概述
Rizhao, meaning “sunshine,” is a relaxed coastal city on the southeastern coast of Shandong Peninsula, known as the “Oriental Sun City” (东方太阳城). It boasts some of the finest golden-sand beaches in northern China, with significantly lower prices and fewer crowds than Qingdao. The city’s main draw is its 60 km of pristine coastline, centered around Wanpingkou Beach and the Rizhao Coastal National Forest Park. Rizhao is also one of China’s top sunrise-viewing destinations, and its fishing culture offers excellent seafood at bargain prices. The city is well-suited for budget-conscious beachgoers, families, and seafood lovers looking for a quiet seaside escape. A typical visit lasts 2 days.
行 (Transport)
| Way |
Details |
| High-speed rail |
Qingdao to Rizhao 1 h (60-80 yuan); Jinan to Rizhao 2 h (120-150 yuan); Beijing South to Rizhao 4 h (300-350 yuan) |
| Train station |
Rizhao West Station (日照西站), about 12 km from Wanpingkou beach area |
| Airport |
Rizhao Shanzihe Airport (RIZ), 20 km from city center, domestic flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Dalian |
| Local bus |
Bus routes cover main beaches and city center, fare 1-2 yuan. Bus K1 connects West Station to Wanpingkou |
| Taxi/ride-hail |
Start at 7 yuan/2 km; West Station to Wanpingkou 30-40 yuan; city center to forest park 40-50 yuan |
| Ferry |
No passenger ferry service. Fishing boats available for charter (300-500 yuan for 2 h) |
住 (Accommodation)
| Area |
Recommendation |
Reference price |
| Wanpingkou area (万平口) |
Rizhao Senbo Resort, sea-view hotels |
300-800 yuan (peak season 500-1200 yuan) |
| Near Lighthouse Square (灯塔) |
Home Inn, local sea-view guesthouses |
200-500 yuan |
| Coastal National Forest Park area |
Forest Park seaside cabins, resort hotels |
250-600 yuan |
| City center / near West Station |
Rizhao Grand Hotel, GreenTree Inn |
200-400 yuan |
| Dongyi Town area (东夷小镇) |
Boutique inns and themed hotels |
250-500 yuan |
吃 (Food)
| Category |
Recommended shop |
Address |
Reference price |
| Steamed seafood pot |
Chocolate Fisherman (巧克力渔家) |
Wanpingkou area, Bihai Road |
80-120 yuan/person |
| Seafood dumplings |
Seafood Bay (海鲜湾) |
Wanpingkou, south gate |
40-60 yuan/person |
| Mantis shrimp (皮皮虾) |
Shijiu Market (石臼市场) processing stalls |
Shijiu Market, Donggang |
50-80 yuan/jin (market price) |
| Oysters (生蚝) |
Shijiu Market, fresh |
Shijiu Market |
25-40 yuan/plate |
| Sauce crab (酱蟹) |
Dongyi Town seafood restaurants |
Dongyi Town |
60-100 yuan per crab |
| Seafood noodles |
Local noodle shops |
East Coast Road area |
15-25 yuan/bowl |
| Grilled seafood |
Wanpingkou night market |
Wanpingkou boardwalk |
30-60 yuan/person |
| Rizhao green tea ice cream |
Dongyi Town tea shops |
Dongyi Town |
8-15 yuan |
| Shrimp cake (虾饼) |
Street stalls near Lighthouse |
Lighthouse Square |
5-10 yuan |
| Sea urchin (海胆) |
Steamed or in porridge, seafood restaurants |
Various |
20-40 yuan each |
Tip: Shijiu Market is the largest seafood wholesale market in Rizhao. Buy fresh seafood there and have nearby small restaurants cook it for a processing fee of 10-20 yuan per dish.
游 (Sights)
| Attraction |
Ticket |
Opening hours |
Recommended time |
Highlights |
Address |
| Wanpingkou Beach (万平口海滨风景区) |
Free (formerly 60 yuan, now free) |
All day |
2-4 h |
Rizhao’s best and longest beach, golden sand, children’s play area, boardwalk, parasailing |
Bihai Road, Donggang |
| Rizhao Coastal National Forest Park (日照海滨国家森林公园) |
Free (formerly 50 yuan) |
08:00-17:00 |
2-4 h |
Forest + 7 km beach combo, cycling paths, camping, very clean environment |
Bihai Road North, Donggang |
| Lighthouse Scenic Area (灯塔风景区) |
Free |
All day |
30 min-1 h |
Iconic lighthouse, rocky shoreline, best sunrise spot in Rizhao |
South Wanpingkou |
| Sunshine Ocean Park / Rizhao Ocean Park (日照海洋公园) |
220 yuan (adult), 150 yuan (child/student) |
09:00-17:00 |
3-4 h |
Aquarium, dolphin show, polar animals, flower-and-bird garden, indoor activities |
Near Wanpingkou, Bihai Road |
| Dongyi Town (东夷小镇) |
Free |
All day (shops 10:00-21:00) |
1-2 h |
Ancient Dongyi culture theme town, restaurants, street food, night market |
South of Wanpingkou |
| Taigong Island (太公岛) |
Free |
All day (low-tide access) |
1-2 h |
Intertidal island, beachcombing (ganhai) at low tide, pick clams and crabs |
Off Wanpingkou coast |
| Jiuxian Mountain (九仙山) |
65 yuan |
08:00-17:00 |
3-4 h |
Mountain scenery, waterfalls, hiking, glass bridge (extra 50 yuan) |
Wulian County (40 km from city) |
| Longmen Gorge (龙门崮) |
60 yuan |
08:00-17:30 |
2-3 h |
Waterfalls, bamboo forest, temple complex |
Donggang District |
| Zhudongtian Scenic Area (竹洞天) |
35 yuan |
07:30-18:00 (summer) |
1-2 h |
Bamboo forest transplanted from south China, bridges, pavilions, cultural performances |
Western Rizhao |
| Category |
Recommendation |
Address |
Price range |
| Dried seafood |
Rizhao Seafood Market |
Shijiu Market area |
30-100 yuan per bag |
| Rizhao green tea (日照绿茶) |
Tea shops in Dongyi Town or city center |
Various |
50-300 yuan per 500g |
| Seaweed snacks |
Supermarkets, tourist shops |
Wanpingkou area |
10-30 yuan |
| Shell crafts |
Souvenir stalls near Lighthouse and Wanpingkou |
Beach areas |
10-50 yuan |
| Local seafood specialties |
Shijiu Market (buy bulk) |
Shijiu Market |
50-200 yuan |
贴士 (Travel Tips)
- Best time to visit: June to October. July-August is peak season with warm swimming weather but highest prices. September-October offers the best seafood and lower crowds.
- Sunrise: Rizhao means “sunlight” for a reason. The sunrise over the Yellow Sea is spectacular. Best spots: Lighthouse Scenic Area and Wanpingkou Beach. Check local sunrise time (summer ~04:45, winter ~06:30).
- Beachcombing (赶海): This is a local cultural activity. Check the local tide table online (low tide = best picking). Taigong Island and the muddy flats near the forest park are productive. Bring a small bucket and a plastic scoop.
- Seafood season: The fishing moratorium (5-8月) means seafood is more expensive and less varied. After September 1 (开海), fresh catch floods the market at much lower prices.
- Note on free beaches: Wanpingkou Beach and the Forest Park beach are both now free. Avoid touts who try to charge for “private beach access.”
- Getting around: Sights along the coast are spread out. The best way to explore is by renting an e-bike for a day (50-80 yuan) or using ride-hailing. A dedicated Wanpingkou-Lighthouse-Forest Park bus route operates in summer.
- Accommodation booking: Summer weekends book out weeks in advance. Book at least 2 weeks ahead for July-August stays. Sea-view rooms near Wanpingkou start at 500 yuan in peak season.
- Dongyi Town: Fun for evening walks and food, but food quality is average compared to standalone seafood restaurants. Best for atmosphere rather than serious dining.
- Sun protection: The UV level along the coast is high even on cloudy days. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Swimming safety: Swim only at designated beach areas with lifeguards (Wanpingkou and Forest Park). Pay attention to red flag warnings for rip currents.
- Water activities: Parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boats are available at Wanpingkou. Prices are negotiable off-peak (bargain to about 100-150 yuan per person).
- Nearby day trips: Jiuxian Mountain (1 h drive) and Wulian Mountain are good for hikers. Both can be done as half-day trips from Rizhao city.
