Budget around 2,000! Four family-friendly coastal cities!
1️⃣Beihai, Guangxi⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📍A gentle coastal city in southern Guangxi, perfect for kids to play in the water.
Key attractions: Silver Beach, Weizhou Island, Century-Old Street
Silver Beach has soft sand and clean water, making it great for kids to play and swim. Weizhou Island is a young volcanic island with unique reefs and corals, perfect for photos. The old street is full of retro arcade buildings, offering a charming stroll.
🍜Must-try foods: Fresh seafood noodles, nourishing peanut worm porridge, affordable grilled oysters
The seafood noodles have a rich broth and generous ingredients. The grilled oysters are plump and good value. The local specialty porridge is mild and easy to digest.
🏠Accommodation recommendations: Sea-view hotels around Silver Beach, unique guesthouses on Weizhou Island, with direct access to the beach.
🗺️3-day family-friendly itinerary
Day 1: Enjoy water activities at Silver Beach, then explore the old street in the evening and try local snacks.
Day 2: Take a boat to Weizhou Island, visit the volcano and the Dishui Danping coastline.
Day 3: Go snorkeling or inshore fishing on the island, then return to the city in the afternoon to buy seafood souvenirs.
💡Travel tips: The weather is pleasant from October to April. The sun's UV rays are strong by the sea, so bring sunscreen and motion sickness medication.
2️⃣Rongcheng, Shandong⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📍Part of Weihai, with a clean coastline and healing mountain and sea views.
Key attractions: Chengshantou, Swan Lake, Chishan Scenic Area
Chengshantou is the easternmost point of the mainland, offering an immersive sea sunrise experience. In winter, thousands of swans rest here, allowing kids to observe birds up close. Chishan combines unique rock formations with ancient temples, blending culture and nature.
🍜Must-try foods: Mackerel dumplings, seafood platter, local sea cucumber
Fisherman's restaurants offer great value, with fresh seafood caught daily and a mild taste suitable for children.
🏠Accommodation recommendations: Convenient city hotels, seaside guesthouses. Guesthouses around Swan Lake cost CNY 200–400 per night and are very convenient for birdwatching.
🗺️3-day family-friendly itinerary
Day 1: Watch the sea sunrise at Chengshantou, visit Chishan, and enjoy a seafood feast at the fishing port in the evening.
Day 2: Observe migratory birds at Swan Lake, relax on Nashanghai Beach, and stay overnight at a seaside guesthouse.
Day 3: Experience sea fishing at a marine ranch, then buy local seafood specialties before returning.
💡Travel tips: May to October is suitable for swimming in the sea. Winter is specifically for seeing swans. There are direct shuttle buses from Weihai Airport to Rongcheng.
3️⃣Wanning, Hainan⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📍A leisurely tropical coastal city in southeastern Hainan.
Key attractions: Shimei Bay, Riyue Bay, Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden
Shimei Bay has fewer crowds and fine sand, perfect for quietly enjoying the sea. Riyue Bay's shallow waters are suitable for kids to try surfing. The botanical garden allows you to learn about various tropical plants and flowers, combining education with family fun.
🍜Must-try foods: Plump Hele crab, tender Dongshan lamb, smooth Hou'an noodles. Xinglong coffee is worth taking home.
🏠Accommodation recommendations: High-end sea-view hotels in Shimei Bay, affordable guesthouses in Riyue Bay, Xinglong hot spring hotels.
🗺️3-day family-friendly itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and head straight to Shimei Bay to await the stunning sea sunset.
Day 2: Experience beginner surfing at Riyue Bay, visit the tropical botanical garden, and relax in a hot spring in the evening.
Day 3: Take a walk at Dongshan Ridge/Dahuajiao, enjoy local specialty foods, then return.
💡Travel tips: The climate is comfortable from November to March. Attractions are spread out, so self-driving is more convenient.
4️⃣Dongshan Island, Fujian⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📍A hidden gem island in Fujian, with gentle beaches, perfect for photos and family fun.
Key attractions: Wind-Moved Stone Scenic Area, Maluan Bay, Jinluan Bay, Nanmen Bay, Tongshan Ancient City
The landmark Wind-Moved Stone is amazing. Maluan Bay has flat beaches and shallow water, safe for young children to play. Nanmen Bay is a popular spot for internet-famous photos. The Ming Dynasty ancient city is full of ancient charm.
🍜Must-try foods: Fresh squid, Dongshan abalone, oyster omelet. Snacks include Maizai porridge and Shaoxianling. You can buy fresh seafood at the market and have it cooked on the spot.
🏠Accommodation recommendations: Guesthouses in Tongling Town are convenient for dining. Maluan Bay resort hotels are more suitable for a pure vacation.
🗺️3-day family-friendly itinerary
Day 1: Visit the Wind-Moved Stone + Guandi Temple + Tongshan Ancient City, then watch the orange sunset at Nanmen Bay in the evening.
Day 2: Play in the water at Maluan Bay and Jinluan Bay, and experience sailing and jet skiing.
Day 3: Check the tides for Fish Bone Sandbar, stroll around Aojiao Fishing Village, then return.
💡Travel tips: You can swim in the sea from April to October. The island has strong winds, so sunscreen and wind protection are essential.