A Guide to Lesser-Known Attractions in Weihai: An In-Depth Historical Tour of Liugong Island

Explore Weihai in two days with just 2000 RMB per person! I watched the sunrise at Naxianghai, cycled along the coastal road at Maotoushan, and checked in at China’s most beautiful coastline—but beware of these traps! When the first ray of sunlight shines on the rocks by Naxianghai, waves lap against the pink sand, a lighthouse stands quietly in the distance, and a flock of seagulls skims the golden sea. Sitting in a cliffside café with a hot latte in hand, the sound of waves and wind chimes playing in my ears—I finally understand why people say, “Half the poetry lies in the distance, half the life is in Weihai.” This time, as a travel blogger, I explored this underrated coastal town deeply over two days and one night with a budget under 2000 RMB per person: overlooking the emerald bay from Maotoushan No. 5 Viewing Platform, cycling toward the sea on Torch 8th Street, and reflecting on the Jiawu War at Liugong Island. Here you’ll find China’s cleanest seawater and the most healing slow life, but also many “internet celebrity traps”—today I’m sharing my real experiences plus a guide to avoid pitfalls! 🌅 Day 1: Coastal Cycling × Torch 8th Street Check-in, Encounter Weihai’s Youthful Filter Depart early morning from Beijing South Station (about 5.5 hours direct by high-speed train G-series to Weihai Station, ticket price 386 RMB). It’s recommended to take an early train to avoid peak crowds. After arrival, take a taxi to a guesthouse near Hanlefong (recommended “Haidu·Shanhai Jian” or “Qixia She,” sea view rooms with breakfast about 680 RMB/night), centrally located with convenient transport. Drop off your luggage and head straight to Torch 8th Street—famous online for its slope leading directly to the sea. ⚠️【Pitfall ①】Don’t go at noon! Strongly recommend visiting before 7:00 AM or after 5:30 PM; otherwise, it’s crowded and backlit photos often fail. I rode a shared bike (deposit 1.5 RMB/hour) slowly down from the top of the slope at dawn, aiming my camera at the distant lighthouse, easily capturing a stunning shot of “riding toward the horizon.” Next, start the highlight of the coastal road cycling: from Putao Beach Bathing Area, passing International Bathing Area and Jinhai Bay Boardwalk, ending at Maotoushan No. 5 Viewing Platform (about 8 km total). Every frame along the way looks like a movie scene: Putao Beach: few people, clear water, perfect for swimming; Jinhai Bay Boardwalk: winding over rocks, with a distant view of Liugong Island; Maotoushan No. 5 Viewing Platform: a suspended glass platform offering a 360° unobstructed view of the green bay, a must for aerial shots! In the afternoon, take a boat to Liugong Island (round-trip ticket + attraction combo 138 RMB, 20-minute ride). This is the memorial site of the Jiawu War and a national 5A scenic spot: Visit the Jiawu War Museum to learn about the rise and fall of the Beiyang Fleet; Tour Ding Ruchang’s residence and the Naval Academy to feel the weight of history; The island’s ecology is excellent, with freely roaming sika deer, like a secret sea paradise. ⚠️【Pitfall ②】Don’t trust “low-price one-day tour groups”! Scalpers outside the station offer “99 RMB package for Liugong Island + Chengshantou,” but they cut short sightseeing time and force shopping. Plan your own itinerary for more freedom and authenticity. Return to the city in the evening and have dinner at Hanlefong Night Market (about 60 RMB per person): Korean-style grilled sausages, seafood stuffed pancakes, mackerel dumplings, Rushan oysters (freshly grilled 10 RMB each), a fusion of exotic flavors and local delicacies. 🏖️ Day 2: Sunrise at Naxianghai × Xiaowudui·Baohai Station, Save Romance for the Last Leg Wake up at 4:30 AM on the second day and carpool to Rongcheng Naxianghai Scenic Area (about 1 hour drive, cost about 80 RMB per person, free admission). This is one of Weihai’s purest beaches, with rare pinkish-brown fine sand and crystal-clear water. I checked the tide schedule in advance and arrived at Diamond Beach before sunrise, setting up a tripod to wait for the sun to rise over the sea. At that moment, the entire beach was dyed golden-orange, with wind turbines slowly turning in the distance—breathtakingly beautiful. Naxianghai is more than a beach; it’s a resort town: Strange Rock Park: jagged rocks shaped like animals, shells to collect at low tide; British-style Lighthouse: a photo hotspot, recommended to wear light-colored long dresses; Cliffside Café Port: facing the sea, a cup of coffee + a slice of cheesecake = a perfect morning. On the way back at noon, stop by Xiaowudui·Baohai Station (free entry), a hidden gem: blue tin houses, colorful containers, spiral stairs leading straight to the sea, full of artistic vibes, very few tourists, every snapshot looks like an Instagram masterpiece. In the afternoon, finish with a stroll at Yuehai Park Lighthouse (free): twin lighthouses stand on the coast, with the cross-sea bridge in the background, gentle yet firm. At 3:00 PM, return to Weihai Station and take the high-speed train back to Beijing, ending this refreshing, trap-free coastal trip. ✅ Expense Breakdown (approx. 1970 RMB per person) Round-trip high-speed train tickets: about 772 RMB One night accommodation (shared by two): 680 RMB Attraction tickets + boat + transport: about 328 RMB Food + bike rental + insurance + souvenirs: about 490 RMB 📌 Ultimate Pitfall Avoidance List: ❗ Weihai has abundant seafood, but be cautious with night market street vendors! To avoid stomach issues, prioritize chain restaurants or established brands. ❗ Always wear a helmet when cycling on the coastal road; some sections have heavy traffic, safety first. ❗ Don’t blindly chase “internet-famous spots,” such as Torch 8th Street, which is overly commercialized—moderate check-ins are enough. ❗ Naxianghai is far; a one-day trip is tight. It’s better to leave early and return late or stay overnight for a more relaxed experience. On the day I left, I put a piece of sea glass I found into a postcard that read “WELCOME TO WEIHAI.” It’s not a gem, but it reflects the gentle sunlight, waves, and time. If you want to be somewhere where you can see blue skies and clear seas and escape the noise and clichés, go to Weihai— let the wind at Maotoushan blow away your anxiety, let the sunrise at Naxianghai ignite your hope, and let this journey of cleanliness, sincerity, and slow living become the most healing northern coastline in your heart.