Live Your Best Lives
Jiming Island, shaped like a rooster, is located approximately 1 km northwest of Hutoujiao, Gangxi Town, Rongcheng City, under the jurisdiction of Weihai City. It gained widespread fame thanks to the TV series "Where Are We Going, Dad?" However, before that, it was so unknown that many Weihai residents were unaware of it. This is precisely why it's considered a pristine island paradise.
Jiming Island, the only island in Rongcheng with permanent residents, is actually Jiming Island Village. The people here are simple and honest, living by the sea. Fishing and tourism sustain the village. The waters near the dock are virtually unpolluted, so clear that you can see the pebbles on the seabed. Waves crash against the rocks, creating whitecaps. Flowers, trees, and fruits abound on the island, seagulls chirp, and starfish lazily bask on the rocks. The scene paints a picture of peaceful times, a place that beckons you to linger in this warm, tranquil harbor.
"Here is a place where I can escape from the world, and sit there without realizing my age." When you come here, you can be a pure islander for a day, fall asleep to the sound of waves, go out to sea with the sea breeze, experience the original ecological life, and feel the calm and independent life.
The best time to visit Jiming Island is spring, summer, and autumn, from May to October. During these seasons, you can enjoy delicious local seafood and appreciate the unique scenery of the island.
You can watch the sunset on the coast on Jiming Island, enjoy the dancing of seabirds, fish on the shore, and go fishing at sea. A sumptuous seafood feast is a must.
Recommended play time: 1 day
The ferry to the island costs 50 yuan per person if there are less than 10 people, and 40 yuan per person if there are 10 people.
All day
Jiming Island is a small island about 1 km northwest of Hutoujiao, Gangxi Town, Rongcheng, in Weihai. The island is named for its shape, said to resemble a rooster. It gained wider fame as a filming location for the Chinese TV show *“Where Are We Going, Dad?”*, which increased its popularity among domestic tourists. Today, it functions as both a scenic spot and a place to experience a slower, island life away from the city.
Jiming Island lies off the coast of Rongcheng City under the administration of Weihai. To reach it:
Jiming Island is open roughly from 08:00 to 17:25 (closing in late afternoon) according to listings. The best times to visit are early in the day (morning) or late afternoon, when light is soft, crowds lighter, and sea views more dramatic.
The ticket details vary; on Trip.com it notes that the attraction is open and has an associated ticket, but the specific entry fee is not clearly published in the listing. Usually, visitor tickets (including ferry) can be purchased at the pier or via online platforms like Trip.com or the local ticket offices.
In peak season (summer, holidays), it is advisable to book the ferry + entry tickets a day ahead via online platforms to guarantee availability. In off-peak periods, same-day purchase may suffice, though arriving early is safer.
A thorough visit typically takes 2 to 3 hours to stroll through the main spots. For those staying overnight or wanting time to relax, 1 day (morning + afternoon) is reasonable.
There is no widely documented information about official guided tours or audio guides in foreign languages on the island. Most visitors explore self-guided on foot. It helps to use a guide from a local tour operator or translation apps.
A common approach is to land at the pier, head clockwise along the ramp path upward: first to the Cliff Library, then onward to Cliff Church, Cliff Café, continue along the cliffs to the reef beaches, then up to the lighthouse / panoramic hilltop. Return along a path through the village side.
There is no prominent record of night visits or light shows on Jiming Island. The attraction mainly operates in daylight hours. However, guesthouses on the island may allow staying overnight for stargazing and quiet seaside nights.
The island is moderately visited, especially during summer and holidays due to its popularity from the TV show. Visiting early morning or late afternoon, or on weekdays, tends to avoid peak crowding.
Facilities are basic but exist: public toilets, small cafés or snack kiosks (especially near cliff café), seating/rest areas, and minor shops or stalls run by island residents. Water and light refreshments are available but bring your own in case.
Access involves climbing ramps, walking along uneven coastal paths, and some steep steps, so it may be challenging for those with limited mobility. For children and elderly who can walk moderate slopes, it’s manageable with care. Wheelchair access is likely limited.
On the island, many small vendors and cafés likely accept mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay), which is common in China. However, carrying some cash is wise in case some small shops don’t accept cards. Offline ticket/boat payments at the pier may also accept cards or mobile.
On the island you’ll find cliff cafés and small eateries run by local residents. In nearby Rongcheng / Gangxi Pier area, there are seafood restaurants and local eateries serving fresh seafood.
Vegetarian options may be limited given the island’s coastal and seafood orientation, but cafés may offer basic vegetarian dishes (vegetables, soups). In the nearby mainland area, vegetarian or simple vegan Chinese dishes are more available. Halal options may be scarce unless in larger towns nearby.
There is Jiming Island Lodge located on the island itself. On the mainland near the pier/Gangxi are guesthouses, inns, and B&Bs serving visitors to the island.
Nearby attractions in the Weihai / Rongcheng area:
Yes, souvenir stalls on the island and near the pier may sell small crafts, sea shell items, local dried seafood (e.g. dried shellfish, sea cucumbers), postcards, local handicrafts. These are typical keepsakes.
