Visited Huludao five times and finally put together this super detailed guide

Huludao, a coastal city located in western Liaoning, is known as the "First City Outside the Pass." It boasts mountains and sea side by side, with a long-lasting ancient charm. As a "wild ambassador" who has explored Huludao five times, today I’m sharing these treasured tips. Whether you want to see stunning sea views, indulge in extravagant seafood feasts, or immerse yourself in niche romantic experiences, this guide has got you covered!

Recommended Attractions

1. Xingcheng Ancient City: One of China’s top ten ancient cities and one of the four best-preserved Ming Dynasty ancient cities in the country. The city wall is 8.8 meters high and 3,200 meters in circumference, with four gates. In the center of the city stands a bell and drum tower, along with ancient sites like the Ming Dynasty Zu Clan Stone Archway and the Confucian Temple. Walking through it feels like stepping back into its former glory. Admission is 70 RMB per person for a full pass (including Jiliao Governor’s Office, City God Temple, etc.), or 25 RMB for the city wall ticket alone. Open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (extended to 6:00 PM in summer). Early morning or evening is less crowded and great for photos; try authentic local snacks at the "Xingcheng Old Brand" on South Street.

2. Juehua Island: The largest island in Bohai Bay, known as the "Northern Buddha Island." The island features ancient sites like Tangwang Cave and Octagonal Well alongside beaches and reefs. In summer, you can go shellfish gathering. Round-trip ferry tickets cost 120 RMB per person (including island entry), half price for children. There are two daily ferries (departing at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, returning at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM). Rent an electric scooter to circle the island (about 50 RMB/hour) or hike to the Strange Rock Beach to watch the sunset—very relaxing.

3. Jiumenkou Great Wall: A representative "Water Great Wall," this Ming Dynasty wall spans the Jiujiang River with nine water gates that serve both defense and flood discharge functions. In autumn, the red leaves complement the wall beautifully. Tickets are 60 RMB per person (half price for students), cable car one-way is 30 RMB per person. Open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Wear non-slip shoes as some steps are steep; you can also try archery inside the park (10 RMB for 5 arrows).

4. Longhuitou Scenic Area: Huludao’s landmark sea-view spot, featuring a 3-kilometer cliffside plank road overlooking the Bohai Sea and Xingcheng coastline. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, and winter offers magnificent sea ice views. Admission is free. Watch the sunrise in the early morning, capture silhouettes at sunset, and at the end of the plank road is "Bikini Square," perfect for photos and check-ins.

5. Hulushan Village: A folk village themed around gourd culture, including the Guandong Folk Museum and Gourd Garden. You can experience intangible cultural heritage crafts like paper-cutting and pyrography, and enjoy countryside fruit picking in summer. Admission is 50 RMB per person (including some experience activities), free for children under 1.2 meters tall. Open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The "Guandong Family" restaurant in the park serves authentic sauerkraut pork and sticky bean buns.

Food Recommendations

1. Seafood Feast: Steamed mitten crab, spicy stir-fried clams, oyster tofu stew, etc., costing 60-100 RMB per person. Recommended at Xingcheng Seaside Night Market for fresh and delicious options.

2. Hongluoxian Dried Tofu: Thin as cicada wings, can be served cold or rolled with scallions, 10 RMB per serving, with a unique texture.

3. Suizhong Water Tofu: Made from freshly ground soy milk, served with chive flowers and chili oil, 8 RMB per bowl, tender and refreshing.

4. Grilled Pollock: Korean ethnic flavor, crispy outside and tender inside, 15 RMB per fish, with a distinctive taste.

5. Turbot Fish: Local specialty steamed fish, tender meat, priced 40-60 RMB per fish (by weight), full of fresh flavor.

Must-Try Old Shops:

- Xingcheng Seaside Night Market (Haibin Road, Xingcheng City): A seafood stall hub, recommended "Old Wang’s Seafood," about 70 RMB per person.

- Hongluoxian Market (Hongluoxian Town, Lianshan District): Open on the 2nd, 5th, and 8th days of the lunar month, where you can buy freshly made dried tofu and farmhouse dishes.

- Lao Siji Pulled Noodles (Longwan Street, Longgang District): Shenyang-style pulled noodles with chicken rack, 12 RMB per bowl, affordable and tasty.

Accommodation Options

- Budget: Guesthouses around Xingcheng Ancient City (e.g., "Ancient City Cottage"), 120-180 RMB per night, convenient for travel and full of ancient city charm.

- Sea View Rooms: Hotels near Longhuitou (e.g., "Haiyun Hotel"), 300-500 RMB per night, with sea views from the balcony, very pleasant.

- High-End: Huludao Fudu Hotel, Xingcheng Haidelong Grand Hotel, 500-800 RMB per night, including breakfast and swimming pool, offering high-quality service.

Transportation Guide

- External Transport:
- Airplane: Huludao has no airport; you can fly to Jinzhou Jinzhou Bay Airport (50 km from Huludao, taxi about 120 RMB) or fly to Shenyang Taoxian Airport and transfer by high-speed train to Huludao North Station (2 hours, ticket 70 RMB).
- High-Speed Rail: Huludao North Station is about 20 minutes by car to the city center, taxi costs 15 RMB; bus K3 goes directly to Xingcheng Ancient City (3 RMB per person).

- Local Transport:
- Bus: Most attractions are directly accessible, fare 1-2 RMB per ride (use Alipay to get the "Huludao Electronic Bus Card").
- Taxi: Starting fare 6 RMB for 3 km, usually no more than 20 RMB for trips within the city.
- Shared Electric Scooters: Hello, Qingju, etc., 2 RMB for 15 minutes, suitable for short trips, convenient and flexible.

5 Days 4 Nights Itinerary Reference

- Day 1: Arrive in Huludao → Longwan Seaside (enjoy the beach and waves, take a speedboat) → Xingcheng Ancient City (explore the ancient city, rent Hanfu for photos, try dried tofu rolled with scallions) → Stay in an ancient city guesthouse
- Day 2: Juehua Island day trip (take the ferry to the island, cycle around, eat seafood, relax on the beach) → Return to the city
- Day 3: Zhimawan shellfish gathering (dig clams, catch crabs) → Seafood stalls (have seafood cooked, drink seafood dumpling soup, watch the sunset over the sea)
- Day 4: Huludao Ancient Town (experience Northeast folk culture, watch Errenzhuan performances, enjoy amusement rides, eat seaweed buns) → Hot springs (relax and stargaze)
- Day 5: Food tour before departure (eat Hongluoxian dried tofu, sauerkraut pork hotpot, fried eggplant pockets, buy dried seafood as souvenirs) → Return trip

Notes

1. Seafood Consumption: The fishing ban period is from July to September, seafood prices are higher; it is recommended to choose farmed varieties. Avoid drinking beer with seafood to prevent gout.
2. Weather Preparation: Summer is hot and humid, bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent; winter is cold, wear down jackets; spring and autumn have strong sea winds, bring a scarf.
3. Transportation Tips: Ferry tickets to Juehua Island must be booked one day in advance via the "Xingcheng Wharf" WeChat public account to avoid no tickets on site; use ride-hailing apps for taxis for transparency and to avoid detours.
4. Cultural Etiquette: Do not carve on the Great Wall; when talking with local elders, addressing them as "Uncle" or "Auntie" is more friendly.

Huludao, this charming coastal city, offers the romance of the sea, the grandeur of mountains, and the lively atmosphere of an ancient city. Grab your friends, take this guide, and set off to explore the beauty of this city and create unforgettable travel memories!