Things To Do
in Haiyang

Haiyang is a coastal city in Shandong Province along the Yellow Sea. It blends traditional fishing heritage with growing modern amenities and seaside attractions. The long beaches, dunes, and fishing piers create a relaxed coastal atmosphere perfect for seafood lovers.

The city experiences a temperate, monsoon-influenced climate with distinct seasons that shape travel planning.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Haiyang Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region. After exploring the exhibits, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby ancient streets lined with traditional architecture. Stop at a local tea house to enjoy a traditional Chinese breakfast with freshly brewed tea.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Haiyang Confucius Temple, a serene spot that offers insight into Confucian philosophy. Wander through the temple grounds, admiring the intricate carvings and peaceful gardens. Treat yourself to lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local specialties such as seafood noodles and dumplings.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the waterfront promenade for a scenic walk along the coast. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as street vendors set up their stalls, offering local snacks and handmade crafts. End your day with a delightful dinner at a seafood restaurant, where you can savor the freshly caught fish and enjoy a stunning view of the ocean.

day 2
Beach and Water Sports
morning
:

Begin your day at the beautiful Golden Beach, where the golden sands and gentle waves create a perfect setting for relaxation. Spend the morning soaking up the sun, or engage in activities like beach volleyball or paddleboarding. Don’t forget to grab some fresh coconut water from a local vendor to keep you refreshed.

afternoon
:

After lunch, dive into water sports by renting jet skis or trying out parasailing for an adrenaline rush. The experienced instructors will guide you, ensuring you have a safe and thrilling experience. Take some time to relax on the beach after your adventure, enjoying the stunning views of the horizon.

evening
:

As the evening approaches, find a cozy beachside café to enjoy a casual dinner with a view of the sunset. Indulge in grilled seafood and local delicacies while listening to the sound of the waves. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, basking in the serene atmosphere as the stars begin to twinkle.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🚌Local transportation (1 day)$1-3
🏨1-night budget hotel$25-40
Coffee or tea$2-4
📶SIM card / data plan$10-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful coastline and seafood-rich cuisine
  • Relaxed pace and welcoming local culture
  • Reasonable costs for meals, accommodation, and transport
  • Good base for exploring Shandong’s coast and nature reserves
  • Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
  • Some areas rely on weather, especially in winter
  • Public transit outside central areas may require planning
  • English spoken can be limited in smaller venues
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "谢谢" - Thank you
  • "请问厕所在哪儿?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "多少钱?" - How much is this?
  • "你会说英语吗?" - Do you speak English?
  • "我吃素" - I am vegetarian

Places to Visit in Haiyang

Visit one of these nice places.

Haiyang Beach Sunrise

Golden light over calm waters and wet sand provides reflections and wide-angle opportunities.

Dune and Coastline Overlook

Soft sand dunes with wind-formed patterns and expansive sea views—great for textures and silhouettes.

Harbor at Dusk

Activity at the fishing harbor with colorful boats and lanterns in the evening.

Coastal Promenade at Sunset

Leisurely promenade scenes: locals walking, park spaces, and the sea as a backdrop.

Culinary Guide

Food in Haiyang

Shandong cuisine (Lu cuisine) is known for its emphasis on fresh seafood, clear broths, and aromas created with minimal heavy sauces. In Haiyang, expect a strong seafood focus and straightforward preparations that highlight natural flavors.

Haiyang Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Steamed Sea Bass with Ginger

A classic dish that showcases fresh local fish with a bright ginger aroma and light soy-based seasoning.

Must-Try!

Braised Sea Cucumber with Soy

Tender sea cucumber stewed with soy, garlic, and light aromatics—popular in coastal taverns.

Clams with Garlic and Vermicelli

Juicy clams tossed with garlic, chili, and glass noodles for a satisfying bite.

Tofu with Scallion Oil

Silky tofu finished with a fragrant hot scallion oil and soy seasoning.

Harbor-Style Stir-Fried Squid

Quickly seared squid with scallions, peppers, and sesame oil to preserve tenderness.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Haiyang Fishing Harbor Market

Vibrant stalls offering the freshest catches, grilled seafood, and quick-fix snacks right by the water.

Old Town Street Food Alley

A cluster of stalls serving fried dumplings, skewers, steamed buns, and local bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Haiyang has a temperate monsoon-influenced climate with hot, humid summers and cold, windy winters. Spring and autumn are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities, while summer brings high humidity and occasional thunderstorms. Annual precipitation peaks in late summer, with drier winters and springs.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queueing and personal space

Line up patiently in shops and public transport; avoid pushing or cutting in; maintain polite distance in crowded areas.

Respect for elders and hierarchy

Address elders with polite terms; wait to be seated in formal dining settings.

Public behavior

Speak softly in temples and cultural sites; avoid loud conversations near religious spaces or during meals in shared tables.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall safety is good for travelers; common-sense precautions apply. Be mindful of currents when swimming, follow local advisories, and keep valuables secure in crowded markets. Emergency numbers and local police stations are accessible in major areas and along the coast.

Tipping in Haiyang

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in most local establishments; service charges are rarely included. In tourist-heavy spots, small tips may be appreciated but are not expected.

Payment methods

Cash and mobile payments are widely accepted, especially WeChat Pay and Alipay. Some smaller markets may prefer cash only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with strong sea breezes; afternoons can bring thunderstorms. Pack sun protection, light clothing, and stay hydrated; sea swims are popular but heed safety flags.

Autumn

Mild temperatures and thinner crowds; comfortable for outdoor exploration and cycling. Beach conditions remain pleasant through early autumn.

Winter

Cool to cold with potential strong winds and occasional drizzle. Indoor dining and sightseeing are comfortable; pack warm layers.

Spring

Pleasant temperatures with increasing humidity and seas breeze. Early spring can be windy; bring a light jacket and enjoy coastal walks and blooming scenery.

Nightlife Guide

Haiyang at Night

Haiyang's nightlife centers around seaside evenings, casual waterfront bars, night markets, and seafood taverns. Expect relaxed atmospheres rather than a club scene; many venues close earlier than major cities, with most activity concentrated along the harbor promenade and Old Town districts.

Hiking in Haiyang

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Haiyang Coastal Park Trail

Easy to moderate coastal path featuring dunes, tidal views, and photo opportunities.

Pine Forest Reserve Trail

Shaded trails through pine stands and nearby coastal scenery, suitable for day hikes.

Airports

How to reach Haiyang by plane.

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO)

Major international hub serving Qingdao and the broader region; accessible by road and rail from Haiyang with travel times varying by route.

Weifang Airport (WEF)

Regional airport offering domestic connections; convenient for trips to nearby coastal cities.

Yantai Penglai International Airport (YNT)

Coastal airport serving Yantai area with regional flights; feasible as a nearby option for multi-city itineraries.

Getting Around

Walkability

The central harbor and Old Town areas are walkable, with pedestrian promenades along the coast. Outside the core, you’ll find motorized transport more convenient for longer distances. A bike-friendly environment exists along many coastal routes, though hills and dunes can add effort for some routes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

The vast majority of residents; diverse in age groups and occupations, with a growing number of newcomers in service and tourism sectors.

Minority communities

Small populations including migrant workers and seasonal residents; cultural exchanges are common in coastal areas.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer

Common pastime and local leagues; casual play is widely available in parks and schools.

Table tennis

Popular indoor activity with many clubs and recreational halls.

Beach volleyball

Seasonal sport on beaches during warmer months.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally manageable in the city center, with congestion peaking during holidays and weekends. Public transit includes buses and taxis, and ridesharing services are popular. Driving outside the core can be slower due to sea breeze and coastal routes; plan extra time in peak seasons.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Haiyang.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Seek tofu, mushrooms, leafy greens, and vegetable-based dishes; request vegetable stock and no meat/seafood broths.

Allergies

Clearly communicate shellfish, seafood, or nut allergies; consider carrying a translation card in Mandarin describing your restrictions.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Haiyang has local clinics and hospitals providing essential care; major cities in the region offer larger medical centers with broader services. Travelers should have travel insurance and carry any necessary medical records. For serious conditions, patients are typically referred to larger facilities in Weifang or Qingdao.

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Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

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