Who doesn't know about these 10 budget-friendly hidden gem coastal cities? Come check out the guide!

Hey buddies 👋 Good news for students and working folks! Today we've painstakingly compiled 10 super budget-friendly hidden gem coastal cities with stunning views and delicious food - the key is their amazing value for money, making travel freedom easily achievable! Save this list and set off on your next vacation~

Xiamen, Fujian | Slow-paced artistic coastline

💰 Per person: ¥1000 for 3-5 days
🌅 Must-visit:
Watch the sunset train at Haidi Memorial Park - trains framed against the sunset create maximum atmosphere!
Chase the orange sea sunrise at Huangcuo Beach - golden sunlight on the water is breathtaking.
Wander among old villas on Gulangyu Island, soak up the artistic vibe, and listen to waves by the sea.
🍜 Food recs: Satay noodles, peanut soup, four-fruit soup, and worm jelly - you'll love them at first bite!
🚗 Transport/accom: Stay near Zengcuo'an or Zhongshan Road (¥100-200/night). Convenient buses and metro.

Beihai, Guangxi | Leisurely holiday on Silver Beach

💰 Per person: ¥800 for 2-3 days
🏖️ Hidden gems:
Walk barefoot on Silver Beach's fine white sand - super comfortable.
Watch sunsets at Qiaogang Beach, then hit Qiaogang Food Street - absolutely amazing.
Rent an e-bike to circle Weizhou Island, check out volcanic rocks and Colorful Beach - speechlessly beautiful.
🍜 Food recs: Seafood, shrimp cakes, sweet soups, Vietnamese rolls - cheap and delicious!
🚗 Transport/accom: Stay near Silver Beach for ocean views. Fly to Nanning first, then take HSR to Beihai.

Qingdao, Shandong | Party of beer and waves

💰 Per person: ¥800 for 3-4 days
🌊 Must-go:
Chase waves at No.1 Bathing Beach - embrace the sea.
Watch sunrise at Stone Old Man Bathing Beach - super healing morning seaside.
Stroll through Badaguan to admire architecture from various countries - great for photos.
🍜 Food recs: Qingdao beer, Spanish mackerel dumplings, seafood BBQ - taste the coastal city's vibe.
🚗 Transport/accom: Stay in Shibei District for good value. Take metro/buses around.

Wanning, Hainan | Hidden tropical island paradise

💰 Per person: ¥800 for 3-4 days
🌊 Must-visit:
Surf at Shimei Bay and Riyue Bay - feel the ocean's energy.
Take photos at Shenzhou Peninsula Lighthouse - 100% insta-worthy.
Drink coffee in Xinglong Town and try Nanyang-style cuisine.
🍜 Food recs: Hele crab, Dongshan goat, qingbuliang, banlang cake - Hainan on your tongue.
🚗 Transport/accom: Rent e-bikes (¥60/day) for convenient island circling. Avoid peak winter season for better prices.

Shanwei, Guangdong | Healing trip to quiet fishing villages

💰 Per person: ¥700 for 2-3 days
🌊 Photo spots:
Take Japanese-style photos at Windmill Island - white windmills + blue sea = dreamy.
Watch windmills sway at Honghai Bay with stunning sunsets - can also surf.
Eat your fill on Erma Road - vegetable tea, thin pancakes, beef brisket rice (¥20/person).
🍜 Food recs: Seafood, pounded tea, Lufeng salty tea, Gongping beef jerky.
🚗 Transport/accom: Stay downtown for convenience. Get around by taxi or rented e-bike.

Weihai, Shandong | Fairytale coastline

💰 Per person: ¥850 for 3-4 days
🌅 Must-do:
Chase sea sunrise at Half Moon Bay - golden sunlight on water brings tears.
Feed seagulls at Xixiakou - interact closely with them.
See windmills at Naxianghai and walk Diamond Beach - like a fairytale world.
🍜 Food recs: Spanish mackerel dumplings, seaweed buns, Weihai skewers, seafood dough drop soup.
🚗 Transport/accom: Stay downtown or in seaside B&Bs. Rent e-bikes for coastal road rides.

Dalian, Liaoning | Northern pearl's coastal charm

💰 Per person: ¥700 for 3-5 days
🏖️ Hidden gems:
See ocean views and feed seagulls at Xinghai Square - stunning night light shows.
Yanwo Ridge - perfect wedding photo spot with mountain-sea backdrop.
Walk Bangchuidao's beaches with crystal-clear water.
🍜 Food recs: Seaweed jelly, fried menzi, Spanish mackerel cakes, seafood BBQ.
🚗 Transport/accom: Stay near Zhongshan District or Xinghai Square. Convenient buses/metro.

Zhuhai, Guangdong | Seaside love letter from romantic city

💰 Per person: ¥800 for 3-4 days
🌅 Must-go:
Stroll Xianglu Bay Beach and see the Zhuhai Fisher Girl.
Dive at Wailingding Island to explore underwater world and blue romance.
Bike on Lover's Road at sunset to feel Zhuhai's romance.
🍜 Food recs: Hengqin oysters, Doumen double-shell crabs, tea cakes, crispy meat fish.
🚗 Transport/accom: Stay in Xiangzhou District. Book Wailingding ferry tickets in advance.

Shenzhen, Guangdong | Urban-meets-ocean collision

💰 Per person: ¥1200 for 2-3 days
🌊 Must-visit:
Chill at Dapeng Peninsula's B&B villages for relaxed time.
Hike Yangmeikeng for stunning sea views (mermaid filming location).
Bike Shenzhen Bay Park at sunset for city-ocean romance.
🍜 Food recs: Seafood, rice rolls, BBQ meats, double-layer milk pudding.
🚗 Transport/accom: Stay near Dapeng Peninsula. Take E11 bus to Dapeng - super budget-friendly.

Taizhou, Zhejiang | Poetic living between mountains and sea

💰 Per person: ¥800 for 3-4 days
🌅 Must-see:
Bike around Dachen Island feeling ocean breezes.
Watch sunrise at Wenling Shitang's Millennium Sunrise Park - speechlessly beautiful.
Eat snacks on Ziyang Street - seaweed cakes, stuffed cakes, egg white "lamb tails" - delicious!
🍜 Food recs: Seafood, ginger noodle soup, food tubes, black rice mochi.
🚗 Transport/accom: Book Dachen ferry tickets early via "Taizhou Tourism Tickets" (slow boats cheaper). Stay downtown or seaside.

Buddies, these hidden gem coastal cities are perfect for budget travel - gather your friends and go! Remember to like and save! Follow me for more travel guides 💖