Live Your Best Lives
As the city's slogan, "Travel the world, and you'll still find Weihai," puts it in the hearts of many. Multiple recipients of the UN Habitat Award, listed among China's top ten livable cities and boasting the highest sense of happiness, this city is a place where you'll fall in love with everything. Let's explore Weihai, witness China's earliest sunrise, walk the longest stretch of Jiaodong coastline, and sample its authentic seafood.
Weihai Cuisine (Seafood and Jiaodong Specialties)
Weihai is the closest city in mainland China to Tokyo, Japan, and Seoul, South Korea. Located at the eastern tip of the Shandong Peninsula, it is bordered on three sides by the Yellow Sea. Many visitors are immediately struck by its exceptional cleanliness: clean streets, abundant greenery, and a long coastline, making it a veritable National Sanitary City and a Garden City.
Weihai boasts convenient transportation, with both an international airport and a train station within easy reach. Shipping services have been available since the Ming Dynasty, and today Weihai Port has become one of the most convenient ports in China for shipping to South Korea, with the most frequent flights.
Airport: Weihai International Airport (Weihai Dashuibo International Airport) is located in Wendeng District, 40 kilometers from the city center.
Railway: Weihai City currently has six major passenger stations, including Weihai Station (national passenger trains have been opened), Weihai North Station (Weihai Port is also nearby, the East Asian seaport), Wendeng East Station, Wendeng Station, Rushan Station, and Rongcheng Station.
Weihai Airport and Station Location Map
"The first place to see the sunrise over the sea" has been praised as "the place where the sun rises" since ancient times. It was called Chaowu in the Spring and Autumn Period. It is surrounded by the sea on three sides, with lush green mountains and a vast sea. Come here to find "China's Cape of Good Hope". No matter how far away it is, don't be afraid, the warm sun is right beside you.
Sunrise at Chengshantou, photo courtesy of Weihai Tourism Development Committee
The picture is from tourists@traveling photographers
"Let me take you on a coastal route"—this is perhaps the unique way Weihai people treat their guests. This coastal route, with towering peaks and exquisite villas to the left and the boundless azure ocean to the right, offers a truly remarkable experience, whether cycling or taking a sightseeing bus. Maotou Mountain and Grape Beach are the most beautiful sections, allowing you to slow down and enjoy your time in Weihai.
From November to April every year, tens of thousands of swans, wild ducks and wild geese travel thousands of miles from Siberia, Inner Mongolia and other places to quietly land in the "Oriental Swan Kingdom" to roost and overwinter, forming the largest swan lake in northern China. It also attracts countless photography enthusiasts to come here and capture the swans' graceful postures.
Image from Photo Network
The "place closest to South Korea" is 420 kilometers away. Nearly 100,000 Koreans live here, and nearly 1,000 Korean companies have established a presence in Weihai. Korean shops and restaurants abound in the streets and alleys, allowing you to enjoy authentic Korean cuisine and visit China's version of Dongdaemun without leaving the country.
Picture from the Internet
Enjoy Weihai from all angles. As a key player on the Shandong Peninsula, it's typically a two-day in-depth tour followed by a one-day leisure trip. Since Shandong travelers typically choose one of the province's three main destinations (Qingdao, Jinan, and Yantai), Weihai is often visited on the second or third day. The following itinerary is recommended for your reference.
Come to see the flowers in spring, see the sea in summer, eat fresh food in autumn, and photograph birds in the east. You can come here to discover a different Weihai in all seasons.
Weihai urban area distribution
Distribution of Weihai's classic attractions
Theme: Mountains and Seas (Check-in at Weihai’s Mountains and Seas)
DAY1 Liugong Island - Hailu Island - Huaxia City
DAY2 Kunyu Mountain - Bible Mountain - Shendiao Mountain
Picture from tourists@Outdoor Little Fur
Theme: Romantic seaside (close to the sea that merges into the north)
DAY1: Rushan surfing - having fun on the coastal highway
DAY2 Weihai Shenyou Ocean World-5A Liugong Island
Rushan Silver Beach, picture from photo.net
Theme: Parent-child fun (bring your baby to the island)
DAY1 Liugong Island - Happiness Gate - Weihai Park - Hanlefang
DAY2 Chengshantou-Hailu Island or Jiming Island
Weihai Park, picture from Photo Network
The same Jiming Island as "Where Are We Going, Dad?"
Image from Photo Network
Theme: Photography Line (Avoid the crowds, professional photography line)
DAY1 Weihai City - Yandunjiao - Swan Lake
DAY2 Chezhugou-Colored Stone Scenic Area-Weihai City
Image from Photo Network
Theme: Classic Check-in (5A Scenic Spots and Landmark Check-in)
5A scenic spot Liugong Island - landmark Xingfu Gate - Ring Road
Happiness Gate, picture from Photo Network
Theme: Authentic Features (Experience of Visiting Seaweed Houses in Jiaodong)
Eastern Sacred Mountain Chishan-Seaweed House Tribe Dongchu Island
Chishan, picture from photo.net
Picture from tourists@雨神Hades
Theme: Gold Coast (360-degree check-in for the most beautiful coast)
Where the sun rises becomes a mountain - "Running Man" Naxianghai Beach
Image from tourists@Rickson
【Must-visit index】★★★★★
【Scenery Index】★★★★★
【Fun Index】★★★★☆
【Summer Vacation Index】★★★★★
[Keywords] Weihai must-see, get close to history, Dingyuan warship, recommended for parents and children
Why You Must Visit: This 5A scenic spot, known as the "Fairy Mountain on the Sea" and "National Forest Park," is a must-see in Weihai. Experience the Sino-Japanese War, Weihai's pristine villages, and the marine paradise, offering diverse activities and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy options like island-circling boats and cable cars.
Image from Photo Network
Tips:
transportation
1. Take bus No. 1, 103, 33, or 24 from Weihai Railway Station or Bus Station to the passenger terminal, and then take a cruise ship. During peak season, the last ferry to the island departs at 4:30 PM, and the last ferry to the island departs at 5:30 PM. During off-season, the last ferry to the island departs at 3:00 PM, and the last ferry to the island departs at 3:30 PM.
2. Self-driving: Take the G20 Qingyin Expressway - Weifang - Weilai Expressway - Tongsan Expressway - Yanwei Expressway - Exit at Weihai - Go east on Shichang Avenue - Jiefang Road - North Haibin Road - You will reach Liugong Island Tourist Wharf. It takes about 40 minutes to get off the expressway (parking is available at Liugong Island Tourist Wharf).
Tickets
Liugong Island Scenic Area: RMB 130; Dingyuan Warship Scenic Area: RMB 75; Sea Tour: RMB 60; Cable Car: RMB 30 one-way/RMB 60 round-trip (Monday-Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Free ticket: Children under 6 years old (inclusive) or under 1.2 meters (inclusive) in height
The ticket to Liugong Island Scenic Area includes round-trip boat tickets and entrance fees to scenic spots (Expo Park, Whale Pavilion, Panda Pavilion, Goat and Sika Deer Pavilion, etc.).
Elderly people over 60 years old and disabled people can purchase boat tickets for 31 yuan per person with valid ID, and are exempt from scenic spot entrance fees; active military personnel, minors over 1.4 meters tall and under 18 years old, and full-time undergraduate students and below (with student ID) can purchase tickets for 81 yuan with valid ID.
Opening hours
All day 07:30-15:30 (ships entering the island) (January 01st - December 31st) The last boat leaving the island is at 17:30
【Must-visit index】★★★★☆
【Scenery Index】★★★★★
【Fun Index】★★★☆☆
【Summer Vacation Index】★★★★★
【Keywords of attractions】The most beautiful coastline, the ruins of the First Qin Emperor, the place where the sun rises first
Why You Must Visit: Also known as "The End of the World," it's surrounded by the sea on three sides and bordered by land on one side, facing South Korea across the sea. It's named for its location at the easternmost tip of the Chengshan Mountains. Named one of China's eight most beautiful coastlines by National Geographic China, it has long been hailed as "the place where the sun rises."
The picture is from tourists@traveling photographers
Tips:
transportation:
Take a bus from Weihai Bus Station to Xixiakou, which runs every half hour, costs 15 yuan, and takes about 1.5 hours.
Tickets:
Full price ticket: 170 RMB; discounted ticket: 85 RMB (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Free of charge: Children under 1.2 meters, seniors over 70 years old, and disabled revolutionary soldiers with valid certificates are exempt from scenic spot tickets, but they need to purchase 10 yuan insurance; the above-mentioned people need to purchase a cable car ticket if they take the scenic spot cable car
Children between 1.2 and 1.4 meters tall, seniors aged 60 to 69, people with disabilities, and active military personnel can purchase discounted tickets with valid ID.
For more specific ticket prices and discount policy details, please refer to the official website
Opening Hours:
07:50-16:40 (Monday-Sunday, January 1-December 31)
【Must-visit index】★★★★★
【Scenery Index】★★★★★
【Fun Index】★★★★★
【Summer Vacation Index】★★★★★
【Keywords】Sunshine and beach, summer waves, freedom
Why You Must Visit: One of Weihai's three major scenic spots, along with Chengshantou and Liugong Island, this natural bathing beach is a popular destination for vacations, summer retreats, and recuperation. It's perfect for swimming, relaxing, and catching small marine fish. It also features an amusement park, water park, and other recreational facilities, as well as water activities like speedboats, cruise ships, and motorboats.
Image courtesy of Weihai Tourism Development Committee
Tips:
transportation:
1. Airport tourists: Take the airport bus to the bus station, then take several buses to Hualian Department Store, and then transfer to bus No. 7 (or No. 85) to reach the scenic area;
2. Tourists by ship: Take the ship to Weihai Wharf and disembark, then take bus No. 7 (or No. 85) to the scenic area;
3. Tourists by train: After getting off at Weihai Station, walk five minutes to the bus stop on the north side of the train station entrance. Take bus No. 12 to Torch Building (500 meters from the beach). You can also take multiple buses to Hualian Department Store and transfer to bus No. 7 (or No. 85) to reach the scenic area.
Tickets:
free
Opening hours
All day:
The bathing area is open all day, and showers and entertainment activities are open during the day. The specific hours vary according to the weather and the number of visitors.
【Must-visit index】★★★★★
【Scenery Index】★★★★★
【Fun Index】★★★★★
【Summer Vacation Index】★★★★☆
【Keywords】Internet celebrity island, seagull kingdom, parent-child fun
Why You Must Visit: Because of the abundance of seagulls on the island, locals call them "sea cats," hence the name "Sea Cat Island." Hailu Island is also a paradise of flowers and plants, covered in lush hibiscus, reeds, and wild jujube trees. The contrast between white birds, red flowers, and the ocean waves creates a captivating island scene.
The picture is from tourists@traveling photographers
Tips:
You can take a boat from the cruise ship terminal in Xixiakou Village, which takes about 15 minutes. There are boats from March to October every year and the boats are not available in other months.
Tickets
Regular ticket: 100 RMB (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Opening hours
07:30-17:00 (Monday-Sunday, January 1st-December 31st)
【Must-visit index】★★★★☆
【Scenery Index】★★★★☆
【Fun Index】★★★★★
【Summer Escape Index】★★★☆☆
【Keywords】Coastal zoo, marine animals, parent-child fun
Why You Must Visit: Take in mainland China's most beautiful coastline, tracing the history of the Qin and Han dynasties, interacting with seagulls, and enjoying the azure waters. The Chengshantou and Hailu Island scenic areas are particularly worth a visit. If you're traveling with children, you can also visit the Shendiaoshan Wildlife Park.
Xixiakou, picture from tourists@雨神Hades
Shendiao Mountain, picture from tourists@游走旅行的摄影人
Tips:
transportation
1. Depart from Weihai Bus Station
Take the minibus from Weihai to Chengshantou, the fare is 15 yuan, and it runs every 30 minutes.
If you want to visit the Hailu Island scenic area, you can get off at the Zoo Station and walk for 10 minutes or take a taxi to the destination.
If you want to visit the Motianling Scenic Area, you can get off at the terminal station, Chengshantou Scenic Area.
2. Depart from Rongcheng Bus Station
Take a minibus heading from Yatou to Longxu Island for 10 yuan, with buses departing every 20 minutes. After visiting the zoo and Hailu Island, get off at Xixiakou Wildlife Park (some buses do not enter the scenic area; after getting off, take a taxi to Xixiakou for about 6-10 yuan).
Tickets
Single ticket: Chengshantou Scenic Area 160 RMB / Shendiaoshan Wildlife Park 150 RMB / Motianling Ecological Tourism Area 60 RMB / Longxia Lake Scenic Area 30 RMB;
Combined ticket: Chengshantou Scenic Area + Motianling Scenic Area 180 RMB / Shendiaoshan Wildlife Park + Dinosaur Museum 175 RMB / Shendiaoshan Wildlife Park + Parrot Paradise 175 RMB;
Package: Shendiaoshan Zoo + Chengshan Peak + Motianling + Longxia Lake 270 RMB (Monday-Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Free of charge: Children under 1.2 meters, seniors over 70 years old, and disabled revolutionary soldiers with valid certificates are exempt from scenic spot tickets, but they need to purchase a 10 yuan insurance; the above-mentioned people need to purchase a cable car ticket if they want to take the scenic spot cable car.
Children between 1.2 and 1.4 meters tall, seniors aged 60-69, persons with disabilities, and active military personnel with valid ID can purchase discounted tickets. Discounted prices: 85 yuan per person for both Chengshantou Scenic Area and Shendiaoshan Wildlife Park; 150 yuan per person for the Shendiaoshan Zoo, Chengshantou, Motianling, and Longxia Lake package.
Opening hours
07:30-18:00 (Monday-Sunday, April 1-October 31)
07:30-16:00 (Monday to Sunday, November 1st - March 31st of the following year)
Internal sub-attractions: Chengshantou Scenic Area is open all day, Hailu Island Scenic Area operates from March to October every year, and is suspended in other months.
【Must-visit index】★★★★★
【Scenery Index】★★★★★
【Fun Index】★★★★☆
【Summer Vacation Index】★★★★★
【Keywords】Most beautiful coastal road, panoramic coastline, coastal cycling
Why You Must Visit: This long coastal road, built along the mountainous terrain from Xiaoshi Island in the west to Heqing in the east, is a unique scenic spot in Weihai. Only on this road can you truly experience Weihai at its most natural. Rent a bicycle and spend an afternoon leisurely strolling along the road, stopping here and there. You'll discover the majestic, beautiful, rich, colorful, and striking beauty of the mountains and waters.
Image from tourists@吴汉
Tips:
Car rental matters
Bicycles can be rented in Weihai's coastal scenic spots, along the coastal road (such as Half Moon Bay), and in youth hostels. Both single and group rentals are available, costing over 20 yuan per bicycle.
Time reference
More than 3 hours
transportation
You can get there by bicycle or sightseeing bus and get off at Yuanyao Village Station.
Tickets
free
Opening hours
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
【Must-visit index】★★★☆☆
【Scenery Index】★★★★☆
【Fun Index】★★★☆☆
【Summer Escape Index】★★★☆☆
【Keywords for scenic spots】Parent-child leisure, comprehensive vacation
If time permits, Weihai Shenyou Ocean World's legendary performances and underwater world are also worth a visit. Using audio, video, and technology, it blends reality and fantasy, allowing you to experience and participate in a unique marine culture, effectively filling the gap in Weihai's coastal city's oceanarium market.
Picture from tourists@Outdoor Little Fur
Tips:
Ticket prices
160 yuan
famous attractions
Old fishing village, Happy Ocean Theater, and Wandering the Sea and Sky
Opening hours
08:30-17:00; Ticket sales stop at 16:30 (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Besides the beautiful scenery, Weihai's culinary scene is another reason to linger. Enjoy authentic street food at the Korean-style street; discover the understated yet extraordinary Huaxia Road, where locals rarely see the food; discover the Great World Food Street, where 90% of Weihai residents have tried it; discover the Twelve Zodiac Street, Weihai's newest culinary hotspot; and discover must-see food spots at Jinian Road and Guangming Road.
Various seafood
A variety of fresh fish, shrimp, crab, snails, paired with simple dipping sauces, let you enjoy a seafood party with fat crabs and delicious shrimps.
Picture from tourists@雨神Hades
Midge shrimp paste
Jiaodong seafood condiments, made from marinated midge shrimp, can be eaten raw or cooked. A popular dish is steamed egg shrimp with sweet potato buns. Eating the egg shrimp with sweet potato or buns is a delicious combination.
Spanish mackerel dumplings
This special noodle dish is a local specialty of Jiaodong. It can be found in hotels and restaurants of all sizes. As a native of Jiaodong, every year when the fresh Spanish mackerel comes on the market, people will make delicious dumplings with it.
The picture is from tourists@traveling photographers
scallion dipping sauce
The essence of this dish lies in the "dipping" part. A scallion is inserted directly into the sauce dish, and a mouthful of rice and a scallion are dipped in the sauce. Your cheeks puff up as the scallion crackles in your mouth, filling you with the spicy aroma of the scallion, the richness of the sauce, and the softness of the rice. Furthermore, a Weihai household standard: fresh radish and cucumber strips dipped in the noodle sauce.
Rushan Wedding Cake
Also known as "wife cake", it looks quite similar to the fire-baked bread commonly found in Shandong and Northeast China. It looks smooth and golden on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and has a rich aroma of egg and milk, which makes you want to eat it.
Weihai Clear Soup
Her delicious soups include sea cucumber soup, three fresh soup and fish tofu soup. Among them, the meatball soup is also very famous and deeply loved by Weihai people.
Seaweed buns
Besides being a feast for the senses, these dumplings also remind us of our hometown. These dumplings, also known as camel hair buns, are often filled with seaweed, sea laver, and other vegetables, but the best ingredient is the seaweed called "camel hair." They are smooth and tender, fresh and delicious.
The climate is characterized by abundant rainfall, moderate temperatures, and a mild year-round. Weihai's continental degree is 54.1%. Due to its proximity to the Yellow Sea, it is regulated by the ocean, resulting in a maritime climate characterized by cool springs, cool summers, warm autumns, and mild winters, with a small temperature difference between day and night, a long frost-free period, strong winds, and high humidity.
Weihai is a region of gently undulating hills with wide valleys and gentle slopes. With the exception of Taiboding, the main peak of Kunyu Mountain, which reaches an altitude of 923 meters, all other hills and mountains in the area are below 700 meters. Most of the hills are 200 to 300 meters high, with a slope of less than 25 degrees.
Weihai's coastline stretches 95 kilometers. There are 20 islands of varying sizes along the coast, with a total coastline length of 29.2 kilometers. The coastline is long and winding, with a crisscrossing of capes and bays, creating a complex terrain that provides many natural harbors.
Image from Photo Network
In the middle and late Neolithic Age, there was a relatively developed primitive culture in the Weihai area. The various bronze artifacts unearthed from the Western Zhou Dynasty to the Warring States Period are sufficient to demonstrate the level of development of the culture at that time.
Rushan Drum
Commonly known as "blind singing," it is said that after Xihe drum was introduced to Rushan, local blind artists added their own dialect and slang to the performance during the process of passing it down from generation to generation, gradually evolving it. Because the lyrics are in line with local customs and easy to understand, they have aroused the appreciation of the public.
Yangge
Xiaxi Fire Dragon Yangge, with its rich local characteristics, is of the same clan as Haiyang Dayangge, both of which are renowned. When Rushan Dayangge is in full swing, it appears grand and bold from a distance, while its rhythmic rhythm is tight when viewed up close.
