I thought Qingdao was beautiful until I came to Lianyungang

Who would have thought! I thought Qingdao was beautiful enough until I went to Lianyungang🌊 This small city by the Yellow Sea, where mountains meet the sea, is stunningly beautiful. Here’s a firsthand travel guide—follow it and you won’t go wrong～

✨Must-visit Attractions✨

- Huaguo Mountain Scenic Area: Who hasn’t dreamed of Journey to the West! There really are jagged rocky peaks and waterfalls. Hiking up the mountain feels so rewarding, and taking the cable car to overlook the view was breathtaking🤩 It’s like stepping into Sun Wukong’s territory～
- Lian Island: Jiangsu’s largest island lives up to its reputation! The sand at Dasha Bay is so fine you’ll want to run barefoot, and the Su Ma Bay waterside boardwalk is a must-walk. Waves crashing on the rocks make every photo wallpaper-worthy🌊
- Sea Cloud Terrace Mountain: Known as the “Number One Scenic Spot of the East China Sea,” it’s truly enchanting! The mountaintop surrounded by sea feels like a fairyland. When the mist drifts by, you feel like you’re riding the clouds. Gazing at the sea and harbor instantly washes away all worries☁️
- Lianyungang Old Street: The old buildings made of stone are full of character! Western-style houses mixed with Republic of China era vibes. Walking on the cobblestone streets feels like time traveling. When the lights come on at dusk, the sense of history is overwhelming📜

🦞Foodie Must-Try🦞

- Seafood lovers rejoice! Salt and pepper mantis shrimp shells are crispy enough to chew directly, sea intestine rice is incredibly fresh, steamed swimming crab is full of roe, and cold octopus is chewy and flavorful. You can eat your fill for just a few dozen yuan🦀
- Don’t be afraid of Guanyun Dou Dan! Though it looks like a green worm, it’s incredibly fresh when cooked! The texture is like crab meat but even more tender. Locals say it’s a “Jiangsu Northern delicacy.” Those brave enough to try it find it delicious😋
- You must try pan-fried cold jelly! The outside is crispy and charred, the inside is sticky and soft. Topped with garlic paste and vinegar, one bite is sour, spicy, and appetizing. You can get it from a street stall for just 5 yuan🥢

🏨Where to Stay?

- If you want to lie down and enjoy mountain views, choose Huaguo Mountain Huajianling Wuyun Kong Hotel. Nestled halfway up the mountain with endless greenery, waking up to birdsong is so relaxing🌿
- For shopping and eating, pick Suning Sofitel in the city center. It’s super convenient, and you can stroll out for late-night snacks🍢
- On a budget? Choose city chain hotels. They’re cost-effective and taxi rides to attractions aren’t expensive～

🚗Transportation Tips

- Fly directly to Huaguo Mountain International Airport, a taxi to downtown takes half an hour; for high-speed rail, choose Lianyungang Station, which is convenient for everywhere🚄
- In the city, taxis or BRT are recommended. For Lian Island, self-driving is best to enjoy the beautiful sea views along the way; inside Huaguo Mountain Scenic Area, sightseeing buses save your energy🚌

Lianyungang is truly an underrated treasure! The mountains and sea are more stunning than imagined, the seafood is so fresh you’ll want to stomp your feet, and prices are friendly～ I’ll definitely come back next time to make up for the seafood I didn’t finish!😋