Hidden Gem of Western Liaoning! Explore a Ming Dynasty Ancient City and Walk on the Water Great Wall—Unlock New Adventures Beyond Shanhaiguan

Who says Northeast China only has Snow Town? This low-key **coastal old town** in Huludao, Liaoning, hides **ancient Ming Dynasty city walls, a Great Wall built on water, and a seafood feast for just 70 RMB per person**. Perfect for summer escapes with fewer crowds and stunning views, plus easy access via high-speed rail! Here’s my firsthand guide—just follow along 👇 🔥 Must-Visit Spots (Photo-Worthy!) 1. **Xingcheng Ancient City**: Truly lives up to its title as the "First Ancient City Beyond the Pass"! **Cobblestone paths, historic archways, and the Governor’s Mansion**—climb the city walls for a panoramic view and feel transported to a Ming Dynasty battlefield. The stories of Yuan Chonghuan’s resistance against the Qing Dynasty come alive here. (Ticket: 50 RMB; 3 hours enough to explore.) 2. **Jiumenkou Water Great Wall**: The only "Great Wall on water" in China! This 100-meter bridge spans the Jiujiang River with nine floodgate arches that are awe-inspiring. Explore military tunnels, hike up for mountain vistas, and snap epic photos. (A UNESCO World Heritage Site—don’t miss it!) 3. **Dongdaihe + Xingcheng Beaches**: - **Dongdaihe**: Pristine beaches! **Fine sand, fewer crowds**—go crabbing, feast on fresh seafood (10 RMB for cooking at local farms), and indulge in **sea urchins and mantis shrimp**. - **Xingcheng Beach**: Dubbed the "Second Beidaihe" for good reason! A 1.5 km golden sandy shore with breathtaking sunrises 🌅, plus swimming and jet skiing. (Ticket: 5 RMB—worth it!) 4. **Juehua Island**: The **largest island in Liaodong Bay**, nicknamed "Little Putuo of the North"! Discover **Tang King Cave and Longgong Temple**, hike the island’s boardwalk for rocky coastal views, and be moved by the sunset fishing boats. (Ferry ticket: 120 RMB, includes attractions.) 5. **Hidden Treasures**: - **Ling Mountain Scenic Area**: A sacred site blending Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism! Hike, breathe in fresh air, and visit ancient temples shrouded in mist. - **Huludao Ancient Town**: Family-friendly! **Paint opera masks, try gourd pyrography**, and enjoy lively folk performances. 🍤 Foodie Radar - **Seafood Feast**: Head straight to **Dongdaihe farmhouses**! Fresh flower crabs, oysters, and abalone cooked to order—**70 RMB per person for a feast** (must-try: garlic scallops + spicy clams). - **Local Flavors**: In Xingcheng Ancient City, try **grilled tofu skin and old-school sweet-and-sour pork**—crispy outside, tender inside, just 10 RMB per serving. 📌 Pro Tips - **Transport**: Take the high-speed rail to **Huludao North Station**, then Bus 1 to the beach. For attractions, rent a car (200 RMB/day). - **Stay**: Beachfront homestays from 100 RMB/night; for hot springs, choose **onsen hotels** (heavenly in winter snow!). - **Avoid Pitfalls**: ✅ July-August is fishing ban season—visit after September for the freshest catch. ✅ Juehua Island ferries are limited—check weather and book ahead. ✅ Hanfu rentals in the ancient city cost 30 RMB/hour—great for photos! 🌤 Experience mountains, sea, the Great Wall, and ancient towns in one trip, feast on seafood so fresh it dances, and spend just 500 RMB for 2 days! Come before the crowds—be the first to brag on social media! > *"When the sea breeze sweeps over 600-year-old walls, and you bite into just-caught crab, you’ll understand—Liaodong’s romance is salty."* 💙