Exploring the Swan Homeland: A Winter Travel Guide to Yandunjiao Village

📍Location: Yandunjiao Village, Rongcheng City, Shandong Province ------ 📅Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Yandunjiao Village → Swan Habitat → Seagrass House Village • Morning: Upon arrival at Yandunjiao Village, head straight to the swan habitat for a close encounter with thousands of swans, marveling at their elegant posture and the awe-inspiring sight of them taking flight. • Afternoon: Stroll through the Seagrass House Village, admiring these ancient dwellings covered with seagrass, and experience the rich fishing village culture. Day 2: Seaside Pier → Fishing Village Folk Museum → Beach → Return Trip • Morning: Stand on the seaside pier, gaze out at the vast ocean, and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. The winter mist adds a touch of mystery to the scene. • Afternoon: Visit the Fishing Village Folk Museum to learn about the history, culture, and customs of the fishing village. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the beach and savor the tranquility of winter. ------ 🌄Must-See Spots 1: Swan Habitat • Highlights: From November to March each year, this is the best place to watch swans. Thousands of swans gather here to spend the winter, some playing in the water, others soaring in the sky, creating a picturesque scene. • Tips: It's recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft, making it easier to capture stunning photos. Remember to keep quiet and avoid disturbing these beautiful creatures. 🌄Must-See Spots 2: Seagrass House Village • Highlights: Seagrass houses are a unique feature of Yandunjiao Village. These ancient dwellings have roofs covered with thick layers of seagrass, providing warmth in winter and coolness in summer, showcasing the local characteristics. Walking through the village alleys feels like traveling back in time. • Tips: Consider wearing retro-style clothing to complement the village setting and capture more evocative photos. 🌄Must-See Spots 3: Seaside Pier • Highlights: The pier extends into the sea, offering a close-up view of the ocean and the refreshing sea breeze. In winter, the sea surface is sometimes covered with a thin layer of mist, creating a dreamy atmosphere, perfect for taking memorable photos. • Tips: Consider visiting during sunset when the golden sunlight casts a beautiful silhouette on the sea and the pier. ------ 🚗Transportation: • Airplane: Fly from major cities to Weihai Dashuibo Airport, then transfer to a bus or taxi to Yandunjiao Village, which takes about 1.5 hours. • High-speed Rail: Take the high-speed train to Weihai Station or Rongcheng Station, then take a bus for about 1 hour to reach Yandunjiao Village. Buses are usually available at Weihai Bus Station or Rongcheng Bus Station. • Self-driving: From Weihai, drive along the expressway towards Rongcheng. The journey takes about 1 hour. The scenic route makes self-driving a great option. ------ 💗Other Tips: • Accommodation: Yandunjiao Village offers a variety of homestays and farm stays with affordable prices and comfortable environments. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid difficulties finding a room. • Food: When visiting Yandunjiao Village, be sure to try the local fresh seafood and fisherman's stew. The seafood hot pot is another must-try dish, featuring a variety of seafood simmered together for an incredibly delicious flavor. • Clothing: Winter in Yandunjiao Village can be quite cold, so dress warmly in layers and wear comfortable shoes. For aesthetically pleasing photos, consider bringing brightly colored scarves or hats as accessories. • Safety: When observing the swans, please maintain a safe distance and refrain from feeding them to avoid causing harm. Be mindful of your footing while walking on the seaside pier and the beach. Yandunjiao Village is a seriously underrated hidden gem, offering not only beautiful natural scenery and unique folk culture but also delicious food and comfortable accommodation. Start planning your winter trip now!