Just got back from Rongcheng, and I really don't recommend going in July or August—because it's way too much fun!

Just got back from Rongcheng, and I really don't recommend going in July or August—because it's way too much fun! [Grin] 💰【Cost Reference】All about value for money • Transportation: 2-hour high-speed train from Qingdao/Jinan, electric scooter rental in town for 20 yuan/day—coastal rides feel better than taxis • Accommodation: Fishing village homestays at 80 yuan/person/night, wake up to fishing boats outside your door and ocean waves • Tickets: Xixiakou Chengshantou combo ticket 260 yuan (includes Chengshantou + Motianling, saves 40+ yuan vs separate tickets) • Dining: Pick fresh seafood at markets for processing—40 yuan/person gets you unlimited crabs, razor clams at 10 yuan/jin 🗺️【3-Day 2-Night Lazy Itinerary】 Day 1: Slow village life 10:00 Head straight to📍Lidao Town Dazhuang Xujia Village (century-old seaweed-thatched houses with emerald roofs) 12:00 Homecooked fisherman's meal (seaweed buns + salted fish cakes, 30 yuan all-you-can-eat, aunties throw in free pickled seaweed) 15:00 Visit📍Ailun Bay Marine Ranch (boat ride for scallop harvesting! 100 yuan/person, grill your fresh catch) 19:00 Beachcombing at dusk (bring flashlight + bucket for free seashell/crab hunting—perfect kid activity) Day 2: Mountain & sea adventure 8:30 Rush to📍Chishan Scenic Area (ancient Buddhist/Taoist architecture, panoramic Yellow Sea views from Fahua Temple terrace) 12:30 Kelp noodles outside park (15 yuan/bowl with local wasabi—spicy and refreshing) 14:00📍Shidao Bay Beach (uncrowded! Fine sand, 30 yuan/day for beach umbrella, watch ships glide by) 18:00 Shidao Fishing Port sunset (thousands of boats returning with mountain-high catches—cinematic photo ops) Day 3: Artsy finale 9:00📍Rongcheng Art Museum (free! Ocean-themed exhibits, floor-to-ceiling sea views) 11:00📍Yandunjiao Village (winter swan habitat, summer seaweed houses, village café with panoramic shots) 13:00 Souvenir shopping (50 yuan gets 2 jin of freshly roasted squid at dried seafood market) 15:00 Departure 🦐【Must-Eat List】 • Live shrimp noodles: 18 yuan/bowl at pier shops—broth from shrimp heads, meat bouncy • Braised sea hares: 25 yuan/plate at local joints, pairs perfectly with rice • Steamed blue crabs: Prime season July-August, market-fresh processing lets you feast on two for 50 yuan • Avoid: "Specialty streets" in tourist zones—prices triple. Follow locals to hole-in-the-wall spots 🏡【Where to Stay】 • Seaweed houses: "Lidao Seaweed Homestay"—renovated heritage home with host's fishing stories • Harbor view: "Shidao Fisherman's Wharf Hotel"—balcony overlooks dawn departures of lit-up boats • Family pick: "Naxianghai Family Homestay"—comes with kids' sand toys, 5-min walk to beach 💡【Pro Tips】 1. July afternoons may bring showers—pack a compact umbrella (sun/rain dual-use) 2. Avoid "market price" seafood—confirm unit prices before ordering 3. Spotty village signal—download offline maps in advance 4. Check "Rongcheng Tide Timetable"—arrive 1 hour before low tide for best harvests Follow this route to dodge crowds and experience Rongcheng's authentic coastal charm~