Rongcheng 2025 In-depth Travel Guide

"A Fairytale City Embraced by Mountains and Sea! Discover the Easternmost Sunrise and Swan Lake in China" 🚗【Transportation】 Self-driving is recommended From Qingdao/Yantai: Qingwei Expressway → Rongwu Expressway, approx. 2 hrs drive. Enjoy the stunning coastal scenery along the way. From Weihai city center: Binhai Avenue leads directly to Chengshantou Scenic Area, a 1-hr drive. High-speed rail is convenient Get off at Rongcheng Station: Take the tourist bus directly to Nashanghai/Chengshantou Scenic Area (buses depart every hour).   🌅【Must-see Attractions】 1️⃣ Chengshantou Scenic Area The easternmost point of the Chinese mainland, known as the "Cape of Good Hope of China." It is recommended to arrive at the Tianjuntou Viewing Platform at 5am to greet the first sunrise. The Qin Dynasty stone inscriptions and the seaside boardwalk in the Blessing Culture Park are worth exploring. 2️⃣ Nashanghai Diamond Beach 16 km of pristine coastline, where white windmills contrast beautifully with the blue sea. We recommend experiencing the Sea Carnival (open in summer) and capturing the golden sunset at the Watcher Lighthouse in the evening. 3️⃣ Xixiakou Shendiao Mountain Wildlife Park A free-range zoo nestled between mountains and sea, home to adorable pandas "Xianzi" and "Jingjing." Don't miss the sea lion show in the marine area. Driving into the park is recommended (CNY 40/car). 4️⃣ Jiming Island The filming location of "Dad, Where Are We Going?" The cliffside bookstore and wedding chapel are popular photo spots. Take a 15-min boat ride to the island and enjoy a 2-hr hike to experience the fishing village charm. 5️⃣ Yandunjiao Swan Lake A winter-exclusive attraction (November–March), where thousands of swans spend the winter. Watch swans dancing in the morning mist, a scene even more fairytale-like after a snowfall.   🏡【Accommodation Recommendations】 High-end resorts Howard Johnson Resort Nashanghai: Located next to Diamond Beach, offering 180° sea-view rooms with private hot springs. Jinshiwan Art Hotel: Featuring unique seaweed-thatched houses with stunning views of reefs and waves. Budget-friendly options Xianghai Ren Holiday Hotel: Family-friendly, a 3-min walk to the beach. Swan Lake Qingboli Guesthouse: The best choice for winter swan watching, offering warm and cozy seaweed-thatched houses.   🍜【Foodie Delights】 Must-try specialties 1. Spanish mackerel dumplings: Recommended at "Haigang Huiyuan Hotel," featuring tender and boneless fish. 2. Seafood feast: Enjoy freshly caught and steamed seafood at the Nashanghai night market. 3. Fish stew with cornbread: Dip farm-style cornbread into the rich fish soup for an authentic local experience. Hidden gems Steamed sea urchin with egg: Seasonal delicacy from April to June, best enjoyed at Jiming Island's fisherman's restaurant. Shrimp paste wotou: A special treat at the Longxia Lake Scenic Area's farm restaurant.   ⚠️【Tips to Avoid Disappointment】 1. Sunrise viewing: Sunrise at Chengshantou is around 4:30am in summer. Check the exact time in advance. 2. Island transportation: Book Jiming Island ferry tickets 3 days in advance during peak season. 3. Photography tips: Bring a telephoto lens for swan photography. Flash photography is prohibited. 4. Off-peak travel: Avoid visiting the zoo during midday in July and August, as animals are less active.   🗺️【Recommended Itineraries】 One-day highlights tour 5:00am Chengshantou sunrise → 8:00am Shendiao Mountain Wildlife Park → 12:00pm Fisherman's restaurant lunch → 2:00pm Nashanghai Beach → 6:00pm Seafood dinner Two-day in-depth tour Day 1: Chengshantou + Blessing Culture Park → Overnight stay in a seaweed-thatched house Day 2: Jiming Island hike → Nashanghai sunset → Return trip   As you witness the first rays of sunlight piercing through the clouds over the East China Sea and watch white swans gliding across the azure lake, you'll suddenly understand—Rongcheng's beauty is the purest poem gifted to mankind by the mountains and the sea. Pack your bags, bring your camera and appetite, and embark on your journey!