Chengshantou (成山头)

Chengshantou is the easternmost tip of the Shandong peninsula, in Chengshan Town, Rongcheng, part of Weihai, Shandong, China. Known as China's Land's End, it juts into the Yellow Sea, and the surrounding waters are among the first places in China to see the sunrise. Historically it was linked to Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor, who is said to have travelled here in search of immortality, and the site includes a temple and statue connected to his visit. Visitors walk a scenic path along coastal cliffs to a lighthouse, an old stone marker known as the End of the Earth, and viewing platforms looking over reefs, surf and open sea. Sea birds gather on the rocks, and a small area of grassland covers the headland. A visit takes two to three hours, and admission is about CNY 60. Sunrise is the most famous time to come, though this requires an early start and clear conditions, and fog on some days can obscure everything. Summer offers clear days and mild temperatures, while winter winds are strong and cold. Crowds are moderate on weekdays and heavier on summer weekends and holidays. Photographers favour the lighthouse on the cliff, the rocky shoreline and the sunrise horizon. The headland is 1 to 1.5 hours by bus or taxi from Rongcheng or Weihai stations after high-speed rail, and local transport can be infrequent, so many visitors hire a taxi for the trip. Visitors should verify prices and hours on the day.