Who knows! Yingkou's "Little Sanya" is so conscientious, a must-go for budget travelers, it's so cost-effective

Who says ocean views and hot springs have to be expensive? Yingkou, Liaoning, nails the "value-for-money seaside getaway" list! Unique scenery where the river meets the sea, heart-warming hot springs, and endless seafood for just a few bucks per person... Students and those seeking quality time will find exclusive delights. Explore the best of both worlds in 3 days and 2 nights without breaking a sweat!

1. Detailed Budget Guide (No Hidden Costs!) 💰

Total Cost: 1,500-3,000 RMB (Your budget is up to you! Budget options for students, luxury options for those looking to relax and unwind—you'll have plenty to do!)

- Transportation:
- From other locations: High-speed rail connections to Yingkou East Station are super convenient! From Beijing/Shenyang, it's around 200 RMB per person, and you can arrive in one night's sleep, making it even cheaper and hassle-free than driving! 🚄
- City Transportation: Taxis start at just 6 RMB! Popular attractions like Shanhai Square and Liaohe Old Street are all directly accessible by bus for just 1-2 yuan, a real steal! 💰
- Accommodation:
- Budget (Students' Top Choice): Stay at Hanting or Home Inn in Bayuquan District, 200-300 yuan/night. They're within walking distance of Shanhai Square, making it convenient for catching the beach in the morning and watching the sunset in the evening. There's also a snack bar downstairs. 🍜
- Luxury Getaway (Low-Profile Vacation): Choose the Hongxi Valley or Yijiangnan Hot Spring Hotel in Xiongyue. Private baths are available for around 600 yuan/night! Enjoy a hot spring soak in your room and the mountain views from the window, and all your fatigue will melt away. ✨
- Tickets:
- Free attractions (just close your eyes and enjoy): Shanhai Square, Liaohe Old Street, West Fort, and Wetland Park. Visit all four attractions for free and fill up your phone's memory with photos! 📸
- Paid recommendations (worth the money): Xiongyue Hot Springs 110 yuan (a top-tier hot spring in Northeast China, a refreshing soak), Wanger Mountain 60 yuan (a landmark of maternal love with breathtaking views), Tuanshan Ocean Park Glass Bridge 79 yuan (amazing views of the ocean from above).
- Dining: 30-80 yuan per person per meal! Seafood stalls, traditional snacks, and farm-style dishes are all on display, filling and affordable. Eating all over Yingkou costs just a few hundred yuan! 🦞

II. Top 5 Must-See Attractions (Missed, it's a wasted trip!) 🌟

1. Shanhai Square (Free! Enjoy the oceanfront ceiling!)

- Highlights: Fine sand feels like cotton, crystal-clear water, and the striking "Bohai Pearl" Observation Deck and giant Spanish Mackerel Princess statue—great photo opportunities, making you feel like you're in Sanya in no time! 🌊
- Hidden gem: Going to the beach is a must! Check the tide tables in advance and go clamming and crabbing two hours before low tide. It's a blast for both adults and children! Sunset is even more breathtaking, with the orange-red light shimmering across the sea, creating cinematic moments in every photo! 🌇
- Tip: Open all day and free, parking is 10 yuan per person, making it a great deal even if you're driving!

2. Liaohe Old Street (A must-do for a nighttime stroll! Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a century-old commercial port)

- Highlight: The old buildings, with their grey bricks and tiles, exude a sense of time, like stepping into a "Century Commercial Port Museum"! During the day, explore the intangible cultural heritage exhibition hall, see Manchu embroidery, and listen to traditional crosstalk. At night, the lanterns light up and the night market atmosphere reaches its full potential! 🏮
- Foodie Hit: Must-try the fried oysters (crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and so delicious you'll want to lick the plate!) and the braised mackerel in Yingkou soybean paste (rich in flavor, perfect with rice). Enjoy a relaxing stroll while dining!

3. Xiongyue Hot Springs (A hidden gem for Northeasterners)

- Highlight: Top-rated hot springs in Northeast China! Rainbow Valley's signature "Forest Pool" offers a relaxing soak surrounded by lush greenery, like stepping into a natural oxygen bar. Meanwhile, Reminiscing Jiangnan offers a "garden-style" experience, with pavilions and towers offering a poetic atmosphere. Just choose one and soak away your eyes! ♨️
- Tip: Visit the nightclub at night for fewer crowds. Soaking in the hot springs while listening to the gentle breeze will wash away all your stress and make you want to leave.

4. Wang'er Mountain (A Landmark of Motherly Love + Family Paradise)

- Highlight: The magnificent statue of the loving mother at the summit offers panoramic views of Yingkou City and a warm experience reminiscent of the "culture of maternal love." ❤️ At the foot of the mountain, there's a hot spring water park where families can spend the entire day enjoying the fun of parent-child interaction.
- Tip: Open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, admission is 60 yuan. It's recommended to visit in the morning to avoid the afternoon sun.

5. Tuanshan Ocean Park (Stunning Glass Bridge and Red Beach)

- Highlights: The 79-meter-high Guanhai Bridge and 200-meter glass plank walkway feel like you're "hanging in mid-air over the sea," with the azure ocean beneath your feet – incredibly thrilling! The Red Beach and the stunning sea cliffs are also stunning, making any photo you take a great picture! 🌉
- Hidden bonus: The free area is huge, and the Beihai Zen Temple's architecture is truly Zen-inspired. Praying and taking photos there are truly stunning photos, all at no extra cost.

III. 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary (No Detours! Experience the Best of Yingkou) 🗓️

DAY 1: River and Sea Cultural Route (Experience the History and Romance of Yingkou)

- Morning: Arrive in Yingkou → Head straight to the West Fort (Free! See the majestic Liaohe River estuary. Standing on the ancient fort, you'll almost hear the echoes of history 🔔)
- Lunch: Head to the city center for some King Kong Mountain BBQ! For just 50 yuan per person, eat all you can! The grilled squid is a must-try! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and dipped in our secret sauce, it's so delicious you'll stomp your feet! 🦑
- Afternoon: Explore the Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall on Liaohe Old Street (see Manchu paper-cutting and shadow puppetry, and experience the charm of traditional culture) → In the evening, catch the sunset at the mouth of the Daliao River. Watching the sun "dip" into the sea is incredibly romantic! 🌅
- Overnight: Choose a hotel near the old street, making it convenient for evening snacks.

DAY 2: Seaside Carnival Route (A full day of fun)

- Morning: Head to Shanhai Square for some surfing! Bring a shovel and bucket to dig for clams and shells. The rewards are plentiful and rewarding. → When you're tired, camp on the beach and enjoy the ocean breeze. 🏕️
- Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at a seafood stall! The 18-second stir-fried jellyfish are a must-try; they're crispy and refreshing, and you'll fall in love with them in one bite. Add the spicy stir-fried clams, perfect with an iced drink!
- Afternoon: Climb Wanger Mountain (for a panoramic view of the city) → Head to Bayuquan Golden Beach for a wading experience, running barefoot on the beach, and feeling the gentle waves 🌊
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet nighttime hot spring bath at Hongxi Valley. Soaking in the water and gazing at the stars will completely melt away the day's fatigue.

DAY 3: Relaxing and Healing (a slow-paced end to a relaxing experience)

- Morning: Visit Tuanshan Ocean Park! Walk across the glass bridge and experience the thrill of "high-altitude ocean views" → Pray at Beihai Zen Temple and listen to the bells, feeling incredibly peaceful 🙏
- Lunch: Enjoy Gaizhou farmhouse cuisine! Octopus tofu with octopus clips is a truly intangible cultural heritage delicacy, so delicious it's a must-try! Follow it with a heartwarming farm stew, both heartwarming and stomach-warming!
- Afternoon: Stroll through the wetland park, admire the reeds, listen to the birdsong, and experience the healing power of nature. → Before returning, be sure to order some Spanish mackerel dumplings. Each bite bursts with juicy flavor and brings home the freshness of Yingkou! 🥟

Fourth: Food Hot and Black List (Recommended by the top, a guide to avoiding pitfalls!) 🍴

Recommended by the top (missed trip to Yingkou!)

- Seafood:
- Salted Mud Sliders (Raw pickled clams, so delicious they'll make you lick your fingers. Those who shy away from raw pickled clams should be wary, but lovers will love them! 🦪)
- Grilled Oysters (Grilled in their original charcoal-grilled sauce, incredibly fresh even without any seasoning, you won't be able to stop eating one!)
- Baked Spanish mackerel fillets with black truffle sauce (Exquisitely luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, with a rich black truffle aroma)
- Snacks:
- Gaizhou Small Skewers (Grilled over charcoal and smothered in a secret sauce, the meat is tender and fragrant. 10 yuan gets you a whole bunch, perfect value!)
- Yingkou Glutinous Rice Shaomai (The wrapper is so thin it's translucent, and the filling is all glutinous and tender, with just the right amount of saltiness and flavor. A super satisfying breakfast!)
- Xianbian (Sauerkraut and seafood stew, a Gaizhou signature dish, sour and fresh, appetizing, and super warming in winter)
- Main Courses:
- Spanish Mackerel Dumplings (The soul of Yingkou! Juicy and tender, you'll regret it if you don't try them!)
- Jellyfish Soup Cold Noodles (Super delicious in the summer! The jellyfish is crispy, the noodles are chewy, and the broth is refreshing and refreshing)

Avoidance Tips (Don't overpay!)

- Be wary of overpriced seafood at the entrance of scenic spots. Try to go to seafood markets or food stalls frequented by locals for fresher, more affordable seafood.
- Don't buy random "cheap hot spring tickets" on the street. Avoid those hot springs with poor conditions and substandard hygiene. Go directly to a reputable hotel for peace of mind.

Yingkou is truly perfect for budget travel and vacations! Enjoy the ocean, hot springs, and seafood, all for just 1.5k per person. Grab your friends and family and discover the joys of "Northeast China's Little Sanya."