Welcome to Rongcheng.
Alright, we have carefully planned a 4-day, 3-night in-depth travel guide for Rongcheng, Shandong, with a budget of 4000 RMB. This guide combines Rongcheng’s coastal scenery, fishing culture, and local delicacies, incorporating various money-saving tips to ensure your trip is fulfilling and cost-effective.
Itinerary Overview
Theme: Mountain and Sea Wonders, Fishing Village Charm
Core Experiences: Witness the first dawn light in mainland China, stroll along Diamond Beach, explore seaweed houses, go out to sea for fresh catch, dance with seagulls
Budget Overview (approximately 4000 RMB/person):
Round-trip transportation: about 1000-1500 RMB (based on second-class high-speed train seats, varies by departure city)
Accommodation: about 900 RMB (3 nights, at 300 RMB/night)
Meals: about 1000 RMB (including seafood meals and local snacks)
Tickets and local transportation: about 600 RMB
Emergency fund: about 500 RMB
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Rongcheng, enjoy the tranquility of the southern line
Morning/Afternoon: Take a high-speed train from your departure city to Rongcheng Station. It is recommended to stay in downtown Rongcheng or the southern area for better value and relative quiet. After check-in, enjoy a bowl of authentic seafood noodles or seafood porridge for lunch in the city.
Afternoon: Head to Ailian Bay. The sand here is fine and the area is less crowded, making it an excellent place to relax, wade, and dig for shells—perfect for travelers who prefer peace and quiet.
Evening: Return to the city. You can visit the seafood market to select fresh seafood and have it cooked at a restaurant, experiencing the joy of “seafood freedom.” Alternatively, go directly to local seafood stalls to taste specialties like grilled fish and stir-fried oysters.
Day 2: Northern line highlights, romantic trip to Naxianghai and Jiming Island
Morning: Visit one of Rongcheng’s most popular attractions—Naxianghai. The highlight is Diamond Beach, known for its white, fine sand and clear water, earning the nickname “Diamond Beach.” You can stroll, take photos, and enjoy the seaside vacation atmosphere.
Afternoon: Take a boat from Naxianghai Pier to Jiming Island. Famous from the show "Where Are We Going, Dad?", this island retains its original fishing village charm. Recommended spots include the cliffside café, island grass houses, and the wedding chapel, where you can spend a leisurely afternoon.
Evening: Return to Naxianghai or downtown Rongcheng. Choose a restaurant on Xianghai Flower Street or Xianghai Fishing Port for a sumptuous seafood dinner. If you have energy left, enjoy the night view at the Naxianghai Ferris Wheel Square.
Day 3: History and nature, Chengshantou and marine ranch
Morning: Get up early to visit Chengshantou National Key Scenic Area, known as “China’s Cape of Good Hope.” It is the easternmost point of mainland China’s coastline and an excellent spot to watch the sunrise over the sea. Attractions like the First Emperor Temple and Chengshantou Lighthouse are also worth seeing.
Afternoon: Experience Rongcheng’s unique marine culture at Ailian Bay Marine Ranch. Here, you can take a boat out to sea to catch scallops, oysters, and other seafood by hand. After returning, the shop will cook your catch for free, giving you a hands-on tasting experience.
Evening: Back in the city, try some of Rongcheng’s signature hearty dishes, such as scallion-braised sea cucumber and stir-fried swan eggs, to end your trip with a flavorful note.
Day 4: Explore ancient dwellings, return fully satisfied
Morning: Visit Dongchu Island Village or Jiming Island to see the most distinctive dwellings in Jiaodong—the seaweed houses. These houses have seaweed roofs that keep them warm in winter and cool in summer, with a simple and charming design, making them perfect photo backdrops and great places to learn about local fishing culture.
Noon: Enjoy an authentic fisherman's meal at a local fishing family restaurant, such as stewed fish or stewed chicken.
Afternoon: Depending on your return schedule, you can buy some Rongcheng specialties in the city, like dried fish, shrimp paste, and Rongcheng apples. Then head to Rongcheng Station to conclude your pleasant journey.
Accommodation Recommendations
Rongcheng offers a variety of accommodations, from high-end hotels to budget inns.
High-end resorts:
Nishi Haitai Resort Hotel: Rongcheng’s first five-star hotel, featuring sea view rooms and hot springs, ideal for quality-seeking travelers.
Mid-range comfort:
Huaxing Hotel: Four-star, near the cross-sea highway, some rooms have sea views, and the courtyard features unique seaweed houses; swan watching is possible in winter.
Shidao Hotel: Located by Shidao Bay, surrounded by sea on three sides, a first-line sea view hotel with complete facilities.
Economical and cost-effective:
Northern city area: such as Boxia Mountain Villa and Haoyun Jiao Hotel, relatively affordable.
Budget hotels: Hanting and Home Inn in the city, convenient locations and moderate prices.
Unique homestays: Seaweed house homestays in the Shidao area, though prices may not be low, the actual experience offers good value.
Food Recommendations
As a coastal city, seafood is undoubtedly the star in Rongcheng.
Must-try seafood feasts: Steamed crab, steamed abalone, scallion-braised sea cucumber, stir-fried swan eggs (a type of shellfish), vermicelli scallops.
Special flavors: Grilled fish (especially made with fresh local fish), seafood barbecue, stir-fried oysters, seafood porridge.
Snacks and specialties: Jianbing guozi (Chinese crepes), Rongcheng apples.
Transportation Guide
Long-distance transportation: Rongcheng is conveniently accessible via the Qingdao-Rongcheng intercity railway (about 2 hours from Qingdao). You can also fly to Weihai Dashuibo International Airport, about 29 km from Rongcheng city center, a half-hour drive.
Local transportation: Attractions in Rongcheng are quite spread out, so renting a car or hiring a private driver is strongly recommended for more freedom and efficiency. Some attractions are connected by bus routes, but schedules may change, so check in advance.
Practical Tips
1. Route choice: Rongcheng’s attractions are divided into southern and northern lines. The southern line (like Ailian Bay) is quieter and suitable for a slow-paced vacation; the northern line (like Naxianghai and Chengshantou) is more developed and lively. This guide combines the highlights of both.
2. Avoid crowds: Places like the Brewis shipwreck attract huge crowds and heavy traffic during peak season. If not necessary, consider choosing other less popular beaches.
3. Sun protection: UV rays are strong by the sea, so even on cloudy days, be sure to apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
4. Protect the environment: Rongcheng actively promotes the “Clean Weihai” campaign, with volunteers maintaining the cleanliness of scenic spots. As a visitor, please do not litter and help protect this beautiful coastline.
We hope this guide helps you have an unforgettable holiday in Rongcheng! Have a pleasant trip!