Romance only understood after a second visit to Weihai! This "seaside living" guide will unlock the slow life by the sea for you?
Been to Weihai once and can't stop thinking about it? This city that blends the "sea" into daily life hides so many surprises worth a second visit—knowing better how to avoid crowds, finding hidden coastal views, and unlocking locals' secret ways to enjoy seafood. This guide will immerse you in the sea breeze of Weihai!
1. Must-visit core attractions (address + highlights + second-visit tips)
1. International Seawater Bathing Beach (Address: No. 178 Beihuanhai Road, Huancui District)
- Highlights: Weihai’s classic seaside bathing beach, with sand as fine as powder and crystal-clear water. You can play beach volleyball, rent jet skis, and watch the sunset dye the sea orange in the evening—super healing~
- Second-visit tips: Don’t just come during the day! At 4:30 AM, catch a "sunrise at sea" (check sunrise time in advance, bring a picnic mat to sit on the beach and watch the sun pop out of the sea); after 7 PM, the night market next to the beach opens—grab some grilled squid and oysters, and enjoy the sea breeze while eating, it’s delicious~
2. Torch 8th Street (Address: Torch 8th Street, Huancui District)
- Highlights: Weihai’s "Little Kamakura," with a downhill road ending at the sea. Blue and white houses against the blue sea and sky make every photo look like a Japanese manga scene~
- Second-visit tips: Avoid the peak crowd from 10 AM to 3 PM; come early morning (7-8 AM) or evening (6-7 PM) when the light is soft and not backlit; on the way, visit the nearby "Xiaoshidao Tidal Flat Park" (at low tide) to dig clams and pick up little crabs, experiencing seaside childhood fun~
3. Liugong Island (Address: No. 101-2 Haibin North Road, Huancui District, accessible by ferry from Liugong Island Tourist Wharf)
- Highlights: Combines the profound history of the First Sino-Japanese War Memorial with fresh island scenery. On the island, you can watch flocks of seagulls, visit ancient cannon ruins, and explore the island’s panda pavilion~
- Second-visit tips: The first visit might only cover the main attractions; on the second visit, take the "Back Mountain Trail" (from Qiding Mountain Fort towards Huangdao Fort). It’s less crowded and peaceful, offering panoramic views of the whole island and Weihai Bay, and you might encounter wild squirrels along the way~
4. Naxianghai Diamond Beach (Address: No. 6699 Huanghai Avenue, Rongcheng City)
- Highlights: Less crowded than the International Seawater Bathing Beach, cleaner sand, features a "sea Ferris wheel" and "Xianghai Flower Street," and you can see a group of white windmills. Every photo looks like an Instagram masterpiece~
- Second-visit tips: Stay a night at a seaside guesthouse in Naxianghai! Open your window in the morning to the sea, rent a bike in the morning to ride along the coastal road (passing through black pine forests with super fresh air), and watch the stars on the beach at night, far from city noise~
5. Chengshantou (Address: Xixiakou Village, Chengshan Town, Rongcheng City)
- Highlights: The easternmost point of China’s coastline, the earliest place to see the sunrise at sea, with a "End of the Sky" stone tablet. Standing on the cliff edge watching waves crash on the rocks is spectacular~
- Second-visit tips: Don’t just check in at the "End of the Sky"! On the way, visit nearby "Hailv Island" (by boat), home to many black-tailed gulls. You can feed the seagulls up close (bring some steamed bun crumbs, the gulls will chase you flying), and experience the lively "Seagull Kingdom"~
2. 3-day 2-night "slow pace" itinerary (no rushing, immersive seaside experience)
Day 1: Old Town Seafood Day
- Morning: Arrive in Weihai, first visit "Huancuilou Park" (free, climb the tower to overlook Weihai Old Town and the sea, with red walls and green trees perfect for photos).
- Noon: Eat seafood near "Weihaiwei Building" (recommend "Northern Dumpling King," order mackerel dumplings and braised sea cucumber, great value).
- Afternoon: Visit "Happiness Gate Square" (Weihai landmark, climb the Happiness Gate to see the sea, buy a "Happiness Gate creative keychain" as a souvenir), then stroll along the "Seaside Promenade" to "Weihai Port" to watch giant ships set sail.
- Evening: Go to "Dongcheng Road Night Market" (Weihai’s classic night market), eat grilled sea intestines, steamed jelly, mackerel cakes, and drink fresh pomegranate juice to feel the local vibe.
Day 2: Island Circle Sea Viewing Day
- Morning: Depart from downtown, first take photos with a Japanese style at "Torch 8th Street," then go to "Xiaoshidao Tidal Flat Park" (at low tide) for tidal flat activities.
- Noon: Eat seafood at a street stall near "International Seawater Bathing Beach" (recommend "Jinhaiwan Restaurant," order boiled shrimp and spicy clams, cooked fresh on order).
- Afternoon: Play beach activities at the International Seawater Bathing Beach or rent an electric bike to ride along "Beihuanhai Road" (passing Putao Beach Bathing Beach and Yuanyao Fishing Port, with beautiful scenery).
- Evening: Watch the sunset at the bathing beach, then go to the night market for seafood barbecue.
Day 3: Island Healing Day
- Morning: Take a ferry to "Liugong Island," visit the First Sino-Japanese War Memorial (bring ID, free but requires reservation), then climb Qiding Mountain Fort for sea views.
- Noon: Have a simple meal inside Liugong Island scenic area (recommend seafood noodles, incredibly fresh).
- Afternoon: If time allows, visit "Hailv Island" to feed seagulls; if you want to relax, after returning, visit "Weihai Park" (see the "Big Photo Frame" sculpture and take sea view photos).
- Evening: Buy some Weihai specialties (like shredded squid, grilled fish slices, recommend "Mingwei Food" chain store for authenticity), and end the trip.
3. Specialty Food (locals’ secret ways to eat)
4. Seafood:
- Mackerel Dumplings: A must-eat in Weihai! Fresh mackerel minced with a little chive, bursting with soup when bitten. Recommended: "Chuange Fish Dumplings" and "Northern Dumpling King."
- Spicy Stir-fried Clams: Choose flower clams or warty clams, stir-fried with dried chili, scallions, and ginger, fresh and spicy. Perfect with a bowl of corn porridge to cut the grease.
- Grilled Sea Intestines: Weihai specialty! Freshly killed and grilled sea intestines brushed with secret sauce, chewy texture, available at night markets or seafood stalls.
5. Snacks:
- Weihai Steamed Jelly: Made from sweet potato starch, pan-fried until crispy outside and tender inside, topped with sesame sauce, garlic water, and chili oil, fragrant and flavorful. Recommended: "Li Ji Steamed Jelly."
- Mackerel Cakes: Mackerel meat mixed with flour and pan-fried into cakes, crispy outside and soft inside, can be a snack or main dish, commonly found at night markets.
6. Drinks:
- Fresh Seaweed Juice: Local specialty drink made from fresh seaweed juice with a little sugar, refreshing and cuts grease, perfect with seafood.
4. Accommodation Recommendations (choose according to your needs)
4. Convenient Downtown: Choose near "Huancuilou" (e.g., "Weihaiwei Building"), close to old town attractions and night markets, convenient transportation, walking distance to the seaside promenade.
5. Sea View Immersive: Choose near "International Seawater Bathing Beach" (e.g., "Jinhaiwan Hotel") or "Naxianghai" (e.g., "Naxianghai Jiming Island Hotel"), with sea views from the window and sunrise in the morning.
6. Cost-effective: Choose guesthouses near "Torch 8th Street" (e.g., "Weihai Haiyu Guesthouse"), Japanese style, affordable prices, convenient walking distance to Torch 8th Street and the bathing beach.
5. Notes
5. Transportation: Weihai’s attractions are scattered; it’s recommended to rent an electric scooter (30-50 RMB/day, deposit required) or take taxis (usually 10-20 RMB within the city); for Liugong Island and Hailv Island, buy ferry tickets in advance via the "Liugong Island Scenic Area" WeChat official account, tickets are competitive during peak seasons (summer holidays, public holidays).
6. Clothing: Weihai is coastal with strong UV rays; bring sun-protective clothing, sunscreen, and a sun hat; the seaside is windy, so even in summer, bring a light jacket (cool in the morning and evening).
7. Seafood Pitfalls: Don’t buy "cheap seafood" at scenic area entrances, as it may be short-weighted; eat seafood at stalls or chain restaurants with clear pricing, order and weigh on the spot to avoid being cheated.
8. Tidal Flat Tips: Check the "Weihai Tide Table" (1-2 days in advance), go one hour before low tide, bring tidal flat tools (small shovel, bucket, gloves), pay attention to safety, and avoid stepping into deep water.
The romance of Weihai is hidden in the morning sea breeze, the orange sea at dusk, and the aroma of seafood at the night market. On your second visit here, no need to rush—just walk slowly, look slowly, and let the sea take all your worries away~