One of the homestays that the "A Date with China – Meet Shandong" international media tour group stayed in the Linjialiu village in Weihai, East China's Shandong province. [Photo by Yang Xiaoyu/chinadaily.com.cn]

Sanggou Bay Marine Ranch receives about 80,000 tourists every year since it was established in 2015, according to Yu Yongchao, manager of the ranch's tourism sector. "There are four or five marine ranches in Weihai and it holds great appeal to tourists from inland areas. Visiting the marine ranch has become one of the must-dos in Weihai," he said.

Desca said that her favorite experience was living in a homestay in Weihai.

"While staying in a hotel is comfortable, a homestay offers a different experience, especially since the yard is large and full of flowers, making it feel like home," said the Indonesian journalist.

The homestay that accommodated Desca is located within the Linjialiu village, just a stone's throw away from the beach.

"In the middle of the housing complex, there are gardens, wheat fields and other agricultural land. This setting provides an escape from the business of big cities like Beijing," she said.