Taking kids to dig sand and watch the sea, four family-friendly coastal cities with a budget of 1000 RMB per person

🌊 **Beihai, Guangxi · Dreamy Islands and Mangrove Exploration**
* **🏖️ What to do**: Play in the sand and water at **Silver Beach** (navigate to "Chenmao Beach Hotel" and enter through the side gate for fewer crowds) and **Shiluokou Beach** on **Weizhou Island**. Take kids to **Jinhai Bay Mangrove Forest** to experience the fun of "sea foraging" (navigate to "Xiacun" entrance, free entry, rent tools for 10 RMB), and learn about ecology. You can also visit the **Volcanic National Geopark** to see unique volcanic landforms and collect shells at **Shell Beach**.
* **🦞 What to eat**: Try crab vermicelli and fried spring rolls at **Qiaogang Style Street**, fresh seafood at **Waisha Bridge Seafood Market** (can be cooked to suit kids’ tastes), and banana chicken on **Weizhou Island**.
* **💰 Budget reference**: Five days and four nights with a per person budget of just over 1000 RMB is feasible. Keep an eye on official ferry tickets and entrance fees, and choosing cost-effective homestays or joining reliable small tours can save a lot of hassle.
* **💡 Family tips**:
* For ferry tickets to Weizhou Island, choose "Beiyou 26," which has a children’s play cabin.
* Renting a family electric scooter with a safety seat on the island is convenient and affordable (about 50 RMB per day).
* When buying seafood at the market, watch out for scams and say "I want the full weight."

🌿 **Qingdao, Shandong · Red Tiles, Green Trees, and Artistic Strolls**
* **🏖️ What to do**: Visit **Lu Xun Park**, **Badaguan Scenic Area** (beautiful scenery but tiring to walk, fewer dining options a few years ago), and **Zhanqiao Pier** (great for feeding seagulls, best from October to April). **Signal Hill Park** offers a panoramic view of the old town’s red roofs. **Huangdao Golden Beach** (fine soft sand) or **Yinsha Beach** are quieter and perfect for kids to play in the sand. You can also visit the **Underwater World** or the **Navy Museum**.
* **🍺 What to eat**: Buy seafood at **Yingkou Road Seafood Market** and have it cooked at a beer house (about 50 RMB per person for a good meal). Try authentic **seafood dumplings** and **draft beer** (give kids some juice).
* **💰 Budget reference**: Spending less than 1000 RMB for three days and two nights is possible; there are also pure-play tours around 1200 RMB per person for four days and three nights.
* **💡 Family tips**:
* The old town has many slopes, so **light sports shoes** are more practical than strollers.
* When buying seafood, **keep an eye on the scale**, and poke holes in plastic bags to drain water before weighing.
* Strong UV rays in summer require thorough **sun protection**.

🏝️ **Shanwei, Guangdong · A Low-Key Treasure for Sea Foraging Fun**
* **🏖️ What to do**: The main beaches are **Honghai Bay** (one side has roaring waves, the other side is calm) and **Jin Ting Bay** (beach entrance near the Sail Church or below accommodations). **Windmill Island** (drive to the island, with shallow water bay beaches and undeveloped glass sea areas, free entry) offers beautiful scenery. You can also explore **Ermalu Food Street** for snacks.
* **🦀 What to eat**: Fresh **mantis shrimp** and **baby cuttlefish** at seafood stalls, as well as local snacks like **Shanzhong Road thin pancakes** (sweet and savory) and **grass jelly**.
* **💰 Budget reference**: Three days and two nights with a per person budget of 700 RMB is doable.
* **💡 Family tips**:
* Be **careful during sea foraging**, especially around rocky areas, and watch your kids closely.
* Consider choosing a **family sea view room** at Jin Ting Bay, so you can play in the sand right downstairs—very convenient.

🎡 **Xiamen, Fujian · A Romantic Garden City’s Childlike Journey**
* **🏖️ What to do**: Classic spots include **Gulangyu Island** (stroll the century-old streets, admire the blend of Chinese and Western architecture, visit the Piano Museum and Zheng Chenggong Memorial Hall), **Xiamen University** (experience the academic atmosphere, visit Nanputuo Temple), and **Baicheng Beach** (fine sand, clear water, great for kids to play and splash). You can also visit the **Botanical Garden** to discover exotic plants or go cycling by the sea.
* **🍜 What to eat**: Minnan-style snacks like **shacha noodles**, **fish ball soup**, **roast meat zongzi**, and **peanut soup** are very popular with kids.
* **💰 Budget reference**: A per person budget under 1000 RMB including tickets, accommodation, and food is possible.
* **💡 Family tips**:
* Book ferry tickets to Gulangyu **in advance**.
* Check **opening hours and rules** for visiting Xiamen University.
* Sun protection is also essential for summer visits.