Beautiful Xingcheng Coastal Scenery… Huludao

This ancient city located in Huludao, Liaoning, centers around the Xingcheng Coastal Scenic Area, Juehua Island, and the ancient city, forming a diverse tourism experience that combines seaside entertainment, historical exploration, and natural healing. The following analysis covers four dimensions: coastal features, niche islands, history and culture, and practical information:

1. Coastal Scenery: A Rare Natural Bathing Beach in the North

The Xingcheng Coastal Scenic Area is known as the "Second Beidaihe," with its core advantage being a 7-kilometer-long natural beach and high-quality water.

• Beaches and Bathing Areas: The scenic area is divided into four major bathing beaches: Xinghai Bay, Bingjia Bay, Fengqi Bay, and Laolong Bay. The beaches have gentle slopes and fine sand, with no hidden reefs, making them suitable for swimming, beachcombing, and family water play.

• Free Admission: The scenic area does not charge an entrance fee; only the shuttle bus (round trip 60 yuan) and some entertainment projects require payment, offering excellent value.

• Scenic Connections: A coastal wooden boardwalk links attractions such as Tingtao Pavilion, Sunrise Viewing Pier, and Sea Oath Garden, forming a hiking route where mountains and sea coexist. Among them, the Longhuitou Viewing Platform overlooks the winding coastline and is an excellent spot for sunrise photography.

2. Niche Island: The Secluded Beauty of Juehua Island

Juehua Island (formerly Chrysanthemum Island), the largest island in Liaodong Bay, features an original ecological island experience and historical cultural relics, ideal for visitors seeking tranquility:

• Natural Scenery: The island boasts beautiful rocky mountains and towering ancient trees, including a thousand-year-old Bodhi tree and an octagonal ancient well, blending natural and cultural landscapes. Classic activities include watching the sunrise on the east coast, sea bathing on the south coast, and cycling around the island on the west coast.

• Summer Resort: The local people are simple and honest, with accommodations mainly consisting of fishermen’s homestays and small wooden cabins. Although facilities are basic, visitors can experience the leisurely lifestyle of "no locked doors at night."

• Controversies: Some visitors have reported irregular charges on the island (such as parking fees at the dock and island entry fees). It is necessary to verify prices in advance and maintain communication.

3. History and Culture: The Time-Space Overlap of the Ancient City and the Coast

Xingcheng Ancient City, one of the best-preserved Ming Dynasty ancient cities in China, contrasts sharply with the seaside:

• Ancient City Style: The city walls are majestic, and the streets inside the city have an antique charm. Ming and Qing architectural eaves and corners blend with handicraft shops and food stalls, full of life.

• Historical Immersion: Climbing the city tower to overlook the panorama feels like traveling back in time, with the sounds of war horses neighing and merchants shouting echoing in the mind.

4. Practical Information: Preparation and Pitfall Avoidance Guide

• Transportation:

• Visitors from other regions can fly to Jinzhou Bay Airport and transfer by bus or taxi to Xingcheng.

• City buses go directly to the coast, and parking is convenient for self-driving.

• Accommodation:

• Hotels near the coast offer sea views, while homestays around the ancient city provide better value.

• On Juehua Island, it is recommended to choose small wooden cabins close to the beach for easy beachcombing and swimming.