Swan Lake Sunset Fairy Tale Season

The Rongcheng Swan Season is underway! The Siberian "White-clad Fairy Guests" have arrived✨ Here’s a nanny-level guide for you to keep

Who understands! The most anticipated journey every winter is this 3,000-kilometer rendezvous in Rongcheng! The first batch of swans arrived on time from Siberia at the end of October, and the population peaks in November. The lake surface is about to turn into a flowing "white feast." Quickly save this full guide for eating, lodging, and photography👇

📍4 Core Birdwatching Spots, Each with Its Own Charm and No Misses

1. Yandunjiao Village | A Fishing Village Fairy Tale Model

The freely open "Swan Village" is so healing! Next to the blue-tiled seaweed houses, swans leisurely swim in the bay. In the morning mist, white figures glide past the dark roofs, every snapshot a real-life fairy tale. At the east end of the village, colorful tin boats and reefs make for stunning shots, paired with flying swans creating an oil painting effect. Spend 5 yuan on a bag of corn kernels, and you’ll get intimate interactions with swans circling around you. In the evening, at the century-old seaweed house café, watch the sunset’s golden glow spill over the lake through the floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an atmosphere that’s simply perfect.

2. Rongcheng Swan Lake Ecotourism Area | A Photographer’s Paradise

The newly built glass viewing platform in 2025 offers an incredible view! The rooftop terrace overlooks the entire lake and reed beds. The morning backlight shines on the swan feathers, each downy feather clearly visible. 9 AM is the golden feeding time; for 10 yuan per bag of feed, you can capture dynamic moments of swans spreading their wings to snatch food. The nearby science museum offers species knowledge, and the VR experience zone is perfect for families with kids. When tired, you can relax at the lakeside café, enjoying cake on the balcony while watching the swans.

3. Sakura Lake Sports Park | A Light Birdwatching Spot in the City

A "swan secret spot" hidden in the city, with convenient transportation so you can easily visit while eating and shopping. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the lakeside city library are excellent viewing points; glance up from your book to see swans swimming by. The swan silhouettes outlined by the warm evening light are breathtaking. There are no fences here, so casual phone shots come out great, and even beginners can easily capture atmospheric photos. Occasionally, you might spot other water birds playing in mixed flocks.

4. Naxianghai Magnolia Lake | Romantic Buff Fully Stacked

The first batch of swans arrived as scheduled in 2025! The Ferris wheel and pure white swans in the same frame max out the romance factor. Swan-themed sculptures and unique signposts in the park are great photo spots. Walking on the boardwalk watching swans glide on the lake feels like stepping into a fairy tale in an amusement park, perfect for couples or families with kids for an immersive experience.

📸 Photo Tips: A Complete Guide from Beginner to Pro

"Light and Timing"

- Golden hours: Shoot swans bathing at 6 AM, their feathers glowing with morning light, stunningly beautiful; side backlight shots at 2-3 PM enhance feather texture; at sunset, warm light gilds the swans, instantly creating National Geographic-level shots.
- Hidden gems: After snow, shoot the reed beds for a breathtaking "pool of snow-white" scene; use slow shutter under the starry sky to capture swan flight trails.

"Composition and Equipment"

- Beginner-friendly: Use 2x zoom and portrait mode on your phone to blur the background and highlight the subject; horizontal composition capturing swan flocks and the lake shows vastness.
- Advanced tips: Bring a telephoto lens over 200mm, set shutter speed above 1/1000 sec to freeze flying moments; try themes like "Red Light Swan" or "Starburst Swan" to boost recognition on social media.
- Outfit advice: Wear solid-colored clothes with light scarves and earmuffs for warmth and fresh contrast with swans; avoid flashy patterns for better photos.

🏨 Full Guide for Eating, Lodging, and Transportation: 600 RMB per person for 3 days

Accommodation Recommendations

- Specialty pick: Yandunjiao seaweed house homestay, 100 RMB per night per person, swans visible from the window, some include fisherman's breakfast, fall asleep to the sound of waves.
- City convenience: Rongcheng city All Seasons Hotel, 150 RMB per night per person, 10-minute walk to Sakura Lake, with many dining options nearby.
- Budget choice: Nanwan Street Youth Hostel beds at 40 RMB per night, close to the seafood market, suitable for young travelers on a budget.

Must-Try Food

- Seafood freedom: Shidao Fishing Port is busiest from 3-5 PM, mackerel at 10 RMB per jin, oysters 2 RMB each, find street stalls for steamed dishes, 50 RMB per person to eat to fullness.
- Fisherman’s specialties: Mackerel dumplings in Yandunjiao burst with juice, scallion-braised sea cucumber is fresh but not greasy; near Swan Lake, sea salt latte paired with swan-themed creative cakes, 30 RMB per person for a relaxing vibe.
- Street snacks: Seaweed buns at 5 RMB each, freshly squeezed apple juice at 10 RMB per cup, widely available at city morning markets, full of Jiaodong flavor.

Transportation Tips

- Major transport: After flying into Weihai Airport, carpool 1.5 hours direct (30 RMB per person); from Rongcheng high-speed rail station, take bus 204 for 2 RMB direct to Swan Lake, taxi takes 40 minutes.
- Island transport: Rent an electric scooter for 50 RMB/day, enough range to visit all viewing spots; shared rides between spots cost 15-20 RMB per person, saving money and convenient.

❗️ Birdwatching Reminders: Civilized and Practical Tips

- Viewing period: Late October to March next year, peaking near 10,000 swans in December, when "the vast lake is blue sky, a pool of snow-white" is spectacular.
- Civil birdwatching: Only feed swans with feed provided by the park, no bringing salty or oily food; refuse private "close contact" paid experiences, the free areas offer plenty of enjoyment.
- Essential gear: Windproof jacket and fleece-lined shoes are a must, as it’s windy and cold by the lake; don’t forget high-SPF sunscreen, autumn UV rays are still strong.

This winter, come to Rongcheng for a swan rendezvous! Watch them dance on the lake, hear their songs in the wind, and even your breath will feel healing～