Next Destination: Yandunjiao, a Scenic Coastal Blend of History and Nature
Yandunjiao Village, a quaint fishing community set against the backdrop of mountains and the sea in Shandong Province, eastern China, has been recognized as one of the United Nations' "2024 Best Tourism Villages."
TroibNews 
Yandunjiao Village, a quaint fishing community situated between mountains and the sea in Shandong Province, China, features stunning landscapes.
Found in Lidao Town, Rongcheng City, it was honored in November by being included in the United Nations' "2024 Best Tourism Villages" list, marking the first recognition of a Shandong village as one of the best tourism spots globally.
To the east, the village overlooks the Yellow Sea, while Shidao Port is located to the south. With a 7,000-meter coastline, Yandunjiao enjoys a strategically advantageous position enriched by natural beauty.
Established during the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty, Yandunjiao has a rich historical background. Its name derives from a beacon tower constructed at the summit of Gushan Mountain during the early Ming period to protect against wokou pirates.
Among its notable features are the seagrass houses, distinct to the area. These structures are made from stone walls topped with thatched seagrass roofs, which provide excellent insulation and fire resistance. Currently, there are 246 seagrass houses with more than 1,300 rooms, some of which have stood for over 300 years. These homes are celebrated as "living specimens of Chinese ecological architecture," representing a unique coastal residential style.
In addition to its architectural charm, Yandunjiao Village is recognized as Asia's largest winter haven for whooper swans. From November to April, thousands of swans migrate to the area, providing a breathtaking natural display. Hence, the village has affectionately earned the nickname "Swan Village."
The village also benefits from plentiful marine resources. Significant investments have been made in the marine aquaculture sector, creating an integrated network of natural resources that includes mountains, sea, beaches, reefs, bays, forests, and fields. The annual harvest of marine products like kelp, oysters, and scallops can reach up to 15,000 tonnes.
In recent years, Yandunjiao has capitalized on its natural advantages to evolve into a distinctive fishing village that merges tourism with marine ranching. This transformation attracts many visitors each year for activities such as sightseeing, photography, sketching, and summer relaxation.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Found in Lidao Town, Rongcheng City, it was honored in November by being included in the United Nations' "2024 Best Tourism Villages" list, marking the first recognition of a Shandong village as one of the best tourism spots globally.
To the east, the village overlooks the Yellow Sea, while Shidao Port is located to the south. With a 7,000-meter coastline, Yandunjiao enjoys a strategically advantageous position enriched by natural beauty.
Established during the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty, Yandunjiao has a rich historical background. Its name derives from a beacon tower constructed at the summit of Gushan Mountain during the early Ming period to protect against wokou pirates.
Among its notable features are the seagrass houses, distinct to the area. These structures are made from stone walls topped with thatched seagrass roofs, which provide excellent insulation and fire resistance. Currently, there are 246 seagrass houses with more than 1,300 rooms, some of which have stood for over 300 years. These homes are celebrated as "living specimens of Chinese ecological architecture," representing a unique coastal residential style.
In addition to its architectural charm, Yandunjiao Village is recognized as Asia's largest winter haven for whooper swans. From November to April, thousands of swans migrate to the area, providing a breathtaking natural display. Hence, the village has affectionately earned the nickname "Swan Village."
The village also benefits from plentiful marine resources. Significant investments have been made in the marine aquaculture sector, creating an integrated network of natural resources that includes mountains, sea, beaches, reefs, bays, forests, and fields. The annual harvest of marine products like kelp, oysters, and scallops can reach up to 15,000 tonnes.
In recent years, Yandunjiao has capitalized on its natural advantages to evolve into a distinctive fishing village that merges tourism with marine ranching. This transformation attracts many visitors each year for activities such as sightseeing, photography, sketching, and summer relaxation.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
