Less crowded than Qingdao, more romantic than Sanya! The hidden gems of China's most beautiful coastline revealed

Stop squeezing into Qingdao and rushing to Sanya! Rongcheng, Weihai hides China's most relaxing coastline—here you'll find untouched turquoise seas and silver beaches, fairy-tale-like seaweed houses, and even the sea breeze carries a niche romance.

Curated 2-day itinerary

Day 1: Welcome the first ray of sunlight at Chengshantou → Check in at the romantic landmark Naxianghai → Capture cinematic shots at the Bruweis shipwreck
Day 2: Encounter swans at Yandunjiao → Explore the fishing village on Dongchu Island → Stay in a seaweed house guesthouse at Jinshi Bay

Must-visit highlights

- Chengshantou: Known as China’s "Cape of Good Hope," where Emperor Qin Shi Huang once sighed "the end of the sky." The sunrise over the sea in the early morning is a visual feast.
- Naxianghai: Diamond beach’s heart-shaped swing and a Ferris wheel that takes 13 minutes and 14 seconds per rotation, maxing out the romance factor.
- Yandunjiao: In winter, thousands of Siberian swans dance here, creating a stunning scene with stone walls and seaweed houses.

Recommended activities

Chase the sunrise at Chengshantou in the early morning, shoot light and shadow masterpieces on the reef near the Bruweis shipwreck in the afternoon, and wait for the pink sunset at Naxianghai in the evening. In winter, you can also feed the swans at Yandunjiao.

Food and accommodation

- Food: Must-try are mackerel dumplings and scallion-braised sea cucumber. Fresh seafood at Shidao Fish Market can be bought and cooked on the spot, with about 80 RMB per person to eat to your fill.
- Accommodation: Choose a sea view hotel at Naxianghai, stay at a fishermen’s guesthouse at Yandunjiao, and book early for the stunning photo-worthy seaweed house guesthouses at Jinshi Bay.

Practical tips

- Transportation: Renting a car after arriving at Rongcheng High-Speed Rail Station is most convenient. The coastal road offers breathtaking scenery for self-driving.
- Tips: Use sunscreen in summer and keep warm in winter. Check the tide table before beachcombing, and reserve your spot early for the sunrise.

Less crowded, beautiful, and romantic—this coastline deserves a spot on your travel list!