A Romantic Secret Realm Where Mountains Embrace the Sea

Lianyungang, historically known as "Haizhou"🌅, is located in the central coastal area of China, bordered by the Yellow Sea to the east🌊, Rizhao in Shandong to the north☀️, and Yancheng and Huai'an to the south🏙️. It is the eastern starting point of the New Eurasian Land Bridge and a key city at the intersection of the Belt and Road Initiative🌉. Here you can find Jiangsu’s highest peak, Yunu Peak (Huaguo Mountain)🐒, China’s largest island, Lian Island🏝️, and it is also famous as the cultural birthplace of "Journey to the West"📜. The Yuntai Mountain range runs through the urban area🏔️, and 20 bedrock islands dot Haizhou Bay🌊, creating a unique "mountains embracing the sea" landscape🌄. According to historical legends, Confucius once climbed the mountain here to gaze at the sea👨‍🏫, and the Qin dynasty legend of Xu Fu’s eastward voyage adds a mysterious charm🚢.

⛺【Must-Visit Local Spots】
Huaguo Mountain Scenic Area 🐒🌳
Highlights: The cultural origin of "Journey to the West"📜, Yunu Peak at 624.4 meters is the highest point in Jiangsu🏔️, with mythically themed attractions like Water Curtain Cave💦 and Sanyuan Palace🏯.
Tips: Peak season ticket price is 90 RMB💰, it’s recommended to hike early in the morning to avoid crowds🌄. Monkeys are active in the mountains🐒, do not expose plastic bags🛍️.

Lian Island Scenic Area 🏝️🌊
Highlights: Jiangsu’s largest island🏝️, with fine sandy beaches at Dashawan🏖️, rugged reefs at Suma Bay🪨, and a coastal boardwalk connecting two bays🌉. Rated by "Chinese National Geography" as "China’s Most Beautiful Coastline"🏆.
Tips: Peak season ticket price is 50 RMB💰, free admission after 18:00🆓. The rainbow stairs🌈 and sea piano installation🎹 at sunset are incredibly romantic💕.

Sea Yuntai Mountain 🌄🌊
Highlights: Surrounded by sea on three sides🌊, the Yunding Viewing Platform offers panoramic views of the port’s giant ships🚢 and Lian Island’s wind turbines🌀. Misty weather creates a fairyland atmosphere🧚‍♀️.
Tips: Ticket price is 60 RMB💰, sunrise viewing in the early morning is recommended🌅. Enjoy milk tea🥤 at the mountain foot’s Banshan Study and the Zen ambiance🧘‍♀️ at Faqi Temple on the summit.

Yuwan Scenic Area 💦🌿
Highlights: Known as "Jiangsu’s Little Jiuzhaigou"🏞️, waterfalls splash during the rainy season💦, with cool spots like Sanlongtan and Erlongtan for summer relief🌬️, ideal for creek hiking👣.
Tips: Ticket price is 40 RMB💰, water volume peaks two days after rain💧, bring water shoes🩴 for playing in the water.

Lianyungang Old Street 🏘️🎨
Highlights: A Eurasian architectural complex formed around the 1930s Longhai Railway terminus🏛️, featuring the Clock Tower⏰, Shanghai Grand Hotel🏨, and trendy cultural shops🎁. Nighttime light shows recreate the bustling "Little Shanghai"🌃.
Tips: Free admission🆓, best visited before evening🌆. Don’t miss the intangible cultural heritage small fish pancakes🐟 with bean curd soup🥣 at the old seaside.

🛬【Travel Tips】
Recommended visiting time: May to October is peak season🌞, swimming is possible in July and August🏊‍♀️, but avoid weekends due to crowds👥.

🧡【Tips】
Transportation: Direct shuttle buses🚌 and BRT rapid transit🚌 connect major attractions. Renting an electric scooter🛵 (30 RMB/hour💰) is recommended for the Lian Island loop.
Seafood: At Haitang Road Market🛒, swimming crabs🦀 cost 15 RMB per jin after the September fishing season💰, with processing services available🔪. When buying seafood on Gaogong Island, compare prices📊 and bring bottled water💧 to weigh bags📏.
Avoid Pitfalls: Yuntai Mountain shuttle bus🚌 stops running at 17:00🕔. On sunny days at Yuwan, wear a sun hat👒. Rocks on Yangshan Island are slippery; wear non-slip shoes👟.
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Cycle along the West Embankment Sea Causeway🚴‍♀️ (6.7 km long📏, the longest in Asia🏆), and explore Han dynasty cliff carvings at Kongwang Mountain🔍.

The beauty of Lianyungang is hidden in every detail between the mountains and the sea🌄🌊. Take this guide📜 and embark on a spontaneous romantic journey!💕🎒