Don't know where to go for water fun? Come here!

**Yangma Island Travel Guide** (with recommended check-in spots and photo references) **📍 Yangma Island Overview** Located in Muping District, Yantai City, Shandong Province, Yangma Island is a picturesque island named after the legend that Emperor Qin Shi Huang once raised horses here during his eastern tour. Known as the "Little Maldives of the North," it boasts crystal-clear waters and rugged reefs, making it perfect for road trips, cycling, photography, and beachcombing. --- **🚗 Transportation Guide** - **Self-drive**: From downtown Yantai to Yangma Island (about 30 minutes). The island has a ring road suitable for driving or renting an e-bike (~¥50/day). - **Public transport**: Take bus 61/62 from Yantai to "Longhu Holiday Hotel" station, then a 10-minute taxi ride to the island. - **Island transport**: Rent an e-bike or bicycle for a 2-3 hour tour of major attractions. --- **🌊 Must-Visit Spots** 1. **Tianma Square** (Landmark check-in) - The central square with a giant winged horse sculpture, ideal for photos. - 📸 **Photo spots**: Horse sculpture, viewing platform for panoramic island views. 2. **Seawater Bathing Beach** (Summer water fun) - Fine sand and clear water, great for swimming and sand play (best in summer). - 📸 **Photo spots**: Beach loungers, seaside swings. 3. **Zhang Island Scenic Area** (Viral wooden boardwalk) - Red wooden walkway + glass viewing platform, perfect for coastal photography. - 📸 **Photo spots**: Ocean views from the walkway, reef clusters (beachcombing at low tide). 4. **Qinfeng Cliff** (Sunset hotspot) - Statues of Qin Shi Huang and white horses, stunning evening silhouettes. - 📸 **Photo spots**: Sunset-lit horses, cliffside platform. 5. **Island Diary** (Artsy café) - Instagrammable white café facing the sea, ideal for breaks and photos. - 📸 **Photo spots**: Café terrace, white staircase. 6. **Lotus Sunset** (Hidden gem) - Secluded spot with a natural "cave frame" for moody silhouette shots. - 📸 **Photo spots**: Ocean views from inside the cave (accessible at low tide). --- **📅 Recommended Itinerary** - **Half-day**: Tianma Square → Seawater Beach → Zhang Island Boardwalk → Qinfeng Cliff (sunset). - **Full-day**: E-bike island loop → All viral spots → Island Diary café → Lotus Sunset cave photos. --- **🍽️ Food Recs** - **Seafood feast**: Try fresh sea urchin, crab, and abalone at local eateries (e.g., "Xinyang Restaurant"). - **Yantai specialties**: Mackerel dumplings, sea intestine rice (cheaper downtown). --- **📷 Photo References** (Search these for stunning visuals): 1. **Zhang Island red boardwalk**: Curved walkway + blue seas, highly photogenic. 2. **Qinfeng Cliff sunset**: Horse statues at dusk, cinematic vibes. 3. **Lotus Sunset cave**: Framed ocean views from inside. 4. **Island Diary café**: White architecture + blue sea, Instagram gold. --- **⚠️ Tips** 1. **Best season**: June–October (swimmable summer; fewer crowds September–October). 2. **Beachcombing**: Check tide tables (low tide reveals crabs/starfish). 3. **Sun protection**: Strong UV—wear hats/sunscreen. 4. **Heads-up**: - Some spots (e.g., Lotus Sunset cave) require low tide. - Island dining is pricier; pack snacks or eat downtown. --- **🚩 Verdict** Yangma Island suits slow-paced, photo-loving travelers. Stay overnight for serene mornings. Road trippers can explore Yantai (Penglai Pavilion, Fisherman’s Wharf) en route.