Only $50 per person to explore free beaches! Sunrise, seafood feast from tide-pooling—perfect for students!

📍 Location: Rizhao City, Shandong Province, on the coast of the Yellow Sea, about a 2-hour drive from Qingdao and a 4-hour high-speed train ride from Beijing.

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🚗 Transportation Guide
- High-speed train: Rizhao West Station, with direct routes from Beijing/Shanghai/Jinan, etc.
- Self-drive: From Qingdao → Shenhai Expressway → Rizhao North Exit (about 2 hours).
- Local transport: Rent an e-bike (¥50-80/day) or take buses (most attractions are free and accessible by bus).

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🏖️ Must-Visit Spots (All Free!)
1. Wanpingkou Scenic Area
- Gate 3: A hotspot for Instagram-worthy photos! Seaside bus, white chapel, and swings—every shot is postcard-perfect.
- Gate 1: Best sunrise viewing spot. Arrive before 4:30 AM to watch the sun leap from the horizon.

2. Lighthouse Square
- Iconic white lighthouse. At low tide, spot the heart-shaped reef—super romantic!

3. Shanhaitian Sunshine Coast
- Giant LOVE sculpture and glowing mermaid tail, magical at dusk when lit up—ideal for couples.

4. Rizhao Seaside National Forest Park
- A surreal mix of forest and beach! Rent bikes or ride the Ferris wheel for a panoramic ocean view.

5. Taigong Island Oyster Park
- Free tide-pooling paradise! Dig for oysters and collect shells at low tide (check tide tables in advance).

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🍽️ Food Recs (Only ¥50 per person!)
- Chocolate Fisherman: Live seafood steamed on the spot—must-try mackerel dumplings! ¥60/person.
- Kuanpozi Seafood Potstickers: Crispy outside, tender inside, with whole shrimp fillings! ¥30/person.
- Hutongxiang Korean BBQ: Free cheese corn + egg custard, ¥60/person for a feast.
- Nanxiaozhuang Lanshan Wood-Fired Tofu & Fish: Fresh seafood dishes, spicy fried squid is a must! ¥50/person.

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🏨 Budget Stays
- Huijin Fisherman’s Homestay: Near the forest park, ¥100/person with breakfast, friendly hosts.
- Hostels near Wanxianghui: ¥60/person, great transport, surrounded by late-night snacks.
- Wujiatai Fisherman’s Homestay: Steps from the beach, perfect for tide-pooling, ¥80/person.

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📌 Pro Tips
- Best time: June-Sept (swimming season), Sept-Oct (fewer crowds, stunning views).
- Outfit: Sunscreen + flip-flops; bring a bucket & shovel for tide-pooling.
- Avoid traps: Haggle at seafood markets, buy local specialties at supermarkets for better prices.

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"Zero-ticket" Rizhao guide ready! Dig for clams by day, watch sunset on the beach at dusk, feast at seafood stalls by night… Students and budget travelers, go for it! 🌅🦀