Live Your Best Lives
Weihai Naval Academy is located at the western end of Liugong Island. It was founded in 1890 and was the fourth academy established by the Qing government to train naval officers after the Fuzhou Naval Academy, Tianjin Naval Academy, and Guangdong Naval Academy.
The Weihai Naval Academy, the only surviving Qing Dynasty naval school in my country, has gone through 114 years of ups and downs and, after three years of intensive restoration, was officially opened to the public on the 110th anniversary of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895.
From the dock, walk along the Naval Office and Dragon King Temple until you reach the Naval Academy. This is where naval personnel live, study, and train. Detailed expenses are displayed on the wall, making the income and expenditure very transparent. This was a naval school in late Qing Dynasty China.
It has a temperate continental semi-humid monsoon climate with distinct four seasons, moderate cold and hot seasons, synchronized light and temperature, and simultaneous rain and heat. Spring is dry and windy, summer is hot and rainy, autumn is sunny and refreshing, and winter is cold and snowy.
It is recommended to play for one hour
The Naval Academy in Weihai is one of China's most prestigious naval institutions, with a history of training officers for the Chinese Navy. It holds significance for its contributions to the country's naval strength and its role in military education and research. Weihai, being a coastal city, has a long-standing connection to naval activities and is home to several key military installations.
The Naval Academy is located in Weihai, Shandong Province, on the eastern coast of China. You can reach the academy by taxi or private car from Weihai's city center. Public transportation options such as buses are available, but it's advisable to use a taxi for convenience. Walking is also an option if you are staying nearby.
The academy is generally open to visitors during daylight hours, but specific visiting times may vary based on the schedule of military activities. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is pleasant. Avoid visiting during major Chinese public holidays to avoid crowds.
There is no official entrance fee for visiting the Naval Academy itself, but some exhibitions or special tours may have a fee. Tickets, if needed, can be bought at the entrance or arranged through the academy's visitor center. Online ticketing is not typically available.
Booking tickets in advance is usually not necessary unless you're visiting during peak seasons or special events. However, it’s a good idea to check for any special exhibitions or tours that may require pre-booking.
It typically takes 2-3 hours to explore the Naval Academy, including a guided tour and a visit to the museums and outdoor exhibits. If you wish to attend a special ceremony or event, you might want to allocate additional time.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tours may offer basic English translations. Audio guides are not commonly available.
Start with a visit to the history museum to learn about the academy’s past, then explore the outdoor naval training areas. Conclude your visit by heading to the observation points for panoramic views of Weihai’s coastline.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at the Naval Academy. Special tours may be offered during certain times of the year or for specific events.
The Naval Academy can be relatively quiet during weekdays, especially in the off-peak tourist season. Weekends and holidays may see larger crowds, so visiting in the morning on weekdays is ideal for a more peaceful experience.
Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and water stations are available. There are no large restaurants or cafes on-site, but small food stalls may offer snacks. Shops selling souvenirs are typically located near the entrance or at the academy's main building.
The Naval Academy is generally accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors, although some areas with steep terrain may be difficult to navigate. It’s best to check with the visitor center for specific accessibility concerns before your visit.
Cash is accepted for small purchases and entry fees, but mobile payments (e.g., WeChat Pay, Alipay) are commonly accepted. Credit cards are not typically used on-site.
There are no large restaurants inside the Naval Academy, but nearby Weihai city offers a variety of dining options ranging from local Chinese cuisine to international food.
Nearby restaurants offer vegetarian and some vegan options. Halal food options are available in certain parts of Weihai, especially in areas with a Muslim population.
There are several hotels in Weihai, ranging from budget options to mid-range hotels. Popular areas for accommodations include the Weihai city center, which is only a short drive away from the Naval Academy.
Souvenir shops at the Naval Academy sell items such as military-themed merchandise, local handicrafts, and model ships. Popular souvenirs include naval-themed collectibles and maritime art.
Taxis and buses are the most common transportation options for continuing your trip. For a more scenic route, you can consider renting a bicycle or a car to explore nearby attractions like Liugong Island or Weihai's coastal areas.
