City · China
Weihai
威海
A breezy Shandong coastal city of clean beaches, Qing naval history on Liugong Island, and strong South Korean cultural ties.
Wrapped around the eastern tip of the Shandong Peninsula, Weihai is one of northern China's cleanest and most relaxed coastal cities. Facing the Yellow Sea toward South Korea, it blends long sandy beaches and pine-lined coastal roads with deep 19th-century history on Liugong Island, the former headquarters of the Qing Dynasty's Beiyang Fleet. Decades of ferry and trade links across the sea have also given the city an unmistakable Korean flavor, complete with authentic barbecue streets and bilingual signs.
Two to three days is ideal for taking in the coast at an unhurried pace. Base yourself in Huancui District near Weihai Park or the International Bathing Beach for easy sea access, or near Hanlefang next to Weihai Railway Station for lively night markets. The standout day trip is east to Rongcheng to see the dramatic cliffs of Chengshantou and, in winter, the whooper swans at Swan Lake. Weihai pairs naturally on a Shandong rail route with nearby Yantai, Penglai, and Qingdao. It suits travelers seeking sea air, cycling paths, and naval history, though anyone chasing grand imperial monuments or intense big-city nightlife may be underwhelmed.
Updated 24 October 2026
Add Weihai to your China trip
See what it costs, how to get there by train and the best weeks to go, city by city.
Plan your trip, freeHighlights
Liugong Island, Weihai Seaside Park, Chengshantou Scenic Area +3
Highlights
Liugong Island, Weihai Seaside Park, Chengshantou Scenic Area +3
01Liugong Island
Reached by a 20-minute ferry ride across Weihai Bay, this forested island served as the birthplace of China's modern navy and the main base of the Qing Dynasty Beiyang Fleet. It houses the expansive Museum of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 and historic naval academy buildings.
必看02Weihai Seaside Park
A long, manicured waterfront promenade stretching along the city's eastern bay, featuring giant maritime sculptures, coastal bike paths, and local families flying kites. It connects smoothly with neighboring幸福 Park (Xingfu Park) and悅海 Park (Yuehai Park) for a multi-hour seafront walk.
必看03Chengshantou Scenic Area
Located at the easternmost tip of the Shandong Peninsula in Rongcheng, these rugged sea cliffs were once called the end of the sky by ancient emperors. Walking trails wind above crashing waves where the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea meet.
04Weihai International Bathing Beach
A wide crescent of fine sand and calm water on the northern coast of the city, backed by pine forests and casual seafood spots. It is the city's primary swimming beach in summer and a popular sunset spot year-round.
Show all 6Show fewer
05Hanlefang Korean Culture Town
A commercial neighborhood near Weihai Railway Station that reflects the city's close ties with South Korea. Come after dark for its night market, Korean street snacks, and rows of barbecue restaurants.
06Rongcheng Swan Lake
Every winter from November to March, thousands of wild whooper swans migrate from Siberia to the sheltered lagoons and reed marshes of Rongcheng. Visitors can watch and photograph the flocks up close against a backdrop of coastal villages and occasional snow.
Travel tips
Check your train station, Rent an electric scooter, Bring passports for Liugong Island +1
Travel tips
Check your train station, Rent an electric scooter, Bring passports for Liugong Island +1
Check your train station
Weihai has two main stations: Weihai Station and Weihai North Station. Check which one your train uses before booking a hotel, and if you are heading straight to Chengshantou or Swan Lake, consider riding the high-speed train directly to Rongcheng Station.
Rent an electric scooter
Weihai's coastal road (Binhai Road) and seaside parks stretch for dozens of kilometers. Renting a low-speed electric scooter or bicycle for the day is the best way to hop between beaches and viewpoints without relying on taxis.
Bring passports for Liugong Island
Ferry and admission tickets for Liugong Island require real-name registration, so bring your physical passport to the terminal. Watch the wind forecast too, as strong sea gusts occasionally suspend ferry sailings.
Confirm seafood weight and price
When ordering live seafood from tanks at casual coastal restaurants, confirm whether the listed rate is per dish or per 500 grams (jin) before it goes to the kitchen to avoid bill surprises.
Best hotel rates. Guaranteed foreigner-friendly.
Skip the hotels that turn foreign passports away at check-in. Every listing here takes international guests, booked at Trip.com's best rates — real-time availability, no surprises.
Affiliate links: if you book through these we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We don’t set tracking cookies; attribution is handled by the partner site.
How to get to Weihai
High-speed trains connect Weihai with Yantai (about 30 to 45 minutes), Qingdao (around 1.5 to 2.5 hours), Jinan (3.5 to 4 hours), and Beijing (4.5 to 6 hours). The city has two main rail hubs: Weihai Railway Station is near the southern commercial area and Hanlefang, while Weihai North Station is closer to the northern beaches. Weihai Dashuibo Airport handles domestic flights and flights to South Korea, and sits about 40 minutes by shuttle bus from the center. Overnight car ferries also link Weihai with Incheon, South Korea, several times a week.
Explore other cities
Weihai is on your list.
Now build the whole trip around it.