Top 5 Budget-Friendly Island Cities for Travelers

Weihai

• Attractions: Must-visit Liugong Island, a memorial site of the Sino-Japanese War. Chengshantou is the easternmost point of China's mainland coastline with spectacular views. Also, don't miss Xixiakou Wildlife Zoo where you can see animals by the sea.

• Food: Try local specialties like mackerel dumplings and Weihai clear soup.

• Accommodation: For luxury, choose Weihai Guihe Seasons Hotel. For sea views, Weihai Xianghai Howard Johnson Resort is recommended.

Pingtan

• Attractions: Pingtan Island is a must-visit with three major beaches. Houyan Island is a paradise for photography lovers. Tannan Bay, known as "Little Sanya," is great for camping. Changjiang'ao offers fairy-tale views of windmills and sea at sunset.

• Food: Enjoy seafood feasts at A Di Seafood Restaurant or affordable seafood at Feipo Feizai Seafood Stall. Don't miss local breakfast specialty Tan-style fried buns.

• Accommodation: Luxury option: YOOOO·Sleep by the Sea Resort. Family-friendly: Pingtan Guohui International Hotel. For great views: Pingtan Bolan Seaview Resort.

Beihai

• Attractions: Weizhou Island features lava landscapes and slow island life. Beihai Silver Beach has pristine white sand perfect for sunsets. Beihai Old Street showcases Sino-Western arcade architecture.

• Food: Try local seafood at Yuexiang Kitchen or Shayugang Seafood. Local snacks include Shiluoji Guiliu River Snail Rice Noodles and Vietnamese rice rolls.

• Accommodation: Beihai Silver Beach Green Garden New Century Resort is a family-friendly beachfront hotel. Beihai Sheraton Resort offers stunning sunset sea views.

Dalian

• Attractions: Tiger Beach Ocean Park features polar animal shows. Bangchuidao is a beautiful isolated island. Xinghai Square offers vast sea views, nightscapes and musical fountains.

• Food: Famous seafood at Lvda Impression·Dalian Cuisine Restaurant. Zhenghuangqi Seafood BBQ has a long history. Mengge Braised Pork is wildly popular.

• Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Dalian has excellent facilities and sea views. Dalian Jinshitan Luneng Hot Spring Holiday Hotel is great for families with various activities and hot springs.

Qinhuangdao

• Attractions: Shanhaiguan is known as the "First Pass Under Heaven." Aranya boasts artistic charm. Beidaihe is perfect for birdwatching, beach walks and sunrise views.

• Food: Qingshan Restaurant specializes in seafood dumplings and home-style dishes. Bagogu Lamb Soup with baked bread is delicious.

• Accommodation: Aranya Sukha Hotel offers sea-facing rooms and family activities. Qinhuangdao Shangri-La Hotel is ideal for family trips near the beach.