Ventilation alert: Yingkou seafood is so cheap it’ll make you cry! Three days of wild fun
Who says you have to go to Sanya to see the sea? Our "Little Sanya" in Liaoning—Yingkou Bayuquan + Huludao Xingcheng—hides blue seas and golden sands that rival the south, and the best part is the unbeatable cost performance! Students and workers wanting to hit the beach? Just copy this guide, have fun and save money, making a big splash on a small budget~
🚗 Transportation Guide
- External transport: ✅ High-speed rail is the top choice from nearby cities! From Shenyang to Yingkou East Station/Huludao North Station, it takes just 1 hour direct, tickets cost from a few dozen to over a hundred yuan, saving on fuel and hassle compared to driving~
- City transport: ✅ A blessing for bus riders! Both areas have extensive bus coverage around attractions, just a few yuan to shuttle between spots; taxis start at 6-8 yuan, carpooling with friends is even cheaper, offering flexibility and savings~
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
- Yingkou Bayuquan:
- ✔️ Chain hotels: Hanting, Home Inn, etc., 200-300 yuan/night in peak season, clean and safe, mostly near shopping districts, convenient for dining and shopping~
- ✔️ Homestay bonus: Seaside homestays under 100 yuan per person, and if you’re lucky, you can get a room just a 3-minute walk from the beach, falling asleep to the sound of waves is super healing!
- Huludao Xingcheng:
- ✔️ Around the ancient city: Ming and Qing style homestays cluster here, like Ningyuan Yiguan, about 200 yuan for a time-travel vibe, plus you can stroll the ancient city’s night scenery, great value for money~
🌟 Attractions to Check In (Free/Low-Cost Joy Edition)
- Yingkou Bayuquan
- 🌊 Shanhai Square (Free): Sand so fine you can run barefoot! Must-see Bohai Pearl viewing platform and Bayu Princess sculpture. Check the tide schedule in advance; at low tide, bring a small shovel to catch clams and little crabs—super rewarding~
- 🏮 Liaohe Old Street (Free): A century-old commercial port full of local life, glowing red lanterns at night make it picture-perfect! Browse intangible cultural heritage shops, watch Manchu embroidery, and when tired, sit down to listen to street performers—pure relaxation~
- ♨️ Xiongyue Hot Springs (Student tickets half price): Northeasterners love hot springs even in summer! Forest pools at Hongxigu, garden style at Yijiangnan, soaking in hot springs while watching green trees is refreshing and relaxing~
- Huludao Xingcheng
- 🏖️ Xingcheng Seaside Bathing Beach (Free): Sand so fine it feels like walking on cotton, the "Orange Sea" sunset in the evening is breathtaking, every snap is wallpaper-worthy~
- 🌉 Longhuitou Cliff Walkway (Free): Walk along the coastline, hear waves crashing on rocks, the view is so wide you can see distant ships—just zoning out here feels worth it~
- 🛵 Juehua Island (Boat + ticket about 80 yuan): 30-minute boat ride to the island, rent an electric scooter to circle the island (30 yuan/hour), see fishing village old houses, lighthouse, and sunrise at sea—off the beaten path and photogenic~
🍢 Food Recommendations (Stuff yourself for about 20 yuan per person)
- Yingkou Bayuquan
- 🍢 Gaizhou skewers: Charcoal grilled with secret sauce, meat skewers juicy and tender, 10 yuan buys you a big bunch, perfect with a soda~
- 🥟 Bayu fish dumplings: Local specialty! Thin skin, full filling, bite into a burst of delicious broth, about 20 yuan per serving, enough for two~
- Huludao Xingcheng
- 🐟 Stewed fish with flatbread: Freshly caught fish stewed until tender, corn flatbread stuck to the pot soaks up the broth, crispy with a hint of sweetness, about 30 yuan per serving, very satisfying~
- 🥟 Seaweed buns: Filled with fresh seaweed, very fresh taste, 3 yuan each, paired with millet porridge, a comfy breakfast~
📅 Itinerary (3 days 2 nights version)
- Yingkou route:
- Day 1: Visit Xipao Fort historical site → Eat barbecue in the city → Stroll Liaohe Old Street at night → Chase sunset at Daliao River estuary
- Day 2: Tide hunting at Shanhai Square → Try fresh seafood at big food stalls → Listen to legends at Wang’er Mountain → Relax at Hongxigu Hot Springs
- Day 3: Walk the glass bridge at Tuanshan Ocean Park → Eat authentic Gaizhou farmhouse dishes → Walk in the wetland park → Return trip
- Xingcheng route:
- Day 1: Climb the walls of Xingcheng Ancient City → Eat snacks inside the ancient city → Shop for small items at intangible cultural heritage craft shops → Watch light show at night market
- Day 2: Bike around Juehua Island → Eat seafood at farmhouse → Play at seaside bathing beach → See night view at Longhuitou
- Day 3: Hike Shoushan Forest Park → Eat Xingcheng mutton soup with baked flatbread → Soak in mineral hot springs → Return trip
💰 Final note: These two places are perfect for budget travel! Tickets cost very little, food and accommodation offer great value, and the sea views and experiences are amazing~ Bring a good mood and this guide, head to Liaoning’s "Little Sanya" for a fun trip that’s easy on your wallet!