Stop crowding Qingdao, Yantai, and Weihai! This National Geographic-certified hidden gem offers a blissful 23°C summer

Does your summer DNA yearn for the ocean again this year? 🌊 If you're tired of the crowds in Qingdao, Yantai, and Weihai, take my advice—turn your attention to this treasure town praised by "Chinese National Geographic": Rongcheng!

📍Location: Rongcheng, Shandong (a county-level city under Weihai)
🌡️Current temperature: 23°C, with super comfortable feels!

This is the easternmost tip of the Shandong Peninsula, where you can witness the first sunrise on the mainland 🌅. With 500 km of coastline—the longest in China—it's half mountains, half sea, and every frame is wallpaper-worthy!

📸 These magical spots will make you never want to leave!
1️⃣ Narxanhai Diamond Beach 💎 | Rongcheng's "Maldives"
The sand is incredibly soft, glittering like crushed diamonds in the sunlight ✨. The water is crystal-clear glass blue, and there's a super popular **"Lonely Café"** ☕️ nearby. Sip coffee and gaze at the sea—pure bliss!

2️⃣ Chengshantou & Motianling Cable Car 🚠 | Romance across mountains and sea
Known as the "End of the Sky," it's one of **"China's Eight Most Beautiful Coasts"** by "Chinese National Geographic"! Don’t miss the Motianling Cable Car—gliding between mountain peaks and sea is absolutely magical!

3️⃣ Xixiakou Wildlife Zoo 🦒 | A zoo by the sea
Cute animals on your left, endless blue sea on your right—who wouldn’t love this? The massive park has diverse wildlife, making it a top pick for families!

4️⃣ Hailv Island 🕊️ | Enter the kingdom of seagulls
Though you can’t land on the island now, the boat tour is a must! Buy some seagull feed and instantly become the "Seagull King" 👑—surrounded by hundreds of seagulls, it’s both romantic and breathtaking, with a 100% photo success rate!

5️⃣ Jinshi Bay & Dongchu Island 🛖 | Fairytale seaweed houses
Studio Ghibli’s fairytale cottages come to life! These houses with seaweed roofs and stone walls stand quietly by the sea. Stay overnight in Jinshi Bay’s seaweed houses, lulled by the waves, and wake up to sunrise—utterly dreamy!

🚗 Must-drive routes (save this! ⭐)
Rongcheng’s beauty is best explored by car! The eastern section of the "Thousand-Mile Mountain & Sea Drive" is here—a golden route!

Fairytale Coastline
Arrive in Weihai → Rent a car → Jinshi Bay Art Zone (see seaweed houses) → Xixiakou Wildlife Zoo → Hailv Island (boat tour & seagull feeding) → Stay nearby

Mountain & Sea Wonders
Early morning at Chengshantou (first sunrise in China) → Motianling Cable Car → Narxanhai Diamond Beach (stroll & café time) → Sunset drive on Rainbow Coastal Road (near Huaxing Hotel)

Fishing Village Charm
Explore Dongchu Island (best-preserved seaweed houses) → Jiming Island (filming site of "Where Are We Going, Dad?" with awesome cliffside café) → Feast on local seafood → Head back

🦞 Rongcheng food list (seafood heaven!)
Seafood feast: A must! Steamed or spicy—freshness is key!
Mackerel dumplings/fish balls: Juicy and tender, just like on "A Bite of China"!
Salted fish with cornbread: A Shandong specialty—savory fish paired with sweet cornbread, perfection!
Seaweed buns: A unique staple bursting with ocean flavor—give it a try!

This summer, don’t hesitate! Tag that special someone and head to Rongcheng—this uncrowded coastal gem—to create unforgettable summer memories! 💕