These coastal cities offer sea views without breaking the bank—perfect for students and backpackers!

🌊 Top 10 Budget-Friendly Seaside Cities to Explore for Just 300 RMB per Person! 1. Qingdao | Red Roofs, Greenery, and Sea Breeze • Stroll along Zhanqiao Pier watching seagulls, visit free Xiaomai Island Park, and catch a tangerine-hued sunset at Shilaoren Bathing Beach. • Stay at a hostel near Zhanqiao, enjoy mackerel dumplings with bagged beer—just 50 RMB per person for seaside romance. 2. Beihai | Silver Beach Waves and Old Street Vibes • Free beachcombing at Silver Beach, sample 10 RMB Vietnamese snacks (rice rolls, desserts) in Qiaogang Street. Skip Weizhou Island if on a tight budget—city attractions are cheaper. 3. Weihai | Healing Coastal Bike Rides • Rent a shared bike for Huancheng Road, snap Japanese-style photos at Huoju 8th Street, admire the "Big Frame" sea view at Weihai Park, and feast on affordable Korean BBQ at Hanlefang. 4. Zhuhai | City Walks Along Romantic Shorelines • Hike Lover’s Road to see the Fisher Girl statue, free panoramic views at Jingshan Trail, budget desserts in Beishan Village, and evening lights of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. 5. Rizhao | Clam Digging + Seafood Feasts • Free clam hunting at Renjiatai, Instagrammable spots at Wanpingkou Gate 3, fresh seafood at Chocolate Fisherman (60 RMB/person), and ultra-cheap homestays in Wujiatai. 6. Lianyungang | Hidden Gem of Mountains and Sea • Free seaside views at Suma Bay (Liandao), half-price tickets to Huaguo Mountain (students welcome!), 15 RMB seafood noodles in old districts, and affordable homestays in Sucheng Street. 7. Xiamen | Artsy Fishing Villages and Lively Alleys • Artsy photos at Shapowei, free sunrise at Huangcuo Beach, haggle for seafood (80 RMB/person) at Baxian Market, and off-season homestays in Zengcuoan from 100 RMB/night. 8. Lingshui | Clear Waters, Sanya’s Affordable Alternative • Free snorkeling near Boundary Island, 2 RMB boat rides to Danjia fish rafts at Xincun Pier, 10 RMB sour noodles in Guangpo Town, and budget homestays in Li’an Town. 9. Qinhuangdao | History Meets Coastal Charm • Sunrise at Dove Nest Park (25 RMB ticket), "Great Wall meets sea" at Laolongtou, grilled squid at Liuzhuang Night Market, and family-run lodgings in Beidaihe. 10. Yantai | Slow-Paced Mountain-Sea Town • Free electric bike loops around Yangma Island, feed seagulls at Fisherman’s Wharf, try Yantai stewed dishes in Suochengli Old Street, and quiet beaches at Golden Sand Bay—hostel beds from 40 RMB/night. 💡 Budget Tips: • Avoid peak summer—April-May/Sept-Oct offer best value. • Use buses + bikes; prioritize hostels/homestays. • Shop at local seafood markets (e.g., Rizhao’s Shijiu, Xiamen’s Baxian)—haggle like a pro!