city’s noise, find a refreshing place to cool down and enjoy the sun, the sea and a sandy beach.

Coastal Jinshan, a suburban district in Shanghai famed for its golden beach along Hangzhou Bay, is hosting numerous events this summer. Head on over to take in the sight of beautiful women wearing bikinis, quaff a cold beer, catch some live bands or sit back and watch some fireworks light up the night sky.

• 2014 Shanghai Jinshan International Beer Festival

The annual festival starts tomorrow at Shanghai Jinshan City Beach Visitor Center Plaza.

The nine-day festival will feature 40 beers from around the world including China, Germany, Belgium and Holland. Some of the European brews have existed for more than 300 years.

Every day from 10am to 10pm, festival visitors can dance to music by European rock bands, gulp down beer and take a dip in Hangzhou Bay.

Admission ranges from 20 yuan (US$3.2) to 40 yuan depending on arrival time.

In addition, the festival venue is close to Jinshan Seafood City, an area filled with restaurants and seafood stalls. Diners can choose their own live seafood and tell the cook how to prepare it. Authentic Jinshan dishes are also available.

Date: Tomorrow–July 13, 10am-10pm

Venue: Shanghai Jinshan City Beach Visitor Center PlazaAdmission: 20–40 yuan

Tel: 6729-3027

Website: www.gewara.com

• Zebra Music Festival (Shanghai)

The Zebra Music Festival rocks into town from July 25 to 27 at Shanghai Jinshan City Beach.

The three-day, star-studded gala will feature around 20 music bands and singers. The lineup includes Power Station from Taiwan, Daylight from Spain, Start Line from South Korea and numerous Chinese indie bands.

Chang Shilei, a talented singer and songwriter, will perform at the festival this summer. Chang is best known for writing the song “You and Me” for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It was performed by Sarah Brightman and Chinese singer Liu Huan during the opening ceremony.

Rising artist Li Ronghao, nominated for five music awards at the Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan this year, will also perform at the festival. Pop stars such as Faye Wong and Eason Chan are among Li’s legion of fans.

Date: July 25–27, 4:30–10pm

Admission: 150–400 yuan

Venue: Shanghai Jianshan City Beach

Tel: 400-406-506, 400-882-119

Website: www.gewara.com

• Shanghai International Beach Fireworks Festival

The night sky of Jinshan’s City Beach will light up with thousands of splendid fireworks on September 6 and 13.

The 2014 Jinshan International Beach Fireworks Festival is expected to attract about 20,000 visitors.

Pyrotechnists from various countries are expected to present some grand shows mixed with light and sound.

“Jinshan beach is the best place in Shanghai to watch fireworks because it features open space and is far from light pollution,” a local government spokesman said.

Fireworks are restricted to a height of 40 meters downtown while they are permitted to reach 100 meters at Jinshan City Beach.

The fireworks will be transported by licensed logistics companies to ensure safety. The performances are to be launched from the outer dam, about 500 meters from spectators, again for safety reasons.

Date: September 6, 13

Admission: Free

Venue: Shanghai Jianshan City Beach

By car: Take either the G15 or S4 highway and exit at Tingwei Road. Turn left on Tingwei Road and drive until reaching the beach.

By public transport: Take Jinshan Railway, which starts at Shanghai South Railway Station and ends at Jinshanwei Station. Then transfer to No. 1 Jinshan Bus Line to the beach.