Chengshan Cape (Chengshantou)

成山头

The “edge of the earth” at China’s easternmost point of land, where Qin Shi Huang twice toured east to worship the sun. From cliffs surrounded by sea on three sides, you can see the first sunrise over mainland China.

Chengshan Cape lies in Chengshan Town, Rongcheng City, at the easternmost tip of the Shandong Peninsula, the point where China’s land reaches furthest into the sea. Surrounded by sea on three sides and joined to the land on the other, its cliffs rise about 100 metres, with waves crashing below. Qin Shi Huang visited twice, worshipping the sun and seeking immortality, and ordered Li Si to carve the inscription “Qin East Gate at the Edge of the Earth.” Emperor Wu of the Han also built a sun temple here. It is a national 4A scenic area and a national nature reserve. Highlights include the “Edge of the Earth” stele and the easternmost observation deck, the spot for sunrise and a favourite photo stop for those who want to say they have reached China’s easternmost point. Other sights are the Qin Shi Huang Temple, the only one of its kind in China, Qin-era standing stones, the Fu Ru Dong Hai Cultural Park, Hailu Island, a small offshore island where tens of thousands of black-tailed gulls nest in summer and boat trips circle the island, and the Haoyun Cape sea-view boardwalk. Sightseeing buses connect the sites. Admission is about 150 yuan in peak season and 120 yuan in the off-season, including the bus, and the Hailu Island boat trip costs about 100 yuan extra. Buy tickets through the official “Chengshan Cape Scenic Area” WeChat account. Plan for half a day. Sunrise in the morning is the most rewarding, so stay overnight in Chengshan Town or near the scenic area. It also makes a fine end point for a self-drive along the Weihai coastal road. Yandunjiao Village, 10 km away, is a Weihai winter highlight: from November to March thousands of whooper swans winter in its bay, and the fishing village’s sea-grass-thatched houses make a striking scene. Chishan Fahua Monastery in Shidao is also about 30 km to the south. Getting there: it is about 1.5 hours’ drive (around 80 km) from Weihai city. Shuttle buses run from Rongcheng bus station to Chengshan Cape, but there is no direct public bus, so self-driving or hiring a car is most convenient. Note: sea winds are very strong, so bring a windproof jacket. Do not climb over railings on the cliff paths. Boat services to Hailu Island may be suspended in rough seas.

Chengshan Cape (Chengshantou)

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