Rizhao is located in the southeast of Shandong Province, bordering the Yellow Sea to the east, Linyi to the west, Qingdao and Weifang to the north, and Jiangsu to the south. It has a temperate monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, mild winters and cool summers. The annual average temperature is 12.6°C, with ample sunshine and moderate rainfall. The coastline stretches 168.5 kilometers, featuring fine sandy beaches and a natural deep-water port.
Rizhao has a long history, with human activities dating back to the Neolithic Age. It is one of the important birthplaces of the Longshan culture. During the Xia and Shang dynasties, it belonged to the Dongyi tribes; in the Western Zhou, it was part of the Ju State; and in the Qin dynasty, it was under Langya Commandery. The Western Han established Haiqu County, and the Jin dynasty first named it Rizhao. In 1989, it was upgraded to a prefecture-level city and gradually developed into a modern port city.
Rizhao's culture blends maritime and Qilu traditions. Folk arts include Rizhao peasant paintings and black pottery. The local cuisine features seafood, such as Rizhao prawns, swimming crabs, and Xishi tongue clams, often paired with Rizhao green tea to refresh the palate. Street snacks include seafood potstickers, sea-sand noodle soup, and Ju County mutton soup.
Rizhao is an emerging port and industrial city, home to Rizhao Port (a key global energy hub) and industries like steel and automobiles. It also vigorously develops tourism, known for its 'blue sky, blue sea, and golden sand.' Attractions include the Olympic Water Sports Park and the Ocean Park, and it actively promotes health and sports industries.
The best time to visit 日照 is Summer and Autumn (May to October).
Spring (March-May) sees rising temperatures, cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers in full bloom, suitable for flower viewing and outings, though sea fog may occur.
Summer (June-August) is the peak season for seaside tourism, with warm seawater perfect for swimming and water sports, but typhoons should be noted.
Autumn (September-November) features clear skies and crisp air, with abundant and delicious seafood, making it the best season for tasting seafood and watching sunrise.
The Liangcheng site in Rizhao is a typical representative of Longshan Culture, yielding numerous black pottery and jade artifacts, evidencing a highly developed civilization.
The Jin Dynasty established Rizhao Town, meaning 'the first light of sunrise shines here,' hence the name Rizhao.
Rizhao was upgraded from a county-level city to a prefecture-level city, ushering in a new chapter of rapid development.
Recommended places to visit
The most famous seaside scenic area in Rizhao, with fine sand and clear water, known as 'the first beach of Rizhao.' Activities include sand play, swimming, speedboat rides, and visiting the Tide Tower.
Nestled between mountains and sea, with high forest coverage, known as a 'natural oxygen bar.' It features beaches, forests, and an animal area, ideal for leisure vacations.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Shandong provincial intangible cultural heritage. Bright colors, full composition, reflecting fishermen's lives and seaside customs.
Shandong provincial intangible cultural heritage. Fired with unique techniques, black and shiny, thin as eggshell, with high artistic value.
National intangible cultural heritage. Paper-cuts pasted on door lintels during Spring Festival, with exquisite patterns and auspicious meanings.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
About 20 km from the city center, with flights to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Airport shuttle buses run directly to the city.
Economy class approx. 500-1500 RMB
A junction station on the Qingdao-Yancheng and Rizhao-Lanzhou high-speed railways, with direct trains to Beijing, Shanghai, Jinan, Qingdao, Zhengzhou, etc. City bus K1 reaches the station.
Second class high-speed approx. 100-500 RMB
Bus routes cover major attractions and the city center. Fare is 1-2 RMB, supporting mobile payment. Tourist shuttle buses are convenient for visitors.
1-2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Large and plump with tender meat, representing Rizhao seafood. Can be steamed, braised, or grilled, with excellent taste.
Full of roe and tender meat; steaming best brings out the original flavor. Most delicious in autumn.
Centered around the lighthouse, it is an excellent spot for watching sunrise and night views. The area also features rock formations and a seaside boardwalk.
A large ocean-themed park with an aquarium, a four-season flower and bird garden, animal shows, etc., suitable for family trips.
A national 4A scenic area known for its peculiar peaks, strange rocks, ancient temples, and secluded caves. It houses the Ming Dynasty Guangming Temple, praised by Su Shi as 'as beautiful as Yandang.'
An ancient city built based on the history of the State of Ju during the Spring and Autumn period, featuring city walls, palaces, and commercial streets, offering a taste of ancient culture.
A precious shellfish shaped like a human tongue, with crisp and tender meat, clear soup, and fresh taste, known as 'the first delicacy under heaven.'
Noodles with a soup made from sea sand (small shellfish), featuring a delicious and savory broth, a signature snack of Rizhao.
A product of China's geographical indication, with thick leaves, high aroma, and good infusion tolerance, known as 'the first tea north of the Yangtze River.'
Made from local goats, the soup is milky white, the meat tender, not gamey or greasy, served with baked flatbread, perfect for warming up in winter.