China · Shandong
Yantai Travel Guide
The city of "Penglai immortals": Qin emperor legend, sea mirages, the Changyu wine legacy and islands where the sea is clearer than the sky.
China · Shandong
The city of "Penglai immortals": Qin emperor legend, sea mirages, the Changyu wine legacy and islands where the sea is clearer than the sky.
The mythic terrace where the Eight Immortals crossed the sea — and where sea mirages appear.
Half-Moon Bay, Jiuzhang Cliff and Wangfu Reef on the offshore island county.
The Bohai coast plates scallops, abalone, prawns and oysters straight from the boats.
China’s wine industry began in Yantai — tour the Changyu cellars and museum.
A horse-breeding isle with sea urchins, scallops and weekend horse races.
Low-tide forays for shells and sea snails on the city beaches.
Two days cover Yantaishan, Changyu and Yangma; add a third for Penglai and Changdao.
May to October is mild and clear; summer is the peak season for swimming.
Ferries run from Penglai every half hour (about 40 minutes) — check weather before travelling.
A seafood feast, plus Yantai apples and Changyu wine.
Domestic and international flights land at the city’s airport, linked to the city centre by metro and airport shuttles.
High-speed rail (CRH) connects most Chinese cities; the main station is close to the centre with metro transfer.
Long-distance coaches serve nearby towns and provinces from the main bus station.
Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to flag; a 3 km city trip starts around ¥14.
Car rental with a local driver is available for day trips to the countryside and coastline.
The city’s symbol — a 53 m hill ringed by sea on three sides, with the old lighthouse and forts.
The "fairyland" terrace above the sea, where the Eight Immortals legend lives.
Half-Moon Bay’s pebble beach, Jiuzhang Cliff and Wangfu Reef — a ferry ride from Penglai.
China’s first modern winery — cellars, tastings and the story of Yantai wine.
Rake the beach flats at low tide for shells and sea snails.
Sample the Changyu legacy at the museum cellars.
Weekend races and riding on the island.
The Eight Immortals folklore, sea mirages and the old water city.
The first registered youth hostel in Shandong — friendly and central.
Island stay with sea views, from ¥760.
Steps from Yantaishan and the first bathing beach.
Full hotel lists across Shandong on our hotels page.
Scallops, abalone, prawns, oysters and sea urchins — the Bohai classic.
Crisp sweet apples, a local pride.
Pair the feast with Yantai’s own vintage.
Island-style dumplings stuffed with fresh sea fillings.
The perfect Yantai gift — take home a bottle from the museum.
Scallops and kelp from the harbour market.
Browse Shandong specialties on our specialty pages.
One to two days: the pavilion, the water city and the islands.
A forest day at the Jiulong Pool.
A scenic Buddhist-culture park at Longkou, west of the city.
Yantaishan, Changyu wine, Yangma Island and the beaches. View the plan →
Yantaishan & Wine Climb Yantaishan for the sea views and lighthouse, then the Changyu Wine Culture Museum for cellars and tastings.
Yangma Island & Beaches Ferry or drive to Yangma Island for scallops, sea urchins and weekend races; afternoon back on the first bathing beach.
Add the pavilion, the water city and the islands. View the plan →
Yantaishan & Changyu The hill, the lighthouse and the wine museum — a city-and-cellar day.
Penglai Pavilion The fairy-tale terrace, the old water city and the sea-miracle legend; stay overnight in Penglai.
Changdao Islands Half-Moon Bay’s pebble beach, Jiuzhang Cliff and Wangfu Reef — ferry back in the evening.
A 3-day trip costs about ¥1500, including Penglai and the Changdao ferry.
Yantai-Penglai International Airport and high-speed rail at Yantai South station.
Yantai tourism information is easy to reach in the city centre.
May to October; check ferry weather before the Changdao crossing.
Tickets, hotels, train seats and local drivers arranged by our team — free of charge, no obligation.
Penglai, Changdao, Changyu and more.
Licensed local operators.
Souvenirs and food products.