Xixiakou, Weihai - A Family-Friendly Destination

**A Decade-Long Appointment with Xixiakou**

This summer, we took our child to Xixiakou in Rongcheng, Weihai. Nestled at the easternmost end of the Jiaodong Peninsula, Xixiakou Village was once a remote, small fishing village. Its unique geographical advantages later attracted travelers, and we first visited ten years ago. Escaping the heat wave in Beijing, we bought a T-shirt for a dozen yuan at a street stall and donned it. The cool sea breeze whisked away all our fatigue, and as we shook off our hair, every pore of our body opened up to the surprise of a strange small city.

**Recent Changes and Attractions**

In recent years, Weihai has gained recognition as a tourist city, and Xixiakou has undergone significant transformations. With convenient transportation, many characteristic homestays and hotels have been built around, catering not only to accommodation but also to the needs of families with children. Shendiao Mountain Animal World has become an internet-famous zoo due to the loveliness and spirituality of its animals, with children’s laughter echoing throughout. The animals here are now big stars, such as Dongdong and Shanmai, who throw and return shoes, attracting many tourists.

**Experiences on Hailu Island and Chengshantou**

Last time, we experienced the sunrise and sunset on Hailu Island. This time, although we could only take a boat tour at sea, the experience was just as thrilling with hundreds and thousands of black-tailed gulls following and surrounding the boat. I’m also glad to have experienced both the Hailu Island with landing and without landing. Chengshantou remains the best place to escape the heat in Weihai and even the whole Shandong Province. The contrast between the high temperatures elsewhere and the 25 degrees at the easternmost sea high angle of Jiaodong Peninsula is instantly cooling. The magnificent coast of ‘China’s Cape of Good Hope’ still excites me. Weihai, this small city, truly endears itself to visitors endlessly.

**Reflections on Time and Traveling with Children**

In ten years, life circumstances have changed several times. As Long Yingtai wrote in ‘Dear Andre’: “A hundred classes on aesthetics are not as good as letting children walk in nature for a day; a hundred hours of teaching architectural design are not as good as letting students touch a few ancient cities; a hundred times of teaching literary writing skills are not as good as letting writers get their trouser legs dirty in the market.” Playing can be said to be the fundamental knowledge between heaven and earth. Sun, beach, waves. Let’s go feed animals, taste delicious food, and learn about the customs and history of the city.

**Tips for Traveling with Kids in Xixiakou**

It is crucial to pay attention to the weather when playing by the sea. Check the weather forecast before coming and bring two extra sets of clothes for easy change when digging sand and going into the sea. The ultraviolet rays by the sea are strong, so pay attention to all-round sun protection.

**Transportation Guide to Xixiakou**

Take the direct bus to Xixiakou at the passenger transport center inside Weihai Station. There is about one bus every half an hour. The ticket price is about 15 yuan, and the journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. It is about 50 kilometers away from Weihai Station. If you have a car, it is recommended to drive, so you can enjoy the scenery along the way.

**Parent-Child Route Planning in Xixiakou**

– **Day 1:** Set off from Qingdao and drive to Xixiakou, about a 3.5-hour drive. 3:00 PM – Chengshantou Scenic Area + cableway + Molianling Scenic Area. 7:00 PM – Have dinner and stay at Sanmengji Seaside Homestay.
– **Day 2:** 7:30 AM – Take the first boat in the morning to go on a sea tour of Hailu Island. After that, stay at Boxing Villa Hotel. 9:00 AM – Xixiakou Shendiao Mountain Animal World. 2:00 PM – Have a meal at the giraffe restaurant in the zoo. 5:00 PM – Sea sunset / Blueways sunken ship 1. 7:00 PM – Have dinner at Boxing Villa (Ruize Ouyu Resort Manor).

Chengshantou National Key Scenic Area is the first stop when coming to Xixiakou, Weihai. It’s a must-visit destination.### Chengshantou Scenic Area: A Journey to the End of the Sky

#### Introduction
Chengshantou, once acclaimed by ‘Chinese National Geography’ as one of China’s ‘Eight Most Beautiful Coasts’, holds a rich history and natural beauty. According to ‘Records of the Historian’, this was the dwelling place of the sun god in ancient times. The legendary Qin Shihuang visited twice in search of the elixir of immortality, leaving behind historical relics and cultural landscapes. He dubbed this place ‘The end of the sky’, a phrase handwritten by Prime Minister Li Si on a stone pillar at the Qin East Gate. Chengshantou is also the easternmost point from which to witness the sunrise over the sea in China.

#### Visitor’s Experience
Imagine waking up early on a clear day to witness the sunrise, holding your child’s hand as you stroll along the long plank road. The fresh air and playful spirit of your child as they run wild, feeding seagulls with a bamboo stick, creates a scene of pure joy. The waves crashing against the rocks and the cool wind that dances through the air make for a comfortable and refreshing summer experience in Weihai, the fifth season.

#### Sightseeing Guide

**Name:** Chengshantou Scenic Area (National 4A Scenic Spot)

**Visiting Strategy:**
– The scenic area is divided into Area A, ‘Fu Ru Donghai’, featuring artificial landscapes, and Area B, ‘Tian Jin Tou’, showcasing natural landscapes.
– A shuttle bus service is available to cover the distance between the two areas.

**Admission Tickets:**
– Adult: 148 RMB
– Half-price: 74 RMB (for minors over 1.2 meters or aged 6-18, students, elderly aged 60-69, and veterans)

**Free Admission:**
– Children under 1.2 meters or under 6 years old, revolutionary disabled soldiers, active-duty soldiers, firefighting and rescue personnel, and people with disabilities.

**Transportation:**
– Private vehicles: 80 RMB per vehicle
– Sightseeing buses: 20 RMB per person

**Cable Car:** Additional charge, and reservations are recommended during peak season.

**Reference Time:** 2-3 hours

**Summer Opening Hours:** 7:30-18:00 (Sunrise viewing experiences available; recommended to enter half an hour or one hour before sunrise)

**Recommended Routes:**
1. Entrance – Qin Shi Huang Temple – Buddha’s Sermon – Qin Shi Huang’s Eastern Tour Sculpture – Heart-Pounding Stone Stele – Sea Goddess – End of the World – Shooting the Dragon Platform – Coastal Boardwalk – Qin Bridge Ruins – Sea Viewing Corridor – End of Heaven – International Lighthouse – Fog Horn – Qin Dynasty Standing Stone
2. ‘Fu Men Jin’ Entrance – Coastal Boardwalk – Sun God – Mazu Statue – Four Theme Halls (ideal for ancient costume photos)

#### Moting Ridge Ecological Tourism Area

Located near Chengshantou, Moting Ridge can be reached via the longest cross-sea cable car in Asia, spanning 3000 meters. This area is a geological remnant and the site of Qi Jiguang’s victory over the Wokou pirates. It comprises three attractions: Crystal Palace, Karst Cave, and Coastal Boardwalk, which is child-friendly.

The Crystal Cave offers a dazzling experience, especially for children, who are captivated by the shimmering crystals. As you exit, the sunset provides a spectacular end to your visit, with the sky ablaze in fiery red.

**Cable Car Riding Guide:**
– Summer operating hours: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, last entry around 5:00 PM.

This guide provides an overview of the scenic beauty and historical significance of Chengshantou and Moting Ridge, offering a comprehensive plan for your visit.### Cable Car Information

**North Cable Line:**
– One-way ticket price: 85 yuan per person (includes a return bus ride)
– **Recommendation:** Preferred for visitors

**South Cable Line:**
– Round-trip ticket price: 70 yuan per person

**Children’s Pricing:**
– Under 1.2 meters: 10 yuan per person
– Between 1.2 meters and 1.4 meters: Half price

**Cable Car Details:**
– Consists of two parts: towards Chengshan Head (South) and Motian Ridge (North)
– Ride duration: Approximately 40 minutes
– Followed by a free bus ride back to the parking lot

**Weather Advisory:**
– The scenic area cable car is highly affected by weather
– Operations may be suspended in windy or rainy conditions
– It is advisable to call and consult with the scenic area before coming

### Meet the Seagulls on Haiyu Island Sea Tour

**Experience:**
– Early morning observation of black-tailed gulls
– Haiyu Island, named for its resemblance to a thin donkey, is a must-visit spot
– The island is covered with hibiscus, reeds, and wild jujube trees, attracting countless seabirds

**Interaction:**
– Boat sea tour allows for a zero-distance interaction with hundreds of seagulls
– Seagulls follow the cruise ship, deftly eating food handed over by people

**Cruise Ship Guide:**
– **Ticket Price:** 120 yuan
– Free for children under 1.2 meters tall
– Half price for children between 1.2 meters and 1.4 meters tall, people over 60 years old, and active-duty military personnel
– **Sailing Times:** Continuous departures in peak season, fixed schedules in non-peak season
– **Cruise Duration:** 30-40 minutes
– **Vessel Type:** 3 different boats, with the largest one being the most popular

**Tips:**
– The sea breeze is strong; long hair should be tied up
– Seagulls may drop feces randomly; wearing a hat is advisable
– Seagull food sold on the boat is small fish, a box costs 10 yuan
– When feeding seagulls, use bamboo skewers or hold the cup directly

### Xixiaokou Shendiao Mountain Wildlife World

**Description:**
– Built along the mountains and by the sea, it is the largest coastal animal world in Asia
– See animals from land, sea, and air in one stop
– Land animals are raised freely in the mountains, and sea animals live in the sea

**Details:**
– Area: 3,800 mu
– Divisions: Predator areas, herbivore areas, marine animal areas, African animal areas, bear paradise, bird garden, raptor garden, orangutan garden, leopard and wolf mountain, monkey mountain, golden monkey pavilion, panda pavilion, and other animal habitats
– Species: Over 400 species and over 4,000 individuals of national first and second-class protected animals

**Visiting Experience:**
– The whole family can go through mountains and rivers to see animals together
– Children can be very energetic, walking up to 10,000 steps in a day

**Location and Hours:**
– **Address:** Shendiao Mountain Wildlife World, Xixiakou, Chengshan Town, Rongcheng City, Weihai, Shandong Province
– **Transportation:** Navigate to the main entrance of Shendiao Mountain Wildlife World
– **Opening Hours:** Summer 07:30-18:00, other seasons may close earlier

**Ticket and Parking:**
– **Ticket Price:** Adult tickets are 160 yuan, children under 1.2 meters and the elderly over 70 years old are free, children between 1.2 and 1.4 meters are half price
– **Parking:** Free parking outside the scenic spot, seems very sufficient

**Sightseeing:**
– Recommended to visit on foot
– Additional vehicle entrance fee of 40 yuan for driving into the park
– **Sightseeing Time:** Five hours recommended, especially for photography enthusiasts and those with children