Winter in Weihai: A Seaside Getaway

Located at the easternmost point of the Shandong Peninsula, Weihai is a city steeped in history. It was here that Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought the elixir of life, gazing out at the endless sea and sky, and lamenting at the edge of the world. Weihai was also leased to the British for 32 years, and is the Weihaiwei of Wen Yiduo's "Song of the Seven Sons". Today, it is the first "National Sanitary City" in China, the fishing tackle capital, and a northern snow haven. Winter in Weihai sees fewer tourists than summer, but the fun is no less. Birdwatching, sea gazing, snow viewing, and experiencing the Jiaodong culture are all on offer. Day 1: Swan Lake, the End of the World, and the Blueways These attractions are all located in Chengshanwei Town. From the city center to Chengshanwei Town, you can take a high-speed train or rent a car. As the attractions are relatively scattered, renting a car is recommended. Every winter, wild swans migrate from Siberia to Weihai, with Swan Lake and Yandunjiao Village being the most popular spots. Wild swans feed on algae, and the reserve also provides corn and other food. The locals love and protect the birds. Come here to admire the swans' graceful water ballet and their majestic flight, and experience the harmony between man and nature. The traditional Jiaodong fishing village houses are seaweed houses with stone walls and roofs made of seaweed and yellow mud, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. The End of the World is said to be inscribed with three large characters written by Li Si, the prime minister of the Qin Dynasty. There are many legends about Emperor Qin Shi Huang here, and you can chat with the locals in their Jiaodong dialect to hear the humorous Weihai stories. The Blueways is a cargo ship stranded by a typhoon. Its name and its lonely silhouette in the vast sea give it a sense of destiny, attracting many visitors. Day 2: Happiness Gate, Huan Cui Lou, Weihai Reclamation Memorial Tower, and Liugong Island As these attractions are all in the city center, you can take public transport. Weihaiwei was once a British leasehold, and Liugong Island is home to the Sino-Japanese War Memorial Hall, the British Army Club, and other historical buildings. They are well worth a visit. Never forget national humiliation, and strive for national rejuvenation. Day 3: Torch Eight Street Take a bus to the Torch Building in the High-tech Zone, then follow the navigation or the crowd. Torch Eight Street is short, with some old buildings and a bustling crowd. Why does this little street attract so many people? There are many theories, but one thing is certain: when you pass through the crowd and see the sea along Torch Eight Street, the poem by Haizi comes to mind: "From tomorrow on, I will be a happy person, chopping wood, feeding horses, and traveling the world. From tomorrow on, I will care about food and vegetables. I have a house facing the sea, with spring flowers blooming." Winter is over, and the spring breeze is blowing. Live life to the fullest, and head for the mountains and the sea. Let's laugh heartily in the spring breeze. Food recommendations: Spanish mackerel dumplings, sea intestine rice (try a small portion if you're not used to it), Jiaodong steamed buns (a wheat-producing area, worth a try for those who like pasta), and seafood family feast. Accommodation: It is recommended to stay in the Economic Zone, close to the high-speed rail and bus stations, or in the Huancui District. The city center is small, so it's convenient to stay anywhere. There are buses to Dashuipo International Airport from both the Huancui District and the Economic Zone.