The bustling Rongcheng~

🚌 **1. Budget Transportation Tips**
1. **External Transport**
- High-speed rail to **Rongcheng Station** (next stop after Weihai Station), with direct trains from Beijing/Shanghai.
- Flights to **Weihai Dashuibo Airport**, taxi to downtown Rongcheng costs ~¥60 (¥15/person when carpooling with 4 people).
2. **Local Transport**
- **Bus**: Get "Rongcheng E-Bus Card" via Alipay. K02 route connects high-speed rail station, Chishan Scenic Area, and Naxianghai (¥5 one-way).
- **Car Rental**: Recommended for 2-4 people (¥100/day), cost-effective when shared, ideal for scattered attractions.
- **Avoid Pitfalls**: High taxi fares between attractions; opt for bus + walking combo.

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🏡 **2. Budget Accommodation Options**
- **Downtown Picks**: GreenTree Inn (near high-speed rail station, ¥120-150/night), Home Inn (under ¥150/night).
- **Naxianghai Area**: Vacation homestays (non-sea-view rooms ~¥80/person, book 3 days ahead in peak season).
> ✅ **Tip**: Choose hotels with breakfast included to save costs; downtown stays help catch early buses.

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🗺️ **3. Economical 3-Day Itinerary**
**Day1: Culture + Free Coastline**
- **Morning**: Rongcheng Museum (free, marine culture & history) → Sakura Lake Sports Park (free, cycling/walking).
- **Lunch**: Food court at 4F Jiulongcheng Mall (¥20/person, diverse cuisines).
- **Afternoon**: Jiulongwan Park (free beachcombing, bring buckets for clams) → Sunset at **SS Brewis Shipwreck** (free, iconic sunset photos).
- **Dinner**: Restaurants at 3F Bolong Shopping Center (try pan-fried mackerel dumplings, ¥30/person).

**Day2: Island & Fishing Village Charm**
- **Morning**: **Jiming Island** (¥125/person ferry, feed seagulls at 8am, visit cliffside café).
- **Lunch**: Packed meals or island snacks (avoid overpriced tourist food).
- **Afternoon**: **Dongchu Island** (free! century-old seaweed houses & beachcombing) → **Jinshiwan Art Zone** (free photo ops at seaweed houses, skip paid exhibits).
- **Dinner**: Chengshan Town seafood eatery (spicy mantis shrimp + seafood soup, ¥50/person).

**Day3: Natural Wonders + Unique Experiences**
- **Morning**: **Chengshantou Scenic Area** (free coastal hike to "Sky’s End") → **Moting Ridge Cable Car** (¥70 one-way, skip if budget tight).
- **Lunch**: Xixiakou farmhouse (mackerel dumplings + jellyfish salad, ¥35/person).
- **Afternoon**: **Shendiaoshan Wildlife Park** (¥160, optional; substitute free **Sangganhe Botanical Garden**) → Buy souvenirs at Marine Expo Center supermarket (fixed prices).

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🍽️ **4. Dining Savings**
1. **Seafood Meals**: Avoid touristy spots; try **Red Sorghum Restaurant** (Chengshan Ave) or **Kangwang Fat Beef** (¥100/person seafood hotpot set).
2. **DIY Seafood**: Shop at **Gaogong Island Market** (discounts before closing), cook at homestay (¥30/person feast).
3. **Snacks**: Rongcheng Folk Village self-service dining (order via slips to avoid scams), must-try sea intestine rice.

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💰 **5. Budget Breakdown (per person)**
| Category | Details | Cost |
|------------|---------------------------|---------|
| Lodging | Budget hotel 2 nights | ¥240 |
| Meals | 6 meals + snacks | ¥180 |
| Transport | Bus + short taxis | ¥50 |
| Tickets | Jiming Island ferry only | ¥125 |
| **Total** | **Excl. major transport** | **¥595** |

> 💡 **Pro Tips**:
> - 70% free attractions: Shipwreck, Dongchu Island, Sakura Lake, Jiulongwan.
> - Off-season savings: Sep-Oct lodging drops 30%; avoid summer/National Day.
> - Discounts: Students/elderly get partial entry discounts.

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🌦️ **6. Seasonal Highlights**
- **Winter (Nov-Feb)**: Free swan watching at Yandunjiao Village; Ni’s Haitai Hotel ~¥300 low-season.
- **Spring (Apr-May)**: Chishan Cherry Blossom Festival (included in park ticket), Fishermen’s Festival performances.