A Hidden Seaside Paradise in Weihai! Cliffside Coffee and Fishing Village Charm All Here

Above the Yellow Sea in Rongcheng, Weihai, lies a small island named after its rooster-like shape—Jiming Island. Covering just 0.31 square kilometers, it offers breathtaking sea views where "half the wall meets the sunrise," the rustic life of a Jiaodong fishing village, and the artistic romance of cliffside cafés, making it the new top choice for northern island tours. This guide helps you unlock the ultimate experience on this island while avoiding crowds and pitfalls. 1. Must-Read Before You Go: Core Guide to Landing on the Island Transportation and Tickets The only way to reach the island is by boat. Tickets are bundled with round-trip ferry rides, costing about 128 RMB per adult and 64 RMB per child, with slight price fluctuations depending on the season. The price includes round-trip ferry, island attraction tickets, and shuttle bus fees. - Pier choice: Prioritize Phoenix East Coast Pier, which is closer to the city, has newer facilities, and convenient parking—ideal for families with children; Chaoyang Port Pier is more remote, with older facilities and heavier foot traffic. - Ferry schedule: During peak season, ferries run every 30 minutes; off-season, every hour. The trip takes about 30 minutes (some ferries only 15 minutes). It’s recommended to buy tickets online 24 hours in advance and check the pier and time carefully to avoid missing the boat. - Notes: Pets are not allowed on board (except guide dogs). Seasickness sufferers should prepare medication in advance. The pier offers free 24-hour parking. Best Time to Visit May to October is the golden period when the sea breeze is cool, seafood is fresh, and you can encounter flocks of seagulls. Autumn offers fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, making it a cost-effective choice; in summer, be sure to protect yourself from the sun and avoid the midday heat. 2. Must-Do: Island Activities Checklist Natural and Cultural Hidden Gems - Island hiking and sightseeing: Start from the pier and follow the Rainbow Trail, passing through jagged rock formations and the Carrying Pole Rock—legend says it was formed from the broken carrying pole of the god Erlang. The waves have sculpted this natural artwork over the years. Climb Sunrise Rock to watch the sea sunrise. A 500-year-old blessing tree witnesses the fishing village’s changes. Every snapshot is a natural ink painting of mountains, sea, lighthouse, and seaweed houses. - Authentic fishing village stroll: The island preserves the 400-year-old Jiaodong fishing village style, with weathered fishing boats and scattered seaweed houses. These homes, with seaweed roofs and stone walls, stay warm in winter and cool in summer, making them living fossils of fishermen’s architecture. You can also find the filming location of "Where Are We Going, Dad?" and experience the uncommercialized, simple atmosphere. - Leisure time at sea: Take a cruise tour to experience the thrill of riding the waves, feed seagulls leisurely, or try sea fishing. Bring seagull food and barbecue skewers in advance for better photos while feeding the birds. Food prices get cheaper the further you buy from the pier. Artistic Check-in Spots - Cliffside café: A must-visit for social media lovers, the open-air lounge hangs between sea and sky, with the blue ocean as a natural backdrop. Hold a cup of coffee, listen to the waves, and easily snap stunning photos for your friends. - Artistic spaces for a break: Visit the audiobook house on the wave crest to read a book, where glass walls and sea views add an artistic filter; the Cape Art Museum at Peninsula Pier often hosts sharing sessions, and the white wedding chapel is a perfect Instagram spot. Local Specialty Experiences - Tidepool fun: At low tide, join fishermen to dig for small crabs, pick starfish, and collect shells. Guesthouses can provide accurate tide times. Be sure to wear non-slip shoes to avoid slipping on rocks. - Seafood feast: At the Haixiangyan restaurant on the pier, the sea urchin sauce scrambled eggs and steamed seafood pot are incredibly fresh. At fishermen’s homes, steamed sea fish and garlic scallops cost about 60-80 RMB per person and are filling. The pier’s barbecue stalls serve grilled oysters and squid with beer, a staple of island nightlife. 3. Accommodation Recommendations: Sleep by the Sea On-Island Lodging - Seaweed house boutique stays: Restoring traditional fishermen’s style, with wooden furniture decorated with raincoats and fishing nets. Open the window to see panoramic views of the fishing village. Around 300 RMB per night per person. - High-end unique guesthouses: Lonely Castle is the top choice for couples, a standalone white building with 270° sea views facing the sunrise. Book at least one month in advance during peak season, about 800 RMB per night. - Cost-effective option: Tinghai Guesthouse offers sea view rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, falling asleep to the sound of waves. Off-season prices start at just over 300 RMB per night. Off-Island Lodging - Naxianghai Pine Forest Secret Guesthouse: 5 minutes from the pier, offers free tidepooling tools and parking. The standalone courtyard is family-friendly, about 200 RMB per night per person. - Peninsula Hotel: Modern design with some rooms featuring private terraces, suitable for quality-seeking travelers, about 400 RMB per night per person. 4. Pitfalls and Tips 1. Island prices are relatively high; it’s recommended to bring your own drinking water and snacks. Signal is weak, so carry some cash. 2. The shuttle bus charges 40 RMB for 0.7 km; for short distances, walking is recommended. The full island hike takes about 2 hours, so wear comfortable shoes. 3. Do not trust scalpers; buy tickets through official channels. Souvenirs include dried Spanish mackerel and shredded squid from the pier market, 15 RMB per bag, salty and chewy. From the morning chorus of seagulls to the cliffside sunset at dusk, from the smoke of fishermen’s stoves to the mountains and sea in your coffee cup, the romance of Jiming Island is hidden in every breeze. Spend two days here embracing nature and making peace with time to truly understand Weihai’s island charm.