Xinhua Silk Road: Park golf tourism gains popularity among ROK tourists to Weihai, Shandong

Weihai, a coastal city in east China’s Shandong Province, has become a favored destination for tourists from the Republic of Korea (ROK) seeking to play park golf. The city’s geographic proximity, pleasant environment, and convenient transportation links have contributed to its rising popularity, according to the Weihai Bureau of Culture and Tourism. Weihai has renovated and expanded its park golf courses, integrating coastal scenery, cultural experiences, wellness retreats, and homestays into tourism routes. Park golf has grown in popularity in the ROK, and Weihai’s location across the sea from the country makes it an attractive option. Tourists have praised the city’s wide views, beautiful surroundings, and pleasant sea breeze while engaging in sports. A visitor from the ROK noted that China’s visa-free policy has further simplified travel to Weihai. Tourism data shows over 37,000 overseas arrivals were recorded at Weihai and Shidao’s frontier inspection stations in the first five months of 2026, a 50% increase year-on-year. More than 80% of visitors entered under visa-free arrangements, up 36% from the previous year. The continued implementation of China’s visa-free policies is expected to sustain strong growth in inbound and outbound travel. Weihai’s exit and entry frontier inspection stations have enhanced border clearance services to support tourism growth. The stations offer appointment-based clearance for large tour groups, with experienced officers and bilingual personnel providing consultation, guidance, and assistance. Shidao’s inspection station has also established a Korean-language service team to assist with document processing, luggage handling, and coordination with travel agencies and transport operators. These efforts ensure a seamless experience for overseas travelers, reinforcing Weihai’s position as an international and visitor-friendly tourism destination. The city’s focus on high-quality border services aligns with its broader strategy to attract more tourists from the ROK and beyond.