The G228 Highway, also known as China’s National Coastal Highway, offers one of the most scenic and diverse road trip experiences in the country. Stretching over 7,000 kilometers along the coastline, this route connects 10 coastal provinces, passes through regions adjacent to four seas, and links major cultural and natural landmarks.
The highway’s vast scope makes it unique—it begins at the Hushan Great Wall Park in Dandong, Liaoning Province, and ends in Dongxing, Guangxi Province, at the intersection with the G219 Highway. Travelers will experience a blend of modern urban life and serene coastal beauty, along with centuries of history, local culture, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Why Choose the G228?
- Spectacular diversity: Experience breathtaking coastal views, vibrant cities, quiet fishing towns, and UNESCO heritage sites.
- Cultural immersion: Discover local customs, festivals, and regional cuisine across multiple provinces.
- Ease of access: The well-maintained highway offers clear signage and connects easily to other major routes in China, making it a practical choice for self-driving tourists.
The G228 is not just a road; it’s a journey through time and culture, offering every type of traveler something unforgettable. Whether you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or simply seeking scenic vistas, this ultimate coastal road trip will leave you inspired.
Understanding the G228 Route: Your Complete Route Guide
The G228 starts at a special place – the Hushan Great Wall Park in Dandong city. This spot marks where China’s most famous landmark meets the sea. From here, the road runs south all the way to Dongxing, where it meets another famous road, the G219.
Let’s break down this massive route into bite-sized pieces you can understand:
Total Distance: 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles) Driving Time: 88-100 hours without stops Provinces Crossed: 10 Major Cities: 15+
| Province/Region | Distance (km) | Key Cities | Main Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liaoning | 1,200 | Dandong, Dalian | Hushan Great Wall, Golden Pebble Beach |
| Hebei | 450 | Qinhuangdao, Tangshan | Old Dragon’s Head, Shanhaiguan |
| Tianjin | 150 | Tianjin | Modern ports, Seafood Street |
| Shandong | 1,100 | Dongying, Qingdao | Yellow River Delta, Tsingtao Brewery |
| Jiangsu | 950 | Lianyungang, Nantong | Ancient ports, Temples |
| Shanghai | 100 | Shanghai | The Bund, Modern harbor |
| Zhejiang | 800 | Ningbo, Wenzhou | Film cities, Fishing villages |
| Fujian | 750 | Fuzhou, Xiamen | Gulangyu Island, Tea houses |
| Guangdong | 900 | Shenzhen, Zhuhai | Modern cities, Beaches |
| Guangxi | 600 | Dongxing | Silver Beach, Border views |
Time Zones and Driving Hours
Even though China uses one time zone, sunlight hours change as you drive south. Here’s what to expect:
- Northern section: Summer sunrise around 4:30 AM
- Southern section: Summer sunrise around 6:00 AM
- Best driving hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Rest stops: Found every 50-100 km
Road Conditions
The G228 offers different road types:
- 60% newly paved highways
- 30% regular two-lane roads
- 10% city streets
Most of the route has:
- Clear signs in Chinese and English
- Regular gas stations
- Rest areas with food and bathrooms
- Cell phone coverage
- Emergency phones every 2 km
Northern Coastal Wonders: Liaoning to Tianjin Journey
Dandong to Tianjin: Where History Meets the Sea
The northern section of G228 starts in Dandong and takes you through three distinct regions: Liaoning Province, Hebei Province, and Tianjin. This stretch offers a perfect mix of historical sites and coastal views.
Key Stops and Attractions
1. Hushan Great Wall Park
- Location: Dandong, Liaoning
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Best time to visit: April-October
The trip begins at China’s easternmost Great Wall section. Here, you can see something special – the place where the Great Wall meets the sea. The wall stretches down to the Yalu River, which marks the border between China and North Korea. The best time for photos is early morning when the sun rises over the river.
2. Dalian’s Golden Pebble Beach
- Distance from Dandong: 280 km
- Driving time: 3.5 hours
- Best features: Rock formations, clean beaches
Golden Pebble Beach shows you why Dalian is called “The Pearl of Northern China.” The beach gets its name from the smooth, golden rocks that cover its shore. You’ll find:
- 30 km of pristine coastline
- Natural rock sculptures
- Clear water perfect for swimming (June-September)
- Seafood restaurants serving fresh catches
3. Old Dragon’s Head
- Location: Qinhuangdao, Hebei
- Distance from Dalian: 450 km
- Historical significance: Ming Dynasty fortress
This fortress marks another spot where the Great Wall meets the sea. Built in 1381, it protected China from pirates. Today, you can:
- Walk on restored wall sections
- Visit the Temple of the Sea God
- See ancient military buildings
- Take photos where the wall touches the water
Local Food Guide
Each area offers unique dishes you should try:
Dandong Specialties:
- Korean-influenced cold noodles
- Fresh river fish
- Border-style dumplings
Dalian Must-Tries:
- Seafood hotpot
- Grilled squid
- Sea cucumber dishes
Qinhuangdao Favorites:
- Boiled crabs
- Steamed clams
- Seaweed soup
Practical Tips
Weather Considerations:
- Spring (March-May): Cool, good for sightseeing
- Summer (June-August): Warm, perfect for beaches
- Fall (September-November): Cool, clear skies
- Winter (December-February): Cold, snow possible
Driving Tips:
- Keep your speed between 60-100 km/h
- Watch for fog near the coast
- Plan extra time for photo stops
- Fill up gas in major cities
Shandong Peninsula Adventure: Where Mountains Meet the Sea
Journey from Dongying to Qingdao
| City | Distance from Start | Key Attractions | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dongying | 0 km | Yellow River Delta | March-May |
| Yantai | 280 km | Wine Region, Beaches | June-September |
| Weihai | 450 km | Liugong Island | April-October |
| Qingdao | 620 km | Beer Factory, Marina | May-October |
The Shandong Peninsula stretch of G228 shows you a different side of China’s coast. Here, mountains run right down to the sea, creating views you won’t find anywhere else. This section takes about 3-4 days to explore properly.
Yellow River Delta National Park
The Yellow River meets the sea here in a display that changes with each season. The delta spreads across 153,000 hectares, offering:
Wildlife Viewing:
- Red-crowned cranes (October-March)
- Black-beaked gulls
- River dolphins
- Over 300 bird species
Best Photo Spots:
- Observation Tower (coordinates: 37°45’N, 119°09’E)
- Wetland bridges
- River mouth viewpoint
- Sunset viewing platform
Chengshantou: China’s Best Sunrise
Known as “China’s First Peninsula,” Chengshantou sits at the easternmost tip of Shandong. Here’s what makes it special:
Viewing Times:
- Summer sunrise: 4:30 AM
- Winter sunrise: 6:45 AM
- Best months: April-October
- Clear days: 240+ per year
Key Features:
- Lighthouse Museum
- Rock formations
- Fishing village
- Temple of the Sea Goddess
Qingdao: Beer City by the Sea
The final stop on this section brings you to China’s famous beer city. Qingdao offers:
Must-Visit Spots:
- Tsingtao Beer Museum
- Free beer tasting
- Photo opportunities
- Beer-making process display
- Old German District
- European architecture
- Seaside parks
- Beer gardens
- Local seafood restaurants
Beach Activities:
- Number 1 Bathing Beach
- Number 6 Beach (less crowded)
- Golden Beach
- Silver Beach
Practical Information
Road Conditions:
- Mostly new highway
- Some mountain sections
- Regular rest stops
- Clear signage
Weather Tips:
| Season | Temperature Range | Weather Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 15-20°C | Light rain |
| Summer | 25-30°C | Humid |
| Fall | 15-25°C | Clear skies |
| Winter | 0-10°C | Occasional snow |
Local Food Guide:
- Qingdao Beer Fish
- Yantai apples
- Weihai seafood soup
- Dongying river crab
Eastern China’s Urban-Coastal Mix: Jiangsu to Zhejiang
From Bustling Ports to Peaceful Villages
The journey from Lianyungang to Wenzhou takes you through China’s most developed coastal region. This section connects three areas: Jiangsu Province, Shanghai Municipality, and Zhejiang Province.
Lianyungang to Shanghai Stretch
Modern Ports and Ancient Stories Lianyungang marks the starting point of China’s ancient Silk Road. Today, massive container ships share the water with traditional fishing boats. Stop at the East China Sea Crystal Museum to see rare minerals from around China, or climb Huaguo Mountain where the Monkey King story began.
Travel Times and Distances:
| From | To | Distance | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lianyungang | Nantong | 450 km | 5 hours |
| Nantong | Shanghai | 150 km | 2 hours |
| Shanghai | Ningbo | 220 km | 3 hours |
| Ningbo | Wenzhou | 330 km | 4 hours |
Shanghai: The Bund and Beyond
Must-See Spots:
- The Bund Waterfront
- Best timing: sunset to 10 PM
- Free entry
- 52 historic buildings
- River cruise options
- Yangshan Deep Water Port
- World’s largest automated port
- Viewing platform available
- Free entry with ID
- Best photos: morning light
Ningbo’s Hidden Gems
Film City and Cultural Sites:
- Ningbo Film Studio Base
- Working film sets
- Ancient street recreations
- Guided tours available
- Traditional Fishing Ports:
- Shipu Ancient Port
- Morning fish markets
- Seafood restaurants
- Local boat rides
Wenzhou’s Coastal Charm
Natural and Cultural Attractions:
- Nanji Island
- UNESCO Marine Reserve
- Clear waters
- Diving spots
- Local seafood markets
- Yandang Mountain
- Spiritual temples
- Rock formations
- Hiking trails
- Waterfall views
Travel Tips
Best Times to Visit:
- March-May: Spring flowers, mild weather
- September-November: Clear skies, perfect temperatures
- June-August: Hot but good for beaches
- December-February: Cold but fewer tourists
Navigation Notes:
- Use Chinese GPS apps
- Download offline maps
- Keep cash for local areas
- Have Chinese translation app ready
Local Food Guide by City:
Lianyungang:
- Sea cucumber dishes
- Fresh mackerel
- Steamed crab
Shanghai:
- Xiaolongbao dumplings
- Hairy crab (autumn)
- Local wine bars
Ningbo:
- Yellow croaker noodles
- Tangyuan sweet soup
- Rice dumplings
Wenzhou:
- Fish balls
- Sweet rice cakes
- Red bayberry (summer)
Southern Coastal Paradise: Fujian to Guangxi Adventure
The Tropical Side of China’s Coast
The final stretch of G228 takes you through China’s southern provinces, where tropical weather meets ancient culture. This section runs from Fuzhou through Guangdong and ends in Guangxi’s Dongxing city.
Route Breakdown by Province
Fujian Province Route
| City | Distance | Key Attractions | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuzhou | Start | Three Lanes and Seven Alleys | 1 day |
| Quanzhou | 180 km | Maritime Silk Road sites | 1 day |
| Xiamen | 275 km | Gulangyu Island | 2 days |
Guangdong Highlights
| City | Distance | Key Attractions | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shantou | 325 km | Qing Dynasty Port | 1 day |
| Shenzhen | 480 km | Dapeng Peninsula | 2 days |
| Zhuhai | 140 km | Beach Resort Area | 1 day |
Gulangyu Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Essential Information:
- Island entry: Free
- Best visit time: 2-3 days
- No cars allowed on island
What Makes It Special:
- Piano Museum with 100+ antique pianos
- Victorian architecture
- Hidden beaches
- Local Minnan cuisine
- Street music performances
Dapeng Peninsula Experience
Beach Options:
- Dongchong Beach: Surfing spot
- Xichong Beach: Quiet, natural
- Nan’ao Beach: Water sports
- Da’ao Beach: Fishing village views
Activities:
- Surfing lessons
- Beach camping spots
- Seafood BBQ areas
- Hiking trails
Silver Beach in Beihai
Beach Details:
- Length: 24 kilometers
- Sand type: White quartz
- Water temperature: 20-28°C
- Best months: March-November
Activities Available:
- Water skiing
- Jet skiing
- Beach volleyball
- Night fishing
- Sunset cruises
Weather and Climate Guide
Temperature Ranges:
| Season | Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| Spring | 20-25°C |
| Summer | 28-35°C |
| Fall | 22-28°C |
| Winter | 15-20°C |
Rainfall Patterns:
- May-September: Frequent rain
- October-April: Drier season
- Typhoon season: July-September
- Best travel months: October-December
Cultural Tips and Local Customs
Fujian Province:
- Tea ceremony traditions
- Local Min Opera shows
- Tulou architecture visits
- Oyster farming visits
Guangdong Area:
- Cantonese dim sum
- Traditional lion dances
- Local markets
- Temple visits
Guangxi Region:
- Border culture
- Vietnamese influence
- Minority crafts
- Festival celebrations
Essential Travel Tips
Road Safety:
- Watch for tropical rain
- Keep emergency numbers
- Check weather updates
- Plan for ferry crossings
What to Pack:
- Light clothing
- Rain gear
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent
- Swimming gear
Language Help:
- Learn basic Cantonese phrases
- Download translation apps
- Keep hotel cards in Chinese
- Save emergency contacts
Practical Planning Tips
Best Seasons for Different Sections
Northern Section (Dandong to Tianjin)
| Season | Pros | Cons | Average Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Clear skies | Cool winds | 10-20°C |
| Summer | Beach weather | Crowds | 25-30°C |
| Fall | Perfect temps | Some rain | 15-25°C |
| Winter | Snow views | Cold winds | -5-5°C |
Central Section (Shandong to Zhejiang)
| Season | Pros | Cons | Average Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Cherry blossoms | Rain | 15-25°C |
| Summer | Beach activities | Humid | 28-35°C |
| Fall | Clear days | Tourism peak | 20-28°C |
| Winter | Fewer tourists | Cold | 5-15°C |
Southern Section (Fujian to Guangxi)
| Season | Pros | Cons | Average Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Warm weather | Some rain | 20-28°C |
| Summer | Tropical feel | Typhoons | 30-35°C |
| Fall | Perfect weather | High season | 25-30°C |
| Winter | Pleasant temps | Cool nights | 15-25°C |
Navigation Tips
Essential Apps:
- Baidu Maps
- WeChat for payments
- Translator apps
- Weather alerts
Road Signs Guide:
- Green: Highways
- Blue: City routes
- Brown: Tourist spots
- Red: Warnings
Vehicle Rental Options
NAVO Rental Services:
- Insurance included
- 24/7 support
- English service
Local Driving Rules
Basic Guidelines:
- Drive on right side
- Speed limits: 60-120 km/h
- No phone use while driving
- Seatbelts required
Parking Rules:
- Blue lines: Paid parking
- Yellow lines: No parking
- White lines: Free parking
- Always get tickets
Cultural Insights: Understanding Local Life Along G228
Regional Food Adventures
Northern Coast Food Scene
| Region | Famous Dish | Price Range | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalian | Seafood dumplings | ¥30-50 | All year |
| Qingdao | Beer fish | ¥50-80 | Summer |
| Yantai | Sweet and sour carp | ¥40-60 | Spring |
Local Food Tips:
- Try breakfast at local markets
- Look for restaurants full of locals
- Fresh seafood prices drop at sunset
Eastern Coastal Flavors
| City | Must-Try Food | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Xiaolongbao | Yu Garden |
| Ningbo | Yellow croaker | Old Town |
| Wenzhou | Fish balls | Night markets |
Southern Specialties
- Fujian red wine chicken
- Chaozhou fish soup
- Hainanese chicken rice
- Beihai seafood hotpot
Local Customs Guide
Temple Visits:
- Remove shoes when asked
- No photos of main altars
- Bow slightly to monks
- Walk clockwise around temples
Dining Etiquette:
- Wait for elders to eat first
- Tap table to thank tea pourer
- Share dishes family-style
- Leave small amount of food
Regional Festivals
Northern Region:
- Ice Festival (January)
- Dragon Boat races (June)
- Mid-Autumn Festival (September)
- Fishing Festival (October)
Central Coast:
- Tea Picking Festival (April)
- Beer Festival (August)
- Seafood Festival (September)
- Lantern Festival (February)
Southern Area:
- Spring Festival celebrations
- Ghost Festival
- Double Ninth Festival
- Winter Solstice events
Shopping Tips
Best Buys by Region:
| Region | Items |
|---|---|
| North | – Jade items |
| – Sea cucumbers | |
| – Local beer | |
| – Dried seafood | |
| Central | – Tea sets |
| – Pearl jewelry | |
| – Silk products | |
| – Local wines | |
| South | – Ceramic art |
| – Tea varieties | |
| – Dried fruits | |
| – Handmade crafts |
Conclusion
If you’re planning your next road trip, the G228 Coastal Highway should be at the top of your list. It’s a journey that promises to surprise, delight, and educate, all while showing you the true beauty of China’s coast. Start planning your trip today, and get ready for a ride of a lifetime!