Rizhao travel guide
Rizhao lies on the southeast coast of Shandong Province as a seaside city. Named after the sunrise first hitting this eastern point, Rizhao boasts long, peaceful beaches. Gazing upon the clear waters at sunrise and sunset casts aside big city busyness.
Though a popular tourist destination, locals' pace remains unhurried, as buses stop running by 7:30PM daily. Amidst the influx of tourists, residents uphold their lifestyle of rising and resting with the sun.
Stay a while longer, perhaps a few days at a local fishing village. Daily ocean, sun, and seafood will soon immerse you in Rizhao's relaxed, easygoing atmosphere.
Lighthouse night view, strolling in the flowing light and colors
The Rizhao Lighthouse stands sentinel on the shores of Rizhao, guiding fishing boats safely to harbor as it has for decades. This iconic Rizhao landmark reveals its beauty only after dusk, like a shy maiden. As daylight fades, the tower comes to life, illuminated and encircled by festive lights. Strolling the seaside promenade at night, the glowing lighthouse beckons you closer. Its halo of luminescence flickers and dances atop the dark waves. Pause to admire as it sends a beacon of light revolving into the endless sky. When visiting Rizhao, be sure to experience this spectacle after sunset, feeling transported amidst the magical glow. Let the rhythm of the rotating beams enchant you as you wander bathed in their hypnotic and dreamlike radiance.
The beach in Wujiatai is free and fun
For family-friendly fun in the sun, Wujia Tai's sandy shoreline beats Rizhao's other beaches. Its gentle slope and smooth sands offer a safer, more relaxed alternative to Wanpingkou's hazardous riptides nearby. Kids can splash and play freely without getting pulled out to sea. And it's just as beautiful as the paid beach at Haibin Forest Park without the admission fee, making it a budget-saver. Spend the day building sandcastles, swimming in the gentle waves, or hunting for seashells along this picturesque stretch of coastline. When you're ready to rinse off the salt and sand, overnight right at the beach in one of the inexpensive fishermen's inns. For an affordable Rizhao beach getaway the whole family will enjoy, Wujia Tai delivers carefree fun under the sun.
Enjoy all the strange mountains and rocks in "Little Mount Huangshan"
If you can't make it to Huangshan to see its thousands of oddly-shaped granite peaks, Rizhao's Wulianshan Scenic Area offers a miniature version worth visiting. This "Little Huangshan" boasts an array of whimsical rock formations hidden amid dense forests. Let your imagination run wild gazing at these volcanic rocks sculpted by nature into mushroom shapes, animal silhouettes, human-like figures, and more uncanny forms. Trace the contours of a monkey's face or the flowing sleeve of a maiden formed by the exposed beds of stone. Marvel at precariously perched boulders that seem gravity-defying. Wander cliffside trails to reveal one curiosity after another among these petrified stone wonders. Though smaller in scale, Wulianshan's whimsy rivals Huangshan's with wind-carved natural rock art sure to enchant.
Best Travel Time
Summer (May September). Rizhao is a small seaside town, and most tourists come here because of the sea and beaches. In May, the summer comes with warm seawater and soft beaches. It is more suitable to go swimming in the sea from late July to the end of August, and you can experience the fun of sailing and rural life. In the summer sunshine, there will also be characteristic festivals such as the Catching the Sea Festival, as well as delicious seafood for people to enjoy. In addition, in January and April, pear flowers bloom in a thousand acre pear garden in Nanhu Town, Donggang District. A pear culture tourism festival is held, where you can enjoy flowers and watch programs. In May, you can also visit the Wulian Mountain Scenic Area to admire the azaleas.Self driving
Here are some major driving routes to reach Rizhao from major cities:
From Beijing - Take the Rongwu Expressway via Tianjin, Binzhou, Zibo, Laiwu, Meng Yin, Linyi to Rizhao. Alternatively add 30km via the Jinghu Expressway through Cangzhou, Dezhou, Jinan, Tai'an.
Route: Jingjin Tang Expressway - Jinghu Expressway - Jingfu Expressway - Jinghu Expressway - Rizhao Dong Expressway - G204 Highway.
From Zhengzhou - Take Nongye Lu to Zhongzhou Dadao to Zhengkai Dadao to Kaifeng. Then take Lianhuo Expressway to Lannan Expressway to Rilan Expressway to Rinan Expressway to Rizhao.
From Shanghai - Take Xujiahui to Yan'an Elevated Road to Hupu Expressway to G15 Shenhai Expressway via Suzhou to Rizhao.
The Rongwu Expressway from Beijing is recommended as it has less traffic, wide lanes and good conditions. The G15 Shenhai Expressway connects Shanghai directly to Rizhao and coastal cities like Yantai and Qingdao.
Ships
At Rizhao International Passenger Terminal, there are currently ferries only to Pingdu.
Ferries to Pingdu depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:30am.
Returning ferries from Pingdu to Rizhao operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Address: Shanghailu, Donggang District, Rizhao
Contact: +86-633-8388002
Public Transit:
1. Take bus 14 to Shiweidangxiao station, then walk around 700m
2. Take bus 20 to Shancomei Rizhao station, then walk around 700m
3. Take bus 12 or 30 to Rongxinguji station, then walk around 700m
The direct ferries between Rizhao and Pingdu provide a convenient sea transport option. Purchase tickets in advance during peak seasons. The journey takes about 1 hour.
Medical treatment
Here are some key tips for respecting local culture and staying safe in Weihai, China, for an English travel website:Respecting Local Customs in WeihaiWhen visiting Weihai, please keep these etiquette and safety tips in mind:- Avoid mentioning pork when visiting Hui communities or halal restaurants. Use "zhuang" instead of "fat" which is taboo. - Do not touch or step on ethnic or religious symbols. - Weihai is clean and beautiful so please don't litter or spit. - Refrain from tapping bowls with chopsticks or swatting pets in restaurants or homes. - Conserve water as Weihai is prone to shortages. - Hotels along Weihai's scenic shoreline are pricier but offer sea views and soundscapes at night. Splurge if you can.- Watch for Weihai's winding,Typing…Safety considerations
When at crowded places like train stations, bus terminals, and metro stations, keep a close eye on your belongings to prevent theft. Areas with high tourist traffic like Tiananmen Square also attract scammers, so tourists should be wary of unlicensed guides demanding money upfront. Avoid handing over any cash to solicitations on the street. Use registered taxi companies like the red Beijing taxis whenever possible. Keep valuables secured and hidden, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be alert in public transportation hubs and tourist sites. When needing assistance, go to authorized help points like the Beijing Tourist Information booths rather than individuals roaming the streets. Beijing is a generally safe city if simple precautions are taken. Report any incidents or suspicious activities immediately to the nearest police officer. They can also provide directions and other help. Enjoy sightseeing, but remain aware of the surroundings.
