The bustling Rongcheng~

🚌 **1. Budget Transportation Tips** 1. **External Transport** - High-speed rail to **Rongcheng Station** (next stop after Weihai Station), with direct trains from Beijing/Shanghai. - Flights to **Weihai Dashuibo Airport**, taxi to downtown Rongcheng costs ~¥60 (¥15/person when carpooling with 4 people). 2. **Local Transport** - **Bus**: Get "Rongcheng E-Bus Card" via Alipay. K02 route connects high-speed rail station, Chishan Scenic Area, and Naxianghai (¥5 one-way). - **Car Rental**: Recommended for 2-4 people (¥100/day), cost-effective when shared, ideal for scattered attractions. - **Avoid Pitfalls**: High taxi fares between attractions; opt for bus + walking combo. --- 🏡 **2. Budget Accommodation Options** - **Downtown Picks**: GreenTree Inn (near high-speed rail station, ¥120-150/night), Home Inn (under ¥150/night). - **Naxianghai Area**: Vacation homestays (non-sea-view rooms ~¥80/person, book 3 days ahead in peak season). > ✅ **Tip**: Choose hotels with breakfast included to save costs; downtown stays help catch early buses. --- 🗺️ **3. Economical 3-Day Itinerary** **Day1: Culture + Free Coastline** - **Morning**: Rongcheng Museum (free, marine culture & history) → Sakura Lake Sports Park (free, cycling/walking). - **Lunch**: Food court at 4F Jiulongcheng Mall (¥20/person, diverse cuisines). - **Afternoon**: Jiulongwan Park (free beachcombing, bring buckets for clams) → Sunset at **SS Brewis Shipwreck** (free, iconic sunset photos). - **Dinner**: Restaurants at 3F Bolong Shopping Center (try pan-fried mackerel dumplings, ¥30/person). **Day2: Island & Fishing Village Charm** - **Morning**: **Jiming Island** (¥125/person ferry, feed seagulls at 8am, visit cliffside café). - **Lunch**: Packed meals or island snacks (avoid overpriced tourist food). - **Afternoon**: **Dongchu Island** (free! century-old seaweed houses & beachcombing) → **Jinshiwan Art Zone** (free photo ops at seaweed houses, skip paid exhibits). - **Dinner**: Chengshan Town seafood eatery (spicy mantis shrimp + seafood soup, ¥50/person). **Day3: Natural Wonders + Unique Experiences** - **Morning**: **Chengshantou Scenic Area** (free coastal hike to "Sky’s End") → **Moting Ridge Cable Car** (¥70 one-way, skip if budget tight). - **Lunch**: Xixiakou farmhouse (mackerel dumplings + jellyfish salad, ¥35/person). - **Afternoon**: **Shendiaoshan Wildlife Park** (¥160, optional; substitute free **Sangganhe Botanical Garden**) → Buy souvenirs at Marine Expo Center supermarket (fixed prices). --- 🍽️ **4. Dining Savings** 1. **Seafood Meals**: Avoid touristy spots; try **Red Sorghum Restaurant** (Chengshan Ave) or **Kangwang Fat Beef** (¥100/person seafood hotpot set). 2. **DIY Seafood**: Shop at **Gaogong Island Market** (discounts before closing), cook at homestay (¥30/person feast). 3. **Snacks**: Rongcheng Folk Village self-service dining (order via slips to avoid scams), must-try sea intestine rice. --- 💰 **5. Budget Breakdown (per person)** | Category | Details | Cost | |------------|---------------------------|---------| | Lodging | Budget hotel 2 nights | ¥240 | | Meals | 6 meals + snacks | ¥180 | | Transport | Bus + short taxis | ¥50 | | Tickets | Jiming Island ferry only | ¥125 | | **Total** | **Excl. major transport** | **¥595** | > 💡 **Pro Tips**: > - 70% free attractions: Shipwreck, Dongchu Island, Sakura Lake, Jiulongwan. > - Off-season savings: Sep-Oct lodging drops 30%; avoid summer/National Day. > - Discounts: Students/elderly get partial entry discounts. --- 🌦️ **6. Seasonal Highlights** - **Winter (Nov-Feb)**: Free swan watching at Yandunjiao Village; Ni’s Haitai Hotel ~¥300 low-season. - **Spring (Apr-May)**: Chishan Cherry Blossom Festival (included in park ticket), Fishermen’s Festival performances.