Shandong's "Little Maldives"! A 2-Day, 1-Night Fairytale Trip to Hailu Island (with Photo Spots)
by AidenScott
Apr 30, 2025
|| A 3-Day, 2-Night Family Trip to Rongcheng – Just Copy This Itinerary! This summer, you must take your kids to Rongcheng for beachcombing, crab fishing, clam digging, and starfish collecting – the fun never ends!
【Transportation】
✈️ By Air: Land at Weihai Airport, then take a taxi or bus to Rongcheng (about 30 minutes, even closer than going to Weihai!).
🚄 By Train: Take the high-speed rail directly to "Rongcheng Station."
🚘 By Car: Self-driving is recommended for convenience. Parking is easy, and ride-hailing services are plentiful with quick responses. Rongcheng is small, so taxis are also affordable.
【Itinerary】
Day 1: Xiaoyao Bay → Narxianhai Beach → Weihai InterContinental Holiday Plaza.
Day 2: Jiming Island → Hailv Island → Wreck of the Blue Whale → Xiaowudui.
Day 3: Xixiakou Zoo → Motian Ridge → Yandunjiao Swan Lake → Ailian Bay.
【Attraction Highlights】
✅ Narxianhai Beach offers stunning coastal views with windmills lining the route. Besides the beach, there’s a free children’s playground in the community!
✅ Xiaoyao Bay has fewer crowds, though the sand is coarser.
✅ Xixiakou Zoo is nestled between mountains and sea, making it perfect for kids.
✅ Hailv Island features boat tours where you can feed flocks of seagulls. For a budget-friendly option, feed them on the beaches near the ticket office.
✅ Jiming Island is close to Narxianhai Beach and great for photos. After visiting, explore nearby attractions like the shipwreck and Xiaowudui.
【Recommended Beachcombing Spots】
1⃣ Under Huaxing Bridge (Free): Clear water, scenic views, and rocky shores. Take a taxi to "Huaxing Hotel" but ask to stop after crossing the bridge, then walk down the boardwalk for a minute.
2⃣ Lighthouse Square (Free): Features a pink lighthouse and sunset views, ideal for catching crabs and hermit crabs.
3⃣ Beach near Haitian Pavilion (Free): Wide beachcombing area. Navigate to Haitian Pavilion and walk through the greenery to reach the shore.
4⃣ Nishi Haitai Resort Hotel: Access the beach from the hotel’s basement or nearby. Watch out for sand fleas—wear water shoes.
5⃣ Lily Bay (Mostly Paid): Fine sand, clear water, and diverse marine life like razor clams and jellyfish. Some areas are free, while others charge 20–30 RMB per person.
【Accommodation】
Stay near Narxianhai Beach for easy access to Xiaoyao Bay, Dongpu Bay, and the Blue Whale wreck.
【Food】
Local specialties include braised sea cucumber with scallions, mackerel dumplings, and stir-fried "swan eggs" (a type of shellfish). Also try spicy clams and fried oysters for a taste of the ocean.
【Tips】
- For swimming and sand play with kids, head straight to Ailian Bay.
- Pack extra clothes for beach activities.
- Bring comfortable sneakers and water shoes for walking.
- Rongcheng’s sun is strong—don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats!
Post by Oliver.Hughes@73 | Jun 19, 2025
















