Dec 9,2024
Weihai, a coastal city located at the eastern end of the Shandong Peninsula, has become a popular tourist destination for many visitors due to its beautiful natural scenery and rich historical relics. We also came here for its fame.
August 16th - Depart from Zhengzhou at 8:00 and head to Weihai.
Our family, along with my parents and the second daughter from my younger brother's family, set off first. I have to admire the baby's boundless energy; They never stopped talking the whole way. The two little sisters chatted and laughed, bringing immense joy to the other people in the car. In the blink of an eye, the morning passed by.
At noon, we had a light meal at the Zibo service area. After taking a short rest, we continued our journey. The scenery along the highway was different from that in the city, and there were various kinds of vehicles on the highway. What impressed us most were the vehicles loaded with pigs and sheep, which made the children extremely excited.
Arriving at the destination around 8:00 p.m., we found a bustling place with numerous people and vehicles, and merchants lining both sides of the road. The moment we arrived, we felt the vibrancy of Weihai, a tourist city. The pre-booked guesthouse was right next to the sea. After unpacking, the kids couldn't wait to go to the beach. It took us less than 10 minutes to reach the beach. After playing for a while, we went to the nearby night market for dinner. Then we returned to the guesthouse to rest well after driving all day.
August 17th - Watching the sunrise at Happiness Gate, sunbathing at Weihai International Beach, and enjoying the night view at Torch Eight Street
The Happiness Gate, known as the "Gate of the City" in Weihai, stands as one of the city's iconic structures. Standing here, we can overlook the entire Weihai Bay, savoring the refreshing sea breeze and experiencing the modernity and romance of this city.
The Happiness Gate
The Happiness Gate serves not only as a perfect spot for taking souvenir photos but also as an exceptional location for admiring the sunrise. In the early morning, we arrived near the Happiness Gate to await the sunrise. As the sun slowly rose from the sea level, its golden rays spread across the sea, creating a shimmering effect, and the scene was breathtakingly beautiful.
Sunrise
After it, we drove back to the guesthouse and ordered takeout for breakfast. I have to say, the development of the takeout industry has really brought a lot of convenience to life. After breakfast, everyone changed their clothes and prepared to embrace the sea.
Choosing a guesthouse close to the seaside was truly a wise decision. It only took a few minutes to reach Weihai International Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Weihai. The sand here is exquisite and soft, and the sea stretches endlessly. Just sitting quietly on the beach, enjoying the sea breeze, feels very therapeutic. It's really a great place to relax. Here, you can not only indulge in the sunshine, sand, and waves, but also participate in various water entertainment activities, and even go sea fishing by boat. And for the children, all they need is a lifebuoy, a shovel, and a bucket, and they can play on the beach for half a day without getting tired. They sometimes swim in the water, sometimes dig in the sand on the beach, sometimes catch some unknown transparent creatures in the sea, and sometimes look for crabs in the distant stone crevices, having a great time.
Tips: When enjoying the beach, it's crucial to take sun protection measures and avoid exposing your skin directly to the sun. My husband accidentally got sunburned. Initially, his back turned red, and later, his chest and back became extremely itchy and painful, which lasted all night. The next day, his skin started peeling. This experience left a deep impression on our trip to Weihai.
After lunch, we returned to the guesthouse for a rest. Around 6 p.m., we took a bus to Torch Eight Street. Torch Eight Street is renowned for its unique European architectural style and beautiful night scenery. Strolling along this street, it feels as if you are in a European town, with various cafes, restaurants, and shops lining both sides of the street. As night falls, various lights intertwine, making the place even more beautiful.
Torch Eight Street
Following the street, we arrived at the seaside. There were various singing performances on the beach. Blowing the sea breeze and listening to beautiful music, it was quite pleasant. Just walking along the soft sand while enjoying the scenery, we walked back to the vicinity of the guesthouse along the seaside. We chose a night market recommended by others and ordered a large seafood pot, realizing the freedom of eating seafood.
Seafood Pot
August 18th - Visit Liu Gong Island and tour Han Le Fang
We set off towards the dock around 9 am in the morning and boarded the ship to visit Liugong Island. On the ship, we could see flocks of seagulls flying around the sides of the ship in formation, skillfully catching the food thrown by the guests. After observing for a while, we noticed that each seagull would consciously fly back to the end of the line after receiving the food, as if they had undergone professional training. It was really interesting.
Seagulls
Liugong Island is an important historical and cultural attraction in Weihai. It was once the main battlefield of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895. The island boasts numerous historical relics and museums, such as the Museum of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, which vividly depicts that tragic yet heroic period of history, reminding us to cherish the past and treasure peace. Furthermore, the natural scenery of Liugong Island is also captivating. Strolling around the island, you can admire the beautiful coastline and lush vegetation.
Liugong Island
Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895
The tour ended at about 5 pm, and we took a boat back. Then we drove directly to Hanlefang. Hanlefang is a Korean-style street in Weihai. Here, you can not only taste authentic Korean cuisine, but also purchase Korean-branded clothing and cosmetics, experiencing the rich Korean style. Hanlefang is an excellent choice for shopping, tasting delicious food, and experiencing foreign culture. We had dinner here and then strolled around the neighborhood, feeling the Korean style.
Hanlefang
August 19th - Naxianghai, Blue Ways Wreck
After having breakfast in the morning and packing up, we drove directly to the Naxianghai, with a journey of about an hour.
Naxianghai is a resort that integrates natural scenery and leisure entertainment. Here, not only is there a captivating coastal scenery, featuring stretches of sandy beaches and gentle ocean waves, offering a serene and delightful ambiance; there are also abundant recreational facilities, such as water parks, beach volleyball, motorboats, etc.; furthermore, there are resort hotels and villas that can provide a comfortable accommodation experience. Here, you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and fully indulge in the pleasures of a seaside vacation. The children have another chance to get up close and personal with the ocean, playing to their hearts' content, while the adults enjoy the sea breeze and scenery by the seaside, making a wonderful day.
Tips: The seawater here is cleaner than that at Weihai International Beach, and there are fewer people around. It's a great leisure and vacation spot.
Naxianghai
Depart at 5:00 pm to the Blue Ways Wreck Site.Blue Ways Wreck is a Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier, measuring 190 meters in length and 31 meters in width. Originally scheduled to undergo renovation and upgrading at Longyan Port in Rongcheng, the Blue Ways Wreck was stranded and flooded in the waters near Chengshan Town, Rongcheng City, Weihai on the morning of September 19, 2022, due to the combined effects of the outer circulation of Typhoon Nanmadol and cold air. The 25 people on board were in distress, but they were promptly rescued by the Beihai Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport, and all the distressed personnel were out of danger.
The Blue Ways Wreck, from its hull shape to its distance from the shore, and even its tilt angle, is highly suitable for viewing, offering a strong visual impact. As a result, it quickly became popular online, attracting a large number of tourists who came to take photos and check in. During low tide, tourists can enjoy a close-up view of the BLUE WAYS, appreciate the spectacular sight of the giant ship, and feel its unique charm.
Blue Ways Wreck
After visiting the BLUE WAYS wreck, We had the honor of attending a bonfire party by the seaside. We all held hands, sang, and danced together, marking a perfect ending to our trip to Weihai.
We drove back to Zhengzhou on the evening of August 19th and arrived in the morning of August 20th.
The trip to Weihai, which combines natural beauty, historical culture, and unique customs, left a deep impression on me at every scenic spot. It was an unforgettable travel experience.
Yours Sincerely
Jing Chen - Charmission Travel