For many Americans, the Fourth of July calls for a celebration with beer, barbecue and bursting fireworks. In Beijing, Americans had the chance to ring in the holiday at midnight Sunday at the Great Wall Beach Party.

The Great Wall Beach Party brought people together from all over the world. [Anastasia Gray/China.org.cn]

Located where the Great Wall meets the Yellow Sea at Old Dragon Head, the fourth annual beach party drew crowds of foreigners and Beijingers Saturday. Buses departed from Chaoyang Park and Wudaokou for the three-and-a-half-hour journey to the world's largest man-made structure.

Matt Jordan, a 24-year-old American doing research in Beijing, said the party was a memorable experience.

"Although [the Great Wall] looms in the background, it isn't even really part of the event," he said. "The sea and the sand were more an integral part of the experience."

Foreigners and Beijingers alike wore swimsuits, kicked up sand and ran into the sea. The quarterfinals of the World Cup were broadcast on large screens on the beach, and DJs spun music until the sun rose Sunday.

DJ and event organizer El-Mar said that the event was a success. "The party was great, and the World Cup games that night were amazing," he said.

El-Mar hosted and organized the party with fellow DJ Suki. Other Beijing DJs spinning at the party included Mickey Zhang, Patrick Yu, QQ, Blackie, Ou Yang and Kaize. Belly dancers entertained while beverages and snacks, like corn on a stick, were available for purchase at the party.

At the end of the party, buses departed from the Great Wall as soon as they filled up. The last bus left after 5 am, making the Great Wall Beach Party the longest running, and possibly the latest running, outdoor rave in Beijing.

"The location is amazing," said El-Mar. "There is only one place in the world where you can have a party on the beach next to the Great Wall of China."

Not everyone was completely satisfied with the event. "The return trip after the party was hellish," Jordan said. "My bus took nearly eight hours to get back after repeatedly breaking down."

Jordan has advice for future party goers: "Go to this event! Dance until the morning! Get on the bus when the sun rises. Sleep off the hangover, and relish your China experience."

El-Mar and Suki also host the Great Aircraft Carrier Party, an annual event in early June. El-Mar said they are working on some other projects.