Rated as China's Most Beautiful Island by National Geographic – How Stunning It Is

Here are four coastal cities perfect for a three-day summer getaway with direct high-speed rail access, covering Qingdao, Weihai, Shanwei (presumed typo for "Shamei"), and Huizhou. The guide includes attractions, food recommendations, and transportation tips: --- **1. Qingdao (Shandong)** **HSR Stations**: Qingdao Station (near Old Town), Qingdao North Station **Highlights**: German architecture, beer culture, red-roofed buildings amid green trees and blue seas **Itinerary**: **Day1**: - Morning: Zhanqiao Pier → St. Michael's Cathedral → Signal Hill Park (panoramic Old Town views) - Afternoon: Little Qingdao Park → Lu Xun Park → First Bathing Beach swim - Evening: Taidong Pedestrian Street (try spicy clams and mackerel dumplings) **Day2**: - Full-day Laoshan Mountain tour (Yangkou Scenic Area's sea-mountain vistas, Taoist Taiqing Temple) - Return to May Fourth Square for light show **Day3**: - Badaguan Scenic Area (Stone Flower Villa, Princess Mansion) → Second Bathing Beach - Afternoon: Tsingtao Beer Museum → Golden Sand Beach (Huangdao District, fine sands) **Stay**: Shinan District (near attractions) or Huangdao (quiet sea views) **Tips**: July-August beer festival is lively; book early. --- **2. Weihai (Shandong)** **HSR Stations**: Weihai Station, Weihai North Station **Highlights**: Clean, livable, Korean influences, island scenery **Itinerary**: **Day1**: - Morning: Liugong Island (Sino-Japanese War Museum) - Afternoon: Happiness Gate → Weihai Park (seaside cycling) - Evening: Hanlifang Korean Town (try BBQ and black bean noodles) **Day2**: - Chengshantong (easternmost sunrise spot) → Hailv Island (seagull colonies) - Afternoon: Xianghai Diamond Beach (less crowded) **Day3**: - Maotou Mountain coastal hike → International Bathing Beach - Afternoon: Yuehai Park lighthouse photos before departure **Stay**: Huancui District (downtown) or Gaogu (near beaches) **Tips**: Strong UV; rent e-bikes for coastal rides. --- **3. Shanwei (Guangdong)** **HSR Station**: Shanwei Station **Highlights**: Hidden gem, fishing village charm, seafood galore **Itinerary**: **Day1**: - Morning: Fengshan Ancestral Temple → Shanwei Museum - Afternoon: Pinqing Lake cycling → Erma Road Food Street (try vegetable tea, thin pancakes, raw marinated seafood) **Day2**: - Red Bay (South Sea Guanyin → Zhelang Wonders → Fort Park) - Sunset at Windmill Island **Day3**: - Jinting Bay Resort (beach camping, water sports) - Afternoon: Magong Fishing Village experience **Stay**: Jinting Bay (seaview B&Bs) or downtown (food convenience) **Tips**: Check typhoon alerts; seafood markets offer cooking services. --- **4. Huizhou (Guangdong)** **HSR Stations**: Huidong Station (near Xunliao Bay), Huizhou South Station (downtown) **Highlights**: Twin Moon Bay, hot springs, Lingnan culture **Itinerary**: **Day1**: - Xunliao Bay (Mozishi Park → Delta Island snorkeling) - Evening: Beach BBQ **Day2**: - Twin Moon Bay Viewpoint → Sea Turtle Bay (viral boardwalk) - Afternoon: Port Town seafood market **Day3**: - Luofu Mountain (optional hike) or Huizhou West Lake (cultural) - Seaside hot springs (e.g., Nankunshan Cloud Top) before departure **Stay**: Xunliao/Twin Moon Bay seafront hotels **Tips**: Avoid weekends; driving recommended. --- **HSR Tips** - **Qingdao/Weihai**: 4-6 hours from Beijing-Tianjin/Yangtze Delta; ideal for combo trips. - **Shanwei/Huizhou**: 1-2 hours from Guangzhou/Shenzhen; great for weekends. - **Tickets**: Book early in peak season; note Huidong (beach) vs. Huizhou South stations. **Alternatives**: If "Shamei" refers elsewhere, consider Xiamen (HSR to Xiamen Station) or Dalian (flight+HSR). Hope this guide helps you stay cool this summer!