Rongcheng, Weihai: Winter Swan Lake Journey – Encounter the White Romance from Siberia

From November to March of the following year, thousands of swans fly from distant Siberia to spend the winter along the coast of Rongcheng, Weihai, Shandong. Under the blue sea and sky, the swans dance gracefully, creating a touching ecological picture. This guide will take you to fully experience this natural wonder. 1. Best Viewing Time Core period: Early December to the end of February of the following year Golden periods: Around sunrise (about 6:30-8:00): The morning light is faint, the sky shows charming colors, and the swans look especially elegant under the soft light, making it an excellent time for photography. Around sunset (about 15:30-16:30): The setting sun dresses the swans in golden hues, creating a warm and dreamy scene. 2. Recommended Core Viewing Locations (ranked by popularity) Chezhu Gou Swan Lake Wetland (top choice, best experience) Features: The largest number of swans, a vast habitat, and close contact with the swans. The beach is gentle, with windmills in the background, offering rich scenery layers. Many villagers sell corn kernels by the shore (usually 5 yuan/bag), allowing you to feed the swans by hand for a highly interactive experience. Address: Chezhu Gou Village, Chengshan Town, Rongcheng City Tip: Most popular spot, can be crowded on weekends, recommended to visit in the morning. Yandunjiao Swan Village (most cultural atmosphere) Features: A perfect combination of swans, fishing village, and seaweed houses, full of Jiaodong characteristics. Swans are in the bay beside the village. You can stay in the seaweed house homestays in the village, open the window to see swans and wake up to their calls. It’s also a paradise for photography enthusiasts, where you can capture photos full of stories. Address: Yandunjiao Village, Lidao Town, Rongcheng City Tip: For a deep fishing village experience, consider staying here overnight. Sakura Lake Sports Park (Swan Lake in the city) Features: Located in downtown Rongcheng, convenient transportation. The lake is wide, and the contrast between modern city buildings and natural swans is interesting. Suitable for walking or jogging, enjoying swans while exercising, a daily routine for locals. Address: Southeast part of Rongcheng City Tip: Suitable for visitors with limited time or those wanting to experience city scenery; the evening night view is also beautiful. Naxianghai Swan Lake (scenic beauty) Features: Adjacent to the Naxianghai Resort Area, clean and beautiful environment. Swans rest in the quiet lagoon, with well-developed commercial facilities nearby, making it convenient to combine with a vacation. Address: Inside Naxianghai Scenic Area, Gangxi Town, Rongcheng City 3. Suggested Itinerary Planning One-day tour highlights: Morning: Arrive in Rongcheng and head straight to Chezhu Gou, the main battlefield for swan watching. Spend 2-3 hours enjoying, photographing, and feeding. Noon: Have authentic fisherman's meals near Chezhu Gou or go to Yandunjiao Village (must-try: seafood, fish pot baba, oyster tofu soup). Afternoon: Visit Yandunjiao Village to experience the charm of the ancient seaweed house village and appreciate the swans from another perspective. Evening: Go to Sakura Lake Sports Park to enjoy the city night view with swans, then end the trip. Two-day in-depth experience route: Day 1: Morning tour of Weihai city (such as Liugong Island, Huancuilou), then head to Rongcheng in the afternoon and stay in a seaweed house homestay in Yandunjiao Village. Watch the sunset swans by the village bay in the evening and enjoy the peaceful fishing village night. Day 2: Early morning shoot the morning mist and swans in Yandunjiao. Then go to Chezhu Gou for feeding interaction. If time permits, visit Chengshantou (the easternmost point of China's coastline) or the Brewis shipwreck in the afternoon. 4. Practical Tips Clothing: Weihai’s winter seaside is windy and cold, so be sure to wear down jackets, hats, scarves, and gloves. Shoes should be non-slip and warm, preferably snow boots. Equipment: Camera: A telephoto lens (70-200mm or longer) is key to taking good photos. Food: You can bring some corn kernels or buy them on-site; please do not feed unhealthy foods like bread. Transportation: Self-driving: The most recommended way, as the viewing spots are some distance apart, self-driving is flexible and convenient. High-speed train: After arriving at Weihai Station or Rongcheng Station, you can rent a car or take a taxi. It takes about 30-40 minutes by taxi from Rongcheng Station to Chezhu Gou/Yandunjiao. Public transport: Weihai/Rongcheng city has tourist shuttle lines or buses to the attractions, but the frequency is low, so check the schedule in advance. Accommodation: Special experience: Stay in the seaweed house homestays in Yandunjiao Village. Convenient and comfortable: Stay in hotels/apartments in Rongcheng city or Naxianghai. Food: Be sure to taste Rongcheng’s seafood, especially oysters, sea urchins, and various sea fish—fresh and affordable. 5. Civilized Swan Watching Proposal Keep distance: Watch quietly, do not shout or chase the swans, giving them a safe living space. Proper feeding: Only use corn kernels or other designated feed, do not feed processed human snacks. Protect the environment: Please take your trash with you and protect this pure land. Summary: The swan journey in Rongcheng, Weihai, is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual cleansing of harmonious coexistence with nature. We hope this guide helps you plan a perfect trip and wish you unforgettable winter memories with these elegant white spirits under Weihai’s blue sea and sky!