I don't recommend going to Yantai in January
Yantai is a coastal city favored by God! It has beautiful coastlines, fresh sea breezes, abundant seafood, and endless beautiful scenery. During my three-day trip to Yantai, I was enchanted every moment.
Yantai is located in the northeast of the Shandong Peninsula, facing the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea. It is a city with fairyland-like scenery. The climate is pleasant, with four distinct seasons. It has both modern urban features and coastal villages with fishing culture. The natural and cultural landscapes complement each other, making it a great place for leisure and vacation.
Transportation Guide
• External transportation: You can fly directly to Yantai Penglai International Airport. The airport shuttle bus can take you to all major places in the city. You can also take a high-speed train to Yantai Station or Yantai South Station. Yantai Station is closer to the city attractions.
• Internal transportation: Most city buses cost 1–2 yuan and support Alipay and WeChat Pay. Taxis are also convenient, and the starting price is not high. If you want to go to the beach or surrounding attractions, rent an electric bike and ride along the coastline, enjoying the sea breeze and the sea view. It's so comfortable.
Recommended Itinerary
Day 1: Yantai Mountain Scenic Area - Changyu Wine Culture Museum - Binhai Square - Moon Bay
Day 2: Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area - Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Scenic Area
Day 3: Yangma Island - Haichang Fisherman's Wharf
9 Must-Visit Attractions
1. Yantai Mountain Scenic Area: The mountain is home to many former foreign consulates and European-style buildings, each with its own style, making you feel like you are in a European town. Stroll along the winding mountain road, enjoy the beautiful scenery of red tiles, green trees, blue sea, and blue sky, and visit the Yantai Opening History Museum to learn about the city's past. At the top of the mountain, you can overlook the entire Yantai city and harbor, with a very wide view and a particularly pleasant mood.
2. Changyu Wine Culture Museum: Here you can learn about the winemaking process and the history of the Changyu brand. Visit the underground wine cellar, taste various wines, and feel the charm of wine culture. The museum also has some interactive experiences, such as making a bottle of wine by yourself, which is very interesting and educational.
3. Binhai Square: The square is built along the coastline, with beautiful scenery and many unique sculptures and buildings around. Come here for a walk in the evening, enjoy the night view of the lights, and watch street performers. It's very lively. Walk along the Binhai Trail, listen to the waves lapping against the shore, and feel the sea breeze. It's very relaxing.
4. Moon Bay: Named for its crescent-shaped bay, the water here is clear and the sand is fine. You can take photos on the rocks by the sea, check in at the popular Moon Old Man sculpture, and pray for a beautiful love. You can also pick up shells and wade on the beach, get close to the sea, and enjoy a leisurely seaside time.
5. Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area: One of the four famous ancient buildings in China, the ancient buildings are magnificent, with pavilions and towers scattered around. Climb up to Penglai Pavilion and look out at the sea in the distance. In the mist, you can really see the legendary fairyland. There are also many historical and cultural relics in the scenic area, such as the Qi Jiguang Memorial Hall, where you can learn more about the history and culture of Penglai.
6. Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Scenic Area: With the theme of the Eight Immortals legend, the architectural style is full of mythical colors. Walk across the long Eight Immortals Bridge, admire the pavilions and towers on the sea, and feel the charm of the mythological story. The natural scenery in the scenic area is also good. The rocks and beaches by the sea attract many tourists to take photos, as if they are also part of the story of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea.
7. Yangma Island: The island has a pleasant climate and beautiful scenery, known as the "Hawaii of the East." Rent an electric bike to ride around the island, enjoy the sea view and sea erosion landforms along the way, and see flocks of seagulls soaring in the sky. You can swim and sunbathe at the beach, enjoying the leisure and comfort of an island vacation. There are many seafood restaurants on the island, where you can enjoy fresh and delicious seafood feasts after playing.
8. Haichang Fisherman's Wharf: With European-style buildings and bustling commercial streets, it is full of romance. You can walk on the wooden boardwalk by the sea, enjoy the beautiful sea view, and visit various specialty shops to buy souvenirs. There are also ocean-themed venues near the wharf, such as the Whale Shark Pavilion, which is suitable for visiting with children to see various marine creatures and broaden their horizons.
9. Golden Beach Seaside Park: The sand is golden and fine, soft and shiny in the sun. You can set up a tent on the beach, have a picnic, play beach volleyball, and enjoy the fun of the sun and sand. In the evening, you can also enjoy the beautiful sunset, with the sky dyed orange-red and reflected on the sea, like a dream.
Travel Experience
These three days in Yantai made me linger in this city. The sea in Yantai has a unique charm, sometimes gentle and calm, sometimes surging, and every scenery makes my heart flutter. The pace of life here is not fast, making people feel particularly comfortable and relaxed, able to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax completely. Moreover, the people of Yantai are warm and hospitable, making me feel the warmth of home. When I left, I was full of reluctance, looking forward to coming back to Yantai next time to continue exploring its beauty.
Local Food Recommendations
1. Yantai Menzi: Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, with a smooth texture. Paired with special sesame sauce and garlic juice, the taste is rich and mellow. One bite is full of happiness. It is a traditional snack in Yantai and a must-try!
2. Mackerel Dumplings: The dumpling skin is chewy, and the mackerel filling is tender and juicy, with a very fresh taste. Take a bite, and the fresh fish soup spreads in your mouth without any fishy smell. Dip it in some vinegar, and it's a delicacy that makes you want more.
3. Seaweed Buns: The bun skin is soft, and the filling is fresh seaweed, with a refreshing and delicious taste and a slight seafood flavor. It is fresh and not greasy, rich in nutrients, and a popular seaside food. Have two for breakfast, and you'll be full of energy.
4. Penglai Noodles: The noodles are thin and resilient, and the soup is fresh and delicious. The noodles are topped with various seafood and lean meat, with a rich flavor. A bowl of steaming Penglai noodles whets the appetite. The price is affordable, and the portion is generous. It is one of the daily foods of local residents.
5. Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallions: The sea cucumber is thick and soft, with a strong scallion flavor. This dish is delicately made, with a rich taste and rich nutrition. It is a classic dish in Shandong cuisine. In Yantai, you can taste authentic braised sea cucumber with scallions and feel the unique charm of Shandong cuisine.
6. Spicy Stir-fried Octopus: The octopus is fresh and chewy, and after being stir-fried with chili, it is fragrant and spicy, with a very rich flavor. Paired with onions, green peppers, and other side dishes, it is colorful and rich in taste. It is a good dish to go with wine, and it is irresistible.
Tips
1. Pay attention to sun protection when playing by the sea. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, and other sun protection products to avoid sunburn.
2. When tasting seafood, choose fresh ingredients to avoid eating spoiled seafood and causing stomach discomfort. If you have a weak stomach, you can prepare some stomach medicine in advance.
3. There are many tourists in Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area and Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Scenic Area. Book tickets online in advance to avoid long waiting times.
4. When renting an electric bike on Yangma Island, check whether the battery and brakes are normal to ensure riding safety.
Yantai is a treasure city. Come and start your Yantai journey!