Shandong’s Hidden Coastal Town｜The Dongying Secret Spot I’m Afraid Will Get Popular but Can’t Help Sharing

Shandong’s Hidden Coastal Town｜The Dongying Secret Spot I’m Afraid Will Get Popular but Can’t Help Sharing

Who says the only places to see the sea in Shandong are Weihai and Yantai? Hidden in northern Shandong, Dongying has long woven the romance of the Yellow River meeting the Bohai Sea into poetry.

Here, there are no crowded crowds, only the “yellow and blue mandarin duck pot” created where the Yellow River rushes into the sea, reeds in the wetlands rolling with the wind, and flocks of migratory birds skimming the water’s surface—every breath is filled with the pure sweetness of nature🌅. The Red Beach is like a red carpet spread across the earth, soft underfoot, and every photo you take is a naturally healing scene without filters; the “Great Wall on the Sea” at Gudong Sea Dyke is incredibly impressive, with fishing sails dotting the sea outside the dyke and seagulls circling above. It’s also a filming location for "Youth Against the Wind," and standing here feels like stepping into a romantic scene from a movie.

📍Location: Dongying, Shandong
🚗Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Dongying Station; attractions are scattered, so self-driving is recommended for more freedom
📅Two-day, one-night itinerary:
Day 1: Yellow River Estuary Ecotourism Area (see the yellow and blue convergence) → Red Beach (shoot wetland masterpieces) → Yellow River Mouth (chase the stunning sunset)
Day 2: Yellow River Delta Bird Museum (observe rare birds) → Gudong Sea Dyke (check in at the Great Wall on the Sea) → Dongying City (enjoy local seafood)

2. Stop Crowding Weihai! Dongying’s Coastal Wetlands Are Stunningly Beautiful

If you want to find a coastal town with fewer people and beautiful scenery, Dongying in Shandong will definitely satisfy you. It’s not a popular tourist destination but hides a unique natural wonder—the Yellow River embracing the Bohai Sea, creating a vast wetland paradise.

In the early morning, visit the Yellow River Estuary Ecotourism Area to see the sunrise shining on the reeds and hear migratory birds calling as they skim the water; in the afternoon, walk on the Red Beach, where red Suaeda salsa covers the tidal flats, feeling like stepping on a soft carpet, and every photo you take is atmospheric🌾; later, visit the Yellow River Delta Bird Museum to see various rare birds up close, where even children can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. If you like beachcombing, Jin Ni Bay is a must-visit—when the seawater laps over your feet, digging for clams and catching little crabs is so much fun it makes you forget all worries, a blast for both adults and kids.

📍Address: Dongying, Shandong
🚄Transportation: High-speed train directly to Dongying Station; renting a car locally is more convenient
🌟Must-experience: Yellow and blue water convergence, Red Beach stroll, Gudong Sea Dyke sea views, Jin Ni Bay beachcombing

3. Unlock Dongying, Shandong｜A Seriously Underrated Coastal Treasure Town

I was amazed the first time I visited Dongying! This coastal town hidden in Shandong has none of Weihai’s noise or Yantai’s crowds, but it offers a unique tranquility and grandeur.

The moment the Yellow River rushes into the sea is breathtaking, with yellow and blue waters colliding right before your eyes—no wonder it’s called “nature’s mandarin duck pot”; the endless reeds in the wetlands ripple like green waves in the wind, and when flocks of migratory birds fly by, every shot you take is a dynamic natural painting🌅; Gudong Sea Dyke is perfect for daydreaming—sit by the dyke watching the sea and listening to the waves, occasionally a fishing boat passes by, so relaxing you won’t want to leave; if traveling with kids, the Yellow River Delta Bird Museum and Sunzi Culture Park are great choices, offering both educational and immersive experiences of Spring and Autumn culture. After a day of fun, head to the city for fresh seafood, and your happiness will be off the charts.

📍Location: Dongying, Shandong
🚗Travel tips: Self-driving is easier for connecting attractions; about 1 hour drive from the city to the Yellow River Estuary Ecotourism Area
💡Tips: Best visited in spring or autumn to see migratory birds and avoid the summer heat