Travel with My Bucket List – Rongcheng, Shandong

1. City Overview

Located at the easternmost tip of Shandong Peninsula, Rongcheng is known as the "Cape of Good Hope of China." Its 500 km coastline weaves together mountains, sea, islands, bays, and fishing villages. With a slow pace and relatively fewer tourists, it's perfect for summer escapes (May-Oct) and winter photography (Nov-Mar) when Siberian swans migrate here.

2. 3-5 Day Classic Itinerary

Day1 Naxiang Bay Leisure
• Morning: Arrive at Weihai Dashuibo Airport → 1h airport shuttle to downtown Rongcheng (¥20) or taxi (¥200)
• Afternoon: Naxiang Bay Diamond Beach (free) + sunset at Binhai Park
• Dinner: Beach BBQ or seafood feast at Lidu Folk Village
• Stay: Howard Johnson Resort Naxiang Bay (beachfront access)

Day2 Easternmost Coast of China
• 05:30: Catch the first sunrise at Chengshantou (¥138 entry)
• 09:00: Visit Emperor Qinshihuang Temple → hike Tianya Cliff Walkway
• 11:00: Xixiakou Wildlife World (¥160, drive-through safari zone)
• Evening: Stay at a nearby fishing homestay; feast on fresh seafood

Day3 Seabirds & Swans
• 08:00: Boat to Hailu Island to feed seagulls (¥100 ferry)
• 12:00: Yandunjiao Fishing Village (winter swan flocks) → photograph seaweed-thatched cottages
• 15:00: SS Bluewreck shipwreck photo spot → tide-pooling (Xiekou Island Beach, ¥15/person, free for ≤3kg catch)
• Evening: Return downtown; visit Rongcheng Museum (free)

Day4 Off-the-Beaten-Path (Optional)
• Dongchu Island seaweed cottages → Ailun Bay Marine Ranch fishing & seafood boil
• Sunset at Chishan Scenic Area: World’s largest Chishan Mingdeity Statue

Day5 Relaxed Departure Day
• Morning: Bike around Cherry Blossom Lake Sports Park → shop at seafood markets (Ouyia/First Fishing Port)
• High-speed train from Rongcheng Station to Jinan/Qingdao (2-3h).

3. Transportation
• Airport: Weihai Dashuibo Int’l Airport → 1h to downtown.
• Trains: Rongcheng Station has direct routes to Jinan/Qingdao/Yantai.
• Local: Scattered attractions; recommend car rental/ride-hailing. Limited buses; check schedules.

4. Accommodation Map
• Naxiang Bay/Downtown: Luxury resorts/dining options
• Chengshantou/Xixiakou: Sunrise views/near zoo
• Shidao: Fishing port charm/budget stays
• Dongchu/Yandunjiao: Seaweed cottage homestays

5. Must-Eat List
• Spanish mackerel dumplings (Jinsui Dumpling City)
• Grilled fish (Xi’an Road Night Market)
• Live-steamed abalone, oysters, sea urchin (market processing, ¥15-20/jin fee)
• Korean BBQ: Hanxiangfu (near Weihai, authentic)

6. Pro Tips
1. SUNSCREEN! Coastal UV is strong – sunglasses/hat/SPF50+ required.
2. Check tide tables for tide-pooling; bring rakes/buckets/non-slip shoes.
3. Winter swan photography: telephoto lens + windproof jacket.
4. Avoid pairing seafood with beer; allergy-prone travelers carry meds.
5. Book hotels/ferries early for peak seasons/holidays.

Save this guide to experience Rongcheng’s easternmost sunrises, seabird spectacles, fresh seafood, and slow-paced fishing village life. Happy travels!