Rizhao

Rizhao, whose name means 'where the sun shines first,' is a coastal city on Shandong's southeastern seaboard facing the Yellow Sea. It is one of northern China's most popular beach destinations, with long stretches of clean sand at Wanpingkou and a coastal national forest park. The deep-water Port of Rizhao is one of China's largest bulk-cargo harbors, handling iron ore, coal and grain. The surrounding hills produce Rizhao green tea, one of the northernmost tea crops in China, while the city is also a national water-sports training base. Its own airport and high-speed rail connect it to Qingdao and beyond. For an international student it offers a relaxed seaside setting with a growing university district.