This summer marked a decade since our last visit to Xixiaokou, located in Weihai Rongcheng. Nestled at the easternmost tip of the Jiaodong Peninsula, Xixiaokou Village was once a remote fishing hamlet, later discovered by travelers due to its unique geographical advantages. A decade ago, we journeyed here from the heatwaves of Beijing, purchasing a T-shirt from a roadside stall for a few yuan, and changing into it to feel the cool sea breeze wash away our fatigue. With hair tossed back, every pore of our bodies opened to experience the surprises of an unfamiliar small town. In recent years, Weihai has grown in recognition as a tourist city, and Xixiaokou has undergone significant changes. It now boasts convenient transportation and numerous newly built characteristic guesthouses and hotels, catering not only to accommodation but also to the leisure needs of families with children. The Shendiaoshan Animal World has become an internet-famous zoo, filled with the laughter of children. The animals here have become celebrities, with many visitors coming to see the playful interactions between them, such as the shoe-throwing and shoe-returning antics of Dongdong and the mountain ranges. Although we could only take a boat tour around Hainiu Island this time, unable to disembark, the experience was no less exhilarating. Hundreds of black-tailed gulls followed our boat, providing a thrilling encounter. I am grateful to have experienced both the onshore and offshore perspectives of Hainiu Island. The must-visit Chengshan Cape remains an ideal summer retreat for Weihai and even the entire Shandong Province. Comparing the 40-degree heat elsewhere to the 25-degree coolness at the easternmost sea corner of the Jiaodong Peninsula, one instantly feels refreshed. The spectacular coastline of the ‘Chinese Cape of Good Hope’ still fills me with awe. This small city of Weihai is truly a place that one can never tire of loving… Over the decade, life’s circumstances have changed, and as the saying goes, ‘Wishing to buy osmanthus and wine together, yet not the same as the youth’s journey.’ We cannot possess youth and the feelings of youth at the same time, yet time also leads us on new journeys, opening a new chapter with our children. Traveling with children is filled with worries about their daily needs and being touched by their keen sensitivity to everything around them. We fear they might hurt themselves, yet as we chase after them, our spirits also soar. Despite the inconveniences and troubles of traveling with children, nothing in the world can surpass the pure joy they bring. As Long Yingtai wrote in ‘Dear Andre’: ‘A hundred lessons on aesthetics are not as good as letting a child walk in nature for a day; teaching a hundred hours of architectural design is not as good as letting students touch a few ancient cities; discussing a hundred times the skills of literary writing is not as good as letting writers dirty their trousers in the market.’
Play can be said to be the fundamental of knowledge between heaven and earth. Sunshine, beaches, waves. Let’s go feed animals, taste delicious food, and learn about the customs and history of the city… Don’t say that the years are long. In the time when we can accompany our children to play, let’s have a great time together! Let’s set off. This is the meaning of life.???? Tips for traveling with kids in Xixiakou? When playing by the sea, the weather is really important. Check the weather forecast before coming.? When digging sand and going into the sea, it is recommended to bring two more sets of clothes with you and change them at any time.? The ultraviolet rays by the sea are strong. Pay attention to all-round sun protection.???? Transportation guide to Xixiakou:?? Take the direct bus to Xixiakou at the passenger transportation center inside Weihai Station. There is about one bus every half an hour. The fare is about 15 yuan, and the journey takes about 1-1.5 hours.?? It is about 50 kilometers away from Weihai Station. If you have a car, it is recommended to drive by yourself so that you can see the scenery along the way. Family travel route planning in Xixiakou??Day1??Set off from Qingdao and drive to Xixiakou, about a 3.5-hour drive. 3:00 Chengshantou Scenic Area + cableway + Motianling Scenic Area. 19:00 Have dinner and stay at Sanmengji Seaside Homestay.??Day2. 7:30 In the morning, take the first boat to go on a sea tour of Hailu Island. After that, stay at Boxing Villa Hotel. 9:00 Xixiakou Shendiao Mountain Animal World. 14:00 Have a meal at the giraffe restaurant in the zoo. 17:00 Sea sunset / Blueways sunken ship. 19:00 Have dinner at Boxing Villa (Ruize Ouyu Resort Manor). Chengshantou National Key Scenic Area. The first stop when coming to Xixiakou, Weihai must be here???? Chengshantou. It was once rated as one of the ‘Eight Most Beautiful Coasts in China’ by ‘Chinese National Geography’. According to ‘Records of the Historian’, Chengshantou was the place where the sun god lived in ancient times. When Qin Shihuang made an inspection tour to the east, he came here twice to worship the sun god and seek the elixir of immortality. So far, you can still see the historical relics and cultural landscapes left by him. Qin Shihuang called this place: ‘The end of the sky!’ Prime Minister Li Si wrote ‘The end of the sky’ by hand. There is a stone monument at Qin’s east gate. Chengshantou is also one of China’s coastal reference points. It is the place where the sunrise at sea can be seen earliest in China. If the weather is good, you must get up early to wait for the sunrise. Holding hands with the child and walking through the long plank road, everything is fresh and fun. The child rushes to the observation deck of the stone monument at the end of the sky while making a fuss. Seagulls are circling low overhead. He uses a bamboo stick to hold fresh small fish and stretches it into the air to feed the seagulls. He is extremely focused! It’s just a bit wasteful of fish. The waves are beating against the rocks. The mountain is steep. Under the cliff, the sea waves are surging and the big waves are rolling. The cool wind makes people dance. Everyone is shouting how cool it is! It’s really so comfortable! The summer in Weihai belongs to the fifth season.
[Tourist Guide] Name: Chengshantou Scenic Area (national 4A-level scenic area). Visiting guide: The Chengshantou scenic area is divided into Area A, Furu Donghai, and Area B, Tianjintou. Area A is mainly artificial landscapes, and Area B is natural landscapes. There is a certain distance between Area A and Area B, and you can take a shuttle bus. Ticket prices: Adult ticket is 148 RMB/half-price ticket is 74 RMB. Half-price tickets are for minors over 1.2 meters in height or over 6 years old and under 18 years old (including 18 years old), full-time undergraduates and students with lower educational backgrounds, people aged 60-69 (with senior citizen card or ID card), veterans (with discharge certificate), etc. Free tickets are for children under 1.2 meters in height or under 6 years old (including children on their 6th birthday), revolutionary disabled soldiers (with disabled soldier certificate or disabled police certificate), active servicemen (with soldier certificate, officer certificate, military academy student certificate, military civilian cadre certificate), fire rescue personnel (with valid certificates), disabled people (with disability certificate), etc. You can drive in and need to buy a separate ticket for the vehicle to enter the park, 80 yuan per vehicle. There are also sightseeing buses in the scenic area for 20 yuan per person. The cableway is charged separately. In peak season, you need to wait in line. It is recommended to reserve tour time in advance. Ticket checking stops at 5 pm. Reference time: 2-3 hours. Summer opening hours: 7:30 – 18:00. (As Chengshantou has the experience of watching the sunrise, it is recommended to enter the park half an hour or one hour in advance after checking the sunrise time. The ticket check is on duty 24 hours a day.) Recommended tour route in Chengshantou: Route 1: Entrance – First Emperor Temple – Buddha preaching – Sculpture of Qin Shihuang’s eastern tour – Stone tablet of surging emotions – Goddess of the Sea – Walking to the end of the world – Platform for shooting flood dragons – Coastal plank road – Remains of Qin Bridge – Sea viewing corridor – Tianjintou – International lighthouse – Fog horn – Standing stone of Qin Dynasty, etc. Route 2: Entrance of ‘Entering through the lucky gate’ – Coastal plank road – Lord of the Sun – Statue of Mazu – Four major theme halls (suitable for taking ancient costume photos and checking in). Motianling Ecotourism Area is another scenic area not far from Chengshantou. We came here by taking the cross-sea cableway. The cross-sea cableway between Chengshantou scenic area and Motianling scenic area is the longest cross-sea cableway in Asia, with a one-way distance of 3000 meters. Motianling is a relic of continental drift and also the ancient battlefield where national hero Qi Jiguang defeated Japanese pirates and achieved a great victory at Motianling. There are three scenic spots in Motianling scenic area: Crystal Palace, karst cave, and seaside plank road. The plank road is very easy for children. Parents don’t need to worry about physical strength issues. Children can finish walking by themselves. The crystal cave is shining. Adults may think it is just so-so, but for children, entering it is like starting a wonderful adventure. The seals didn’t get enough even after walking twice. Their little hands touch the glittering crystal stones, and the whole person is fascinated by it.
Just as we walked out of the scenic area, we encountered a magnificent sunset. The fiery red sunset glow lit up the sky. Cableway riding guide? Summer opening hours: 7:30 – 18:00. Admission stops around 17:00. The one-way ticket price for the northern line (cross-sea) of the cableway is 85 yuan per person (including the return by bus); the round-trip ticket price for the southern line of the cableway is 70 yuan per person. Children under 1.2 meters are 10 yuan per person; children between 1.2 meters and 1.4 meters are half price. The cable car consists of two parts: the Chengshantou direction (south) and the Motianling direction (north). It is recommended to take the northern line. The time is about 40 minutes. After that, there will be a free bus to take you back to the parking lot. Note that the scenic area cableway is greatly affected by the weather. In case of bad weather such as strong winds and rain, it may stop operating. So it is best to call and consult the scenic area before coming. Sea Gull Island Sea Tour with a Date with Seagulls. We got up early to see black-tailed gulls! Another scenic area that must be checked in at Xixiakou is Sea Gull Island. There are no donkeys on this small island. It is named Sea Gull Island because it looks like a thin donkey. The small island is far from the land. The island is covered with hibiscus, reeds, and wild jujube trees, attracting countless seabirds to inhabit and reproduce here. The egrets, a national first-class protected animal, also come here to build nests every spring and summer. Although it is a pity that we cannot land on the island, the current sea tour by boat allows us to have zero-distance interaction with hundreds of seagulls, which is an experience that was not available when landing on the island before. When the cruise ship sets sail, seagulls follow in a majestic manner, nimbly eating the food handed over by people. Although they also eat ham sausages, their favorite food is still small fish. Before you can stretch out your arm to hand out small fish food, the seagulls have already snatched it away. [Cruise ship guide] Ticket price: 120. Free tickets: Children under 1.2 meters. Half price: Children between 1.2 meters and 1.4 meters, the elderly over 60 years old, and active servicemen. Boat departure time: In peak season, boats depart continuously. In off-peak season, there may be fixed departures. Cruise time: 30 – 40 minutes. Ship type: Currently, there are three ships with different ship types. The one we took is the largest one. Tips: It is windy at sea. It is recommended that girls with long hair tie up their hair. With seabirds flying all over the sky and excrement and urine randomly falling, it is recommended to wear a hat. The seagull food sold on the ship is small fish. A box is 10 yuan. When feeding seagulls, use a bamboo stick or directly hold the cup. Seagulls line up to snatch small fish, which is more exciting. Xixiakou Shendiao Mountain Wildlife World. Xixiakou Shendiao Mountain Wildlife World is really great! It is very, very special! The entire zoo is built against the mountains and by the sea. It is the largest coastal wildlife world in Asia. See animals in the sea, on land, and in the air in one stop. Land animals are freely raised in the mountains, and marine animals live in the sea. Every high tide is a water change.
The park spans over 3800 acres, featuring habitats such as the Predator Zone, Herbivore Zone, Marine Life Zone, African Animal Zone, Bear Paradise, Aviary, Raptor Park, Orangutan Garden, Leopard and Wolf Mountain, Monkey Mountain, Golden Monkey Pavilion, and Panda Pavilion, housing over 400 species of national first and second-class protected animals, totaling more than 4,000 individuals. Families can trek through the park to observe the animals, with children energetically walking up to 10,000 steps in a day! Weihai is pleasantly cool, even at midday when the sun is intense, the breeze remains refreshing.
Address: Xixiakou Shen Diao Mountain Wildlife World, Chengshan Town, Rongcheng, Weihai, Shandong
Transportation Guide: Navigate to the main entrance of Shen Diao Mountain Wildlife World
Opening Hours: Summer 07:30-18:00; other seasons may close earlier (it is recommended to allocate three hours for visiting before closing time)
Ticket Prices: Adult tickets cost 160 yuan, while children under 1.2 meters and seniors over 70 years old enter for free. Children between 1.2 to 1.4 meters receive a half-price ticket. There are additional discounts for certain groups; inquiries can be made at the park.
Parking: Free parking is available outside the park, with ample spots.
Visiting Method: It is recommended to explore on foot. For those who wish to drive into the park, an additional 40 yuan vehicle entry fee is required.
Visiting Duration: We arrived at 10 AM and stayed for five hours. Photography enthusiasts and families with children should allocate more time.
Some paid attractions within the park vary in cost, here for your reference:
– Sightseeing Car: 20 yuan/person, free for those under 120 cm (useful for the distance from the park exit to the parking lot)
– Glass Bridge: 60 yuan/person, children 40 yuan (the bridge is built over the Predator Zone, offering a thrilling view of wolves, tigers, and lions; many visitors are scared of heights, while children generally enjoy it and are not afraid; sea lions run back and forth on the bridge fearlessly)
– Ocean Zone Sailing: 100 yuan/person (after walking through the Ocean Zone, one can take a sailing trip to reach the exit beach, saving a significant amount of walking; however, if you wish to watch the sea lion show, see it first before taking the sail out, or opt for sea surfing and return to the boarding point)
Feeding Animals: It is a must to feed animals in the zoo. Here are some highly recommended feeding experiences that are both visually appealing and enjoyable:
– Capybara: 20 yuan (very gentle, cooperate well for photos, children love them)
– Giraffe: 20 yuan (when dining at the Giraffe Restaurant, it’s recommended to buy a bag of grass for close interaction with giraffes, an excellent experience)
– Parrot Family Paradise: Truly entertaining! Parrots are not afraid of people and will land on your head or shoulders, making children extremely happy
– Feeding Pigeons: 30 yuan for two boxes
– Feeding Predators: 20 yuan per box, 30 yuan for two boxes (feeding meat to predators)
– Feeding Carrots: 20 yuan for three bags (carrot strips + sunflower seeds, suitable for feeding a variety of animals)
– Feeding Kangaroos: 20 yuan per person, 30 yuan for two people (allows close contact and feeding with kangaroos, leaves on branches can be torn off for feeding)
– Feeding Elephants: 20 yuan for three bundles of grass
– Feeding Seals: 30 yuan (allows touching and feeding seals, done in groups with short waiting times)
Zoo Visiting Tips: Avoid bringing strollers as the park is built on a mountain with some steps.
A baby carrier can be considered. If a stroller is to be brought, it is recommended to bring the child’s father along. Otherwise, it will be rather troublesome for one person when encountering steps. Pay attention to sun protection. The entire park is very large, especially the marine area, which is just by the open sea. Babies have delicate skin, so sun protection must be done well. Food and beverage in the park. Drinks and grilled sausages along the way are not expensive. We had lunch at the Giraffe Restaurant. The restaurant is extremely popular. It is recommended to avoid meal times. Go for a meal at two or three o’clock in the afternoon and you can sit by the window and have close contact with giraffes. The restaurant offers Western fast food such as hamburgers, coke, French fries, and hot dogs. It is delicious and cost-effective. The Blauwiss shipwreck in summer is not lonely. At the end of last year in Weihai, when driving on the Qianli Mountain and Sea Self-driving Highway, we encountered this ship. In the winter with violent wind and rain, its appearance is like a doomsday movie, full of a lonely and alienated atmosphere. It is said that this is a foreign cargo ship that ran aground here due to a typhoon. In just half a year, not only has this ship not been dismantled and transported away, but it has also become an internet-famous check-in place. It is so popular that a commercial street has emerged along the surrounding coastline! Lively snack stalls, food courts, and cafes… like a ship-themed park. This time, when we brought the children here to play, they dug pits on the beach and chased seagulls and ran. The seal kept asking when they could go on board the ship to see if they could find treasures. Looking forward to the next time we come, this boarding and sightseeing route can be realized. We played until it got dark. Fireworks were set off on the beach. Eating watermelons with the children was really cool. We were intoxicated by the summer in Weihai. It is not far from Xixiakou here and can be checked in. Shooting suggestions: Use a telephoto lens to shoot, which can compress space and visually make the distance between the ship and people closer. Around five o’clock in the afternoon, the tide ebbs and exposes the reefs. You can stand on the reefs to take pictures, which are very photogenic. Recommended accommodation in Xixiakou: Rongcheng Sanmengji Xinyu Meisu (Chengshantou Store). A homestay that every child will like very much! As soon as you enter, you can see the children’s playground with slides, picture book shelves, basketballs, and Lego toys. There is also an internet-famous swimming pool outdoors. The hall also has a very cost-effective restaurant. The coffee in the coffee bar is also good. It is a real seaside homestay, just a stone’s throw away from the sea. There are 20 rooms with different styles. We stayed in a family loft. The dark tones create a high-end atmosphere. The minimalist design creates charming lines and changes in light and shadow. There is a public kitchen and activity room outside. The children crawl up and down in the room tirelessly. If traveling with friends, several families can rent an entire villa for a party. There are KTV, private cinemas, billiard rooms, game consoles… Not only that, but also functional areas such as supporting banquet halls, suspended swimming pools, and coffee shops. The transportation is convenient. Whether going to Chengshantou or Shendiao Mountain Zoo, it is very convenient and only a few minutes’ drive away.
Navigation: Search for Sanmengji · Xinyu Meisu to reach the destination. Convenient parking. Boxia Mountain Villa (Rongcheng Zoo, Chengshantou Store). For friends who come to Xixiakou to play and only choose hotels instead of homestays, Boxia Mountain Villa is the best choice. The three-star Rongcheng Boxia Mountain Villa is located in Xixiakou Village, Rongcheng City. National 4A-level scenic spots such as Chengshantou, Longxia Lake, Hailu Island, and Swan Lake are close at hand. You can walk to the seaside. The hotel is surrounded by mountains and seas. It has more than 300 guest rooms. The bedding in the room is comfortable and equipped with a TV, electric kettle, and 24-hour hot water… Standardized hotel services are reassuring. It is worth mentioning that the hotel’s catering is really excellent. You can taste authentic seafood and Shandong cuisine. Ruize Ouyu Su Holiday Manor. For friends who like outdoor tent camping, this is an irresistible place. It is located at the parking lot pier of Hailu Island. It is an experiential tourism holiday manor integrating wild luxury tent accommodation, characteristic catering, leisure and entertainment, and outdoor sports. There are 40 single-family tents. The tents here are extremely luxurious and subvert the perception of ordinary camps. Each tent can be regarded as a fully-equipped single-family villa. The facilities are as complete as a hotel. There are also parent-child rooms that children like, with Peppa Pig themes and Ultraman themes. Blowing the breeze on the small balcony gives a feeling of European and American countryside. There is also an internet-famous photo-taking area here, with minibuses, carousels, and flower swings. Taking photos is extremely beautiful. The seagulls flying over the lake. The slow-paced holiday lifestyle of returning to the countryside is also good. Which of these three do you like better?…
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