Must-Read! Complete Guide to Avoiding Tourist Traps in Yantai, Save Now

Yantai Travel Guide: A Magical Journey of Mountains, Sea, and City Life Located on the shores of the Yellow Sea at 37° north latitude, Yantai shines like a pearl, famous for its reputation as a "Fairyland Coast." Here you'll find both the thousand-year-old charm of Penglai Pavilion and the stunning "jelly sea" views of Yangma Island; the wine aroma of Changyu Winery mingles with the lively atmosphere of night markets, creating a unique urban flavor. Recommended Classic Itineraries 3 Days 2 Nights Highlights Tour Day 1: Stroll through Zhifu District's Old Town Morning: Visit Yantai Mountain, wander through the consulate building complex, and climb to the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Yellow and Bohai Seas (lighthouse ticket: 10 yuan). Noon: Try the sea intestine rice at "Rongxiang Seafood Restaurant" on Chaoyang Street. Afternoon: Explore Suocheng Ancient Street and experience cultural creativity and coffee shops. Evening: Take photos at Fisherman's Wharf and stay at Shimao Hilton to enjoy the night view of Zhifu Bay. Day 2: Explore the Fairyland of Penglai Drive 1 hour to Penglai Pavilion and view the legendary spot where the Eight Immortals crossed the sea (120 yuan combo ticket including cable car). Afternoon: Take a boat to Changdao Island, visit Jiuzhang Cliff at sunset and Moon Bay Pebble Beach. Stay overnight at a fisherman's home and enjoy a seafood feast. Day 3: Tour Around Yangma Island Rent an electric vehicle (50 yuan/day) to circle the island, visit the Zhang Island wooden walkway and Lotus Sunset Cave. Return to the city in the evening to see the "Lonely Whale" at Golden Beach and collect shells during low tide. If you have more time, a 5-day in-depth tour could include wine tasting and DIY at Changyu Castel Winery, hiking at Wuyan Temple on Kunyu Mountain, or beach combing at Xikou Village on Zhifu Island. Must-Try Food For seafood, visit Wangjiao Fishing Village, or buy seafood at Hongli Market and have it cooked at nearby restaurants. Try the 3-yuan small noodles with fresh scallop broth at Penglai Jianxing Restaurant. Local specialties worth trying include Yantai Menzi, Fushan noodles, and Gangzitou fire-baked bread. From July to September, you can pick cherries and apples, and don't forget to taste Changyu wines. Transportation and Accommodation Guide Yantai Penglai International Airport offers shuttle buses to downtown; Yantai Station is in the city center, while South Station is a bit farther; renting a car is convenient for visiting remote suburbs. Within the city, scan QR codes for public buses, and shared bikes are convenient at scenic spots. Recommended accommodations include sea-view hotels in Zhifu District, family-friendly hotels at Golden Beach, or fishermen's homestays on Changdao Island. Practical Tips Confirm prices before dining at scenic spots; summer fog often obscures the mirage phenomenon, and winter requires wind protection; transportation on Changdao Island is limited, so consider hiring a car; check tide tables before beach combing and bring proper tools. Yantai is beautiful in all seasons: spring for cherry blossoms, summer for swimming, autumn for seafood, and winter for snow scenes. Whether you're traveling with family, taking photos, or seeking cultural experiences, you'll find your preferred way to enjoy the unique charm of this city where mountains, sea, and culture blend together.