Sisters, I wouldn't recommend visiting Weihai during the off-season in May-June, because...
With the May Day holiday approaching, if you're looking for a summer destination where you can embrace the ocean, enjoy seafood, and avoid the crowds, Weihai is the perfect choice! Known as "Qingdao's backyard," this coastal city combines an artistic, laid-back lifestyle with breathtaking mountain and sea views. Here's a carefully curated 3-day, 2-night in-depth guide to help you discover Weihai's unique charm!
I. Transportation Guide
1. Getting to Weihai
1) By Air: After landing at Weihai Dashuibo International Airport, take the airport bus to reach downtown in about 40 minutes. Multiple routes are available to choose from based on your accommodation location, offering affordable and convenient travel.
2) By Train: Weihai has two main stations - Weihai Station and Weihai North Station. Weihai Station is near Korea Town, surrounded by restaurants and convenient transportation, perfect for food tours. Weihai North Station is closer to the International Bathing Beach and Golden Beach, ideal for those wanting to experience beach life.
2. Getting Around
1) Public Transportation: Weihai's bus routes cover all major attractions, accepting mobile payments for economical travel. Some routes have longer intervals, so check real-time information via bus apps before traveling.
2) Self-driving/Car Rental: Renting a car offers freedom to control your schedule, with beautiful coastal roads and photo opportunities. Car rental locations are available throughout the city and near attractions, with various vehicle options. However, parking can be difficult near popular spots during holidays, so plan ahead.
3) Electric Scooter Rental: Rent an electric scooter to explore Weihai's streets while enjoying the sea breeze. Daily rental costs range from 30-80 yuan, with sufficient battery life for island tours. Remember to follow traffic rules and protect yourself from the sun.
II. Accommodation Recommendations
1. Korea Town Area: Centered around Weihai Station, this Korean cultural hub features Korean-style architecture, restaurants, cafes, and night markets. Convenient for both city attractions and train travel, ideal for those who enjoy bustling atmospheres and food exploration.
2. Weigao Plaza Area: Located in downtown Weihai, this core commercial district has shopping malls, restaurants, and night markets, with walking distance to landmarks like Happiness Gate. Accommodation options range from luxury hotels to value-for-money guesthouses, perfect for those seeking convenience and nightlife.
3. International Bathing Beach Area: Perfect for family trips! Direct beach access allows children to play in the sand and collect shells. Enjoy sunrise views from your window and sunset walks on the beach. Many guesthouses offer ocean-view balconies, and some provide beach equipment rentals.
III. Immersive Travel Routes
Day 1: Urban Coastline Exploration
Hotel → Haiyuan Park → Happiness Gate → Weihai Park → Yuehai Park → Korea Town
Start your morning at Haiyuan Park, featuring crystal-clear waters and old fishing boats alongside wooden walkways, creating a peaceful scene. Walk along the coast and visit the WWI Chinese Laborers Memorial to learn about this significant historical period.
Walk to Happiness Gate, Weihai's landmark, where you can overlook the city and vast ocean from the observation deck. Then visit Weihai Park, where the "Big Frame" sculpture is a must-photograph spot, framing you with the blue sea and sky.
Continue to Yuehai Park, where the white lighthouse and fairytale-like seaweed houses create a charming scene. Find a bench to enjoy the sea breeze and waves. In the evening, head to Korea Town for a food adventure, enjoying Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, rice wine, and more.
Day 2: Mountain and Sea Romance
Hotel → Half Moon Bay (sunrise) → Cat Head Mountain → Grape Beach → International Bathing Beach → Torch Eight Street → Europe Town
Head to Half Moon Bay before dawn to watch the sunrise, as golden rays paint the sea in warm hues, creating perfect photo opportunities.
Cycle to Cat Head Mountain, following the coastal road with steep cliffs on one side and endless ocean on the other. Multiple viewing platforms are available, with Platform No. 3 offering particularly stunning views.
Arrive at Grape Beach in the afternoon, a less crowded beach with soft sand perfect for relaxation. Visit the International Bathing Beach in the evening for exciting water activities. As the sun sets, walk to Torch Eight Street, a popular spot seemingly leading to the sea with dreamy twilight views. End your night at Europe Town, sampling local snacks and experiencing Weihai's vibrant atmosphere.
Day 3: Island Exploration and Hidden Spots
Hotel → Naxiang Sea → Jimingdao Island → Bruweiss Shipwreck Site
Drive to Naxiang Sea, a free 4A-level scenic area with a 16km coastline. Enjoy the fine sand and blue waters, camp on the beach, or try sailing and kayaking.
Take a boat to Jimingdao Island, a peaceful place rich in fishing village culture. Walk the island trail to see seagulls and visit the seaweed house village while enjoying fresh seafood.
On your return, visit the Bruweiss shipwreck site, where a rusty ship stranded on the beach creates mysterious, post-apocalyptic photo opportunities.
IV. Must-Visit Hidden Spots
1. Heqing Wharf: Experience the lively morning fish market with fresh seafood and authentic local fishing life.
2. Haiyuan Park WWI Chinese Laborers Memorial: Learn about the history of Chinese laborers during WWI through rich historical materials and artifacts.
3. Little Stone Island: One of Weihai's best spots for tide pooling, where you can collect clams and small crabs during low tide, perfect for family activities.
V. Weihai Cuisine
1. Korean Cuisine
1) Liershi Korean BBQ: Features Korean-style decor with tender thick-cut pork belly and seasoned beef, served with lettuce, kimchi, and special sauces.
2) Quanzhou Bibimbap: Classic stone pot bibimbap with crispy rice, fresh vegetables, and soft-boiled eggs, accompanied by spicy Korean rice cakes.
2. Seafood Delights
1) Oyster Fort Seafood BBQ: Specializes in fresh oysters, offering garlic-grilled and steamed varieties. Other delicious options include grilled scallops and squid.
2) Weihai Fishing Port Food Stalls: Located near the dock with fresh seafood, serving steamed crab, spicy clams, and mackerel dumplings at great value.
3. Local Specialties
1) Rushan Xi Cake: Traditional pastry made with eggs, flour, sugar, and oil, available in original and peanut flavors.
2) Weihai Wife Cake: Crispy outside and soft inside, with red bean or sugar filling, suitable for all ages.
VI. Helpful Tips
1. Packing Suggestions: For summer visits, bring light-colored dresses, shorts, and sun protection clothing. For atmospheric photos, white or pink long dresses paired with straw bags and sunglasses work well.
2. Sun Protection: Weihai has strong UV rays. Bring high SPF sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses. Wear sun-protective clothing for extended outdoor activities.
3. Weather Watch: Island weather can be unpredictable. Check official channels for boat tickets and weather conditions before visiting places like Jimingdao Island, as services may stop during strong winds. Check weather forecasts for sunrise and sunset viewing.
4. Transportation Tips: Check electric scooter battery levels and brakes before renting. When driving on coastal roads, slow down at curves and be cautious on narrow sections.
This May Day holiday, come to Weihai to enjoy the sea breeze, savor seafood, and discover your own coastal romance!