Weihai travel guide
威海
If you simply want to stroll through a quiet small town, if you don't mind whether it has famous sights or historic relics, if you don't mind hilly streets, and if you prefer the seaside, then Weihai,…
11 places · In the guidebook: pages 1386–1400
Weihai, Shandong Province · AI illustration for China Trip
Quick itinerary
Weihai in 4 days
- Day 1
- Liugong Island→
- Chengshantou (Hailv Island)
- Day 2
- Chengshantou (Cape Chengshan)→
- Shendiaoshan Wildlife Kingdom→
- Swan Lake→
- Rongcheng City
- Day 3
- Rongcheng City→
- Shidao Chishan Mountain→
- Rushan Yinsha Beach (overnight)
- Day 4
- Rushan Yinsha Beach→
- Weihai→
- Huaxia City
The feel of the place
- Seaside Town
- If you simply want to stroll through a quiet small town, if you don't mind whether it has famous sights or historic relics, if you don't mind hilly streets, and if you prefer the seaside, then Weihai, this seaside town, is an excellent choice.
- Garden City
- Rather than calling Weihai a seaside city, it is more accurate to call it a “garden.” Flowers, green trees, sea breezes and distinctive architecture make walking through this town feel like strolling through a garden, leaving you refreshed. Its air quality, water quality and machinery noise levels all meet national standards. It was China's first “National Hygienic City” and is also a “National Garden City” and a “National Model City for Environmental Protection.” It seems the media's description of Weihai as “the most liveable city in the world” is no exaggeration.
- Korean Flair
- Weihai lies across the sea from South Korea, and “Korean style” is everywhere, with many imported Korean clothes and cosmetics on sale, so you may forget where you are. Fortunately, everyone speaks Chinese.
Preparation and Advice
Language
Mandarin is the common language here.
Climate and Travel Season
Summer is the most suitable season in Weihai for escaping the heat and relaxing. Weihai has distinct seasons and a pleasant climate, but being on the coastline, it is occasionally hit by natural hazards such as waterlogging, hail, low temperatures, prolonged drizzle, heavy rain and typhoons. These events are fairly rare, but if you happen to run into one, it can disrupt your itinerary and dampen your mood, so it is advisable to check the weather forecast before setting out.
Festivals
1. Wendeng Kunyushan Fair
Held in Weihai every year from 20 to 22 May, featuring folk art performances, Quanzhen Taoist roots-seeking tours, calligraphy and stone-inscription study programmes and other activities.
2. Rongcheng International Fishermen's Festival
An international folk festival held every July. Fishermen from China, Japan, South Korea and other countries celebrate solemnly in their own countries, each following their people's distinctive customs.
Things to see
A round-trip taxi from Weihai to Chengshantou costs about ¥200 (not using the meter). Driving route: Jinan Expressway / Weilai Expressway / Tongsan Expressway / Weihai exit → Shichang Avenue → Haibin Road → Daqing Road, then take Huanhai Road and follow the Xixiakou Road signs. You'll reach the scenic area in about 40 minutes.
Chengshantou (Cape Chengshan)
Chengshantou is the first place in China to see the sunrise over the sea. Qin Shi Huang called it “the end of heaven.” It lies 75 kilometres from Weihai city centre and has long been known as “the place where the sun rises.” It is also called “China’s Cape of Good Hope.” Green peaks stretch on, the vast sea is a deep blue, cliffs stand tall, and giant waves throw up white spray, creating a majestic scene. Main attractions include Hailu Island, Shihuang Temple, the Qin-dynasty standing stone, Bairi Terrace, the remains of the Qin Bridge, Wanghai Pavilion, Guantao Pavilion, Zhenlong Rock and a wildlife park. Strolling along the beach here is also a good choice, and some spots see very few visitors.
3–4 hours · ¥148; Hailu Island ¥120
International Bathing Beach
A natural seawater beach and a favourite destination for holidays and summer retreats. The beach also has an amusement park, a water park and other leisure facilities, along with water activities such as speedboats, pleasure boats and jet skis.
4 hours
Rushan Silver Beach Resort
A sandy shoreline stretching for 20 km with a gentle slope and a flat expanse of fine, soft, snow-white sand, which gives it the name "Silver Beach." The scenic area offers mountains, sea, islands, reefs, beaches, springs, forests and rivers, along with rich natural and cultural attractions. Along the coast there are more than a dozen hotels and over 400 mid- to high-end villas for accommodation, and the seafood is very affordable.
2 hours
Rongcheng Swan Lake
The largest wintering habitat for swans in Asia, and a paradise for wild whooper swans and a cradle for photography. Stay in a seaweed-thatched house, lean on the doorway to watch the swans, and see them spread their wings and fly, lost in the freedom of the open air and the beauty of the lake.
3–4 hours · Free admission
Shidao Chishan Mountain
Chishan Scenic Area in Shidao takes its name from the red stone found here. Mountains, sea, lakes and harbours blend together into a landscape of remarkable beauty. Chishan is home to Chishan Fahua Temple, a famous thousand-year-old temple on the Jiaodong Peninsula and a popular place for incense offerings and blessings. The Great Deity of Chishan, the largest sea god statue in the world, has a viewing platform beneath the seated figure from which you can look out over the coastline. Jile Bodhisattva Realm, China's first musical fountain square dedicated to Guanyin, features dancing water jets in her honour.
0.5–1 day · ¥135
Hailu Island
Hailu Island, also known as "Sea Cat Island," is a beautiful island far from the mainland and a nesting and breeding ground for countless seabirds. It is also a kingdom of flowers and plants, covered with hibiscus, reeds and wild jujube trees. White birds, red flowers and rolling waves combine into a scene that looks like a painting of an island landscape.
1–1.5 hours · ¥120
Heqing Pier
A small open-air seafood market. At around 15:00 each day, fishermen return from the sea and sell their fresh catch from the pier at small stalls. It is known as the most beautiful seafood market in Weihai.
1–2 hours · ¥50
Getting there & around
Getting In and Out
Weihai now has an integrated three-dimensional transport network linking air, sea, rail and road.
By Air
Weihai Airport has been expanded into a high-standard airport capable of handling large passenger aircraft. Routes operate from Weihai to Beijing, Harbin, Changchun, Guangzhou, Lanzhou, Qingdao, Shanghai, Xi'an and Yanji.
Weihai Railway Station has passenger trains to Qingdao, Jinan, Beijing and other cities. The station is quite far from the city centre; take bus K3, 11 or 44 to get there.
By Road
The Qingdao–Weihai and Yantai–Weihai expressways are open to traffic. Every day, over a hundred long-distance buses run to dozens of large, medium and small cities, including Laiyang, Dongcun, Jinan, Yantai, Linyi and Penglai.
By Sea
Weihai Port has four sailings daily to Dalian, taking 7–8 hours, with fares varying by vessel. International ferries to Incheon, South Korea, depart at 17:00 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and at 18:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Driving
1. From Beijing: via the Qinbin Expressway and Rongwei Expressway, about 9 hours.
2. From Qingdao: take the Qingwei Expressway to Weihai, 214 km (toll ¥55), about 3 hours.
City Transport
Transport within the city and its suburbs relies mainly on buses, taxis, sightseeing shuttle buses and small passenger boats.
Buses
The city bus network has grown to more than 20 routes, reaching all the major sights and main districts. All city buses are minibuses, with a flat fare of ¥1.
City buses in Weihai finish quite early; generally there are no buses after 20:30.
Transport Tips
The Weihai sightseeing bus links the city's main attractions, so you can simply board it and enjoy Weihai's scenery at your own pace. Sightseeing bus tickets are ¥20 per ride; pay when you board, as no change is given based on distance.
Seafood and Pearls
1. There are many seafood stalls along the coast. The food is fresh, but prices are high and hygiene standards can vary.
2. Pearls are sold on Liugong Island. Vendors won't pressure you to buy, and they will happily explain how to tell real pearls from fake ones. Perhaps this in itself is a form of marketing.
Taxis
Taxi flag-fall fare during the day is ¥8 for the first 2 km; ¥1.8 per km for 2–8 km; ¥2.7 per km beyond 8 km; and ¥3.6 per km beyond 20 km. Fares rise at night.
Set Sail
Weihai International Airport (Wendeng Shuibo Airport)
Weihai International Airport (Wendeng Shuibo Airport)- Address:
- Dashuibo Town, Wendeng District, 40 km from the city centre
- Phone:
- 0631-8641172
Weihai Railway Station
Weihai International Airport (Wendeng Shuibo Airport)- Phone:
- 0631-5928593
Weihai North Station
Weihai International Airport (Wendeng Shuibo Airport)- Phone:
- 0631-95105105
Weihai Bus Terminal
Weihai Bus Terminal- Phone:
- 0631-5968761
- Getting there:
- West of Qingdao Road and north of Shanghai Road. Adjacent to the railway station on the west, with multiple buses from in front of the station reaching all parts of the city centre, making it very convenient.
Weihai Port Passenger Terminal Information Desk
Sea Travel- Phone:
- 0631-5233220
Longyan Port International Passenger Terminal Information Desk
Sea Travel- Phone:
- 0631-7837777/7830000
Shidao New Port Passenger Terminal Information Desk
Sea Travel- Phone:
- 0631-7281666
Eat & drink
Weihai has plenty of restaurants, so you will never struggle to decide what to eat. If you want seafood, it is best to gather fresh catch from the shore yourself, then ask a restaurant to cook it for you for a small processing fee. This guarantees freshness and costs less than ordering the same dishes directly at a restaurant.
Local snacks
Qizhen Zhugeng (Seven Treasure Soup)
Local snacksA famous Weihai dish. The white broth is made from wild mountain delicacies and has a range of colours, making it an outstanding soup. According to legend, Wang Chongyang, founder of the Quanzhen School of Taoism, arrived at Shengjing Mountain on the southern slope of Kunyu Mountain in 1176 and took seven disciples, who became known as the “Seven Northern Immortals.” Each of the seven favoured a different mountain delicacy. After the tradition spread among ordinary people, locals began cooking all seven delicacies together in one pot. The result was delicious, and the dish became known as “Qizhen Zhugeng” (Seven Treasure Soup).
Where to stay
Ziyou Zuo'an Youth Hostel
Recommended accommodationLocated beside the No. 1 International Seawater Bathing Beach in Weihai, this hostel offers sea views from the window and sandy beaches just outside the door. The rooms are decorated warmly and tastefully. The friendly, straightforward owner, who is from Shandong, is also happy to point you to some unconventional sights!
- Address:
- 215 Beihuan Hailu Road, Weihai
- Phone:
- 15666883363
Shopping
Shopping recommendations
Sea Urchin
Shopping recommendationsNo shopping trip to Weihai is complete without seafood specialities, and its sea urchin is especially good. Dried sea urchin, known as “dan mao,” is rich in protein, with a delicious, savoury flavour. It is considered an excellent food for people focused on beauty, weight management and cardiovascular health. Sea urchin can be prepared in many ways, such as stir-fried, in soup, or deep-fried, with deep-frying considered the most refined method. Coastal Weihai began farming sea urchin many years ago. Weihai is also famous for its prawns, sea cucumbers, abalone, shellfish and seaweed.
Korean Town
Shopping recommendationsBecause Weihai is the Chinese city closest to South Korea, Korean goods are easy to find throughout the city. The Sanhai Korean Clothing City and the Korean Brand City (formerly the Commercial Building) at Weihai Tourist Pier are well known across China. Shoppers should not miss these two spots, which offer good-value Korean products.
Nightlife
North of Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), there is a seaside beach that you reach by walking through a villa area. It is a quiet and beautiful stretch of sand, and it is also worth recommending because there is no admission charge.
Day trips & beyond
★
Shendiao Mountain Wildlife Park in Xixiakou is built along the mountains by the sea, with beautiful scenery. It includes a predator zone, a marine animal area, a bird garden, a reptile house, a monkey mountain and a panda house, among others. Animals of the same species share one large enclosure, so any minor dispute quickly turns into a display of bared teeth and fierce fighting, full of wild energy.
2–4 hours
Jiming Island
Jiming Island is a remote island far from the bustle of the city, named for its shape, which resembles a crowing rooster. The islanders are simple and live by the rhythm of sunrise and sunset. Here you can watch the sunrise at dawn, fish from the shore during the day, or head out to sea with local fishermen. In the evening, you can watch the sun set over the water. It is a place to relax and enjoy rare peace and ease.
Nature
Maotou Mountain
Maotou Mountain Scenic Area is located at the northeastern tip of the Shandong Peninsula and is known for its majestic, steep peaks and beautiful scenery. The mountains are green with trees and fresh breezes, and in some places they are covered with mysterious mist that creates an eerie atmosphere. A legend tells of a thousand-year-old rat that terrorised the local people. A big cat chased the rat in a panic until it fell into the sea, and the cat turned into stone to guard this place forever.
0.5–1 day
Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), pp. 1386–1400. Translated from the Chinese edition; names and prices follow the guidebook. · Plain text version