Where to go to see the sea in summer? A complete travel guide to Yantai, Shandong! Recommended attractions and delicious food
Preface
The three gold medals won by Chinese athletes on the first day of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have made headlines. Beyond the impressive achievements, the stories behind the champions are also captivating. For example, in the women's individual epee event, Yantai athlete Sun Yiwen secured the victory with a single strike, drawing cheers and applause from her hometown. Such heartwarming news has added a touch of color to this summer.
Let's explore the warm and welcoming city of Yantai, Shandong. What to do in summer? What to eat? Where to go?
The sea and mountains of Yantai
Yantai, a city where fairyland and simplicity coexist
Yantai's tourism slogan, "A Wonderland of Mountains and Seas, a City of Wine," reflects its rich history and abundant resources. Its unique geographical location also makes it a popular choice for summer seaside viewing.
How much do you know about Yantai’s history?
Yantai is one of the birthplaces of early Chinese culture, with a flourishing Baishi culture dating back 7,000 years. During the Wei and Jin dynasties, the "Wei Stele" stone carvings on Wenfeng Mountain here pioneered the principles of regular script. Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, Yantai has served as a starting point for China's Maritime Silk Road. Yantai was established as a port in 1861, becoming one of the earliest cities in northern China. Sixteen countries have established consulates here.
Local culture looks at these?
Sun-worshipping ancestors
Yantai is one of the earliest areas where humans have thrived. About 1.5 kilometers from the coast in the southwest of Yantai's Zhifu District, 7,000 years ago, there was a small harbor. Here, the Baishi people, whose primary means of livelihood were a combination of fishing and agriculture, created a splendid prehistoric culture.
Image from tourists: Jin Yu
The place where Qin Shihuang made three eastern tours
After unifying China, Qin Shi Huang made three eastern tours, all of which he visited Yantai. The first of these tours took place in 219 BC. At the age of 40, he traveled eastward along the Bohai Bay, inspecting the eastern seaboard in search of the elixir of immortality.
Maritime Silk Road
Yantai's Zhifu Bay, with its deep waters, flat shoals, and protected backwaters, is a natural harbor. Over 1,000 years ago during the Tang Dynasty, Dengzhou (with its seat in Penglai) was a nationally renowned seaport, one of the four major treaty ports along with Guangzhou, Jiaozhou, and Yangzhou, serving as a major gateway to the world from the north.
The birthplace of Chinese wine
In 1892, Zhang Bishi, a Chinese expatriate living in Southeast Asia, founded the Changyu Brewing Company in Yantai, hiring the Austrian consul in Yantai as his winemaker. This success was achieved. In 1915, Changyu Wine won an international gold medal; in 1920, the Liquan Beer Company was established. Yantai has set and broken numerous world records maintained by the World Records Association, creating numerous world records.
Image from tourists: Jin Yu
Recommended one-day attractions in Zhifu District (downtown)
Zhifu District, one of China's earliest trading ports, is named after Zhifu Island, China's largest and world-renowned land-connected island to its north. The authoritative Encyclopedia Britannica even refers to Yantai as "Chefoo." Research at the Baishi Village site indicates that human habitation and development in Zhifu District dates back approximately 7,000 years to the Neolithic period.
It is also the urban area of Yantai, so whether you come to Yantai specifically for tourism or as the starting and ending city of your Shandong Peninsula tour for a day trip, it is worth a careful visit. Today I recommend some attractions worth visiting.
Yantai Mountain: The origin of the name Yantai
Yantai's name is derived from the only well-preserved and densely packed modern foreign consulate complex in Asia. Located at the northern end of the city, it is surrounded by the sea on three sides, offering a beautiful environment and captivating scenery. Covering 45 hectares, it boasts stunning scenery, lush vegetation, clear waters, and unique reefs. A national marine park, its unique blend of mountains, sea, city, and harbor makes it a top destination for Yantai tourists.
Image from tourists: Jin Yu
Tashan: Top Ten Tourist Attractions
The Tashan Scenic Area is divided into two main areas: the Taiping Temple Scenic Area on the mountain and the entertainment area at the foot of the mountain. It boasts over 30 amusement and tourist attractions. Key attractions include: Taiping Temple, Sanhe Pagoda, Dragon King Hall, Taiping Morning Bell Guanyin Peak, the Arena, the National Defense Education Hall, the Tropical Rainforest Hall, the Children's Playground, the Qineng Slide, and the Small Animal Village. The scenic area also offers a variety of entertainment and performances, including animal competitions and acrobatic performances.
Yuhuangding Park: Little Penglai
Also known as Little Penglai, it is a scenic spot in the city known for its "elevated beauty and spiritual charm." Since ancient times, it has been said that "migrants and poets from all over the world consider it a blessing to visit this place." Its majestic beauty lies in its unwavering height, its unaided presence, and its remoteness. Although it covers only a hundred acres, it boasts winding paths and lush trees, facing the South Mountain and the North Sea, like a piece of emerald embedded in the beautiful coastal city of Yantai.
Changyu Wine Culture Museum: Yantai's cultural business card
The Changyu Wine Culture Museum, built above the century-old underground wine cellar at the original Changyu Company site, officially opened to the public on September 8, 2002, the company's 110th anniversary. The museum, focusing on Changyu's 110-year history, offers insights into wine culture and showcases the arduous journey of the Chinese wine industry and the rise of Chinese national enterprises.
Image from tourists: Jin Yu
Zhifu Island: Excellent Beach Harbor
Also known as Zhifu Mountain, it is located 9 kilometers northwest of Zhifu District, Yantai City. Its shape resembles a Ganoderma lucidum and makes it the largest land-connected island in China and one of the most typical in the world. Zhifu Bay boasts deep waters and gentle waves, remaining ice-free even in severe winters, making it an excellent harbor. To the west of Laoye Mountain's main peak lies the Kanggong Tomb, the tomb of Jiang Dai, Duke Kang of Qi, the last ruler of the Qi State during the Warring States Period. On the sunny slope of Zhifu Island lies the Yangzhu Temple, originally built during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. It was one of the temples dedicated to the "Eight Divine Generals" by the Qi monarchs and was subsequently expanded and renovated to its full size.
East Fort/Moon Bay: A Must-See
The East Fort Seaside Scenic Area, located on Kuidai Mountain in the eastern part of the city, covers an area of 2.4 hectares. It faces the sea on the west, north, and east, with towering cliffs and rocky cliffs. The coastal sightseeing avenue is located to the south, and it stands at the mouth of Yantai, along with Kongtong Island to the northeast and Zhifu Island to the northwest. East Fort is a crucial coastal defense point for Yantai and holds great historical and cultural value. Its natural scenery has been described by experts from the World Tourism Organization as "comparable to Mediterranean cities like Cannes and Nice."
Fujian Association: A Newly Popular Check-in Spot
Funded by Fujian boatmen and merchants, this enclosed classical temple, dedicated to the Sea Goddess (Tianhou Shengmu), embodies the quintessential Southern Fujian style. Its most striking feature is its ornate carvings, practically a showcase for sculpture. The variety includes wood, stone, and glass carvings, while forms range from round sculptures to reliefs and deep reliefs. The diverse sculptures are captivating. In recent years, the Fujian Guild Hall's red walls have become a popular destination for photo-ops, often reminiscent of those seen in the Forbidden City.
Image from tourists: Jin Yu
Recommended 2-3 day tours in Yantai and surrounding areas
Penglai Pavilion: 5A scenic spot
Located at the northernmost tip of the Jiaodong Peninsula, Penglai Pavilion is a nationally recognized scenic spot. It includes attractions such as Penglai Pavilion, Qi Jiguang's hometown, and the Penglai waters. Penglai Pavilion is also the site of the legendary "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea." Along with Yellow Crane Tower, Yueyang Tower, and Tengwang Pavilion, it is considered one of the "Four Famous Towers of China."
Changdao: Fairyland on the Sea
Also known as the Miaodao Islands, Changdao is located between the Jiaodong and Liaodong peninsulas, at the confluence of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea. Its pristine, high-quality mountain and seascapes create an ideal natural environment for species reproduction. Its sea cucumbers, abalone, and other marine treasures are renowned both domestically and internationally, earning it the title of "Hometown of Abalone," "Hometown of Scallops," and "Hometown of Kelp."
Sanxian Mountain: The junction of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea
Located on the shores of the Yellow Sea in Penglai, it borders the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea scenic area to the west and faces the Changshan Islands across the sea to the north. It is a shining pearl on the tourist route. The Three Immortal Mountains refer to the three immortal mountains of Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou in ancient mythology and legend.
Yangma Island: Hawaii of the East
Known as the "Hawaii of the East" for its beautiful mountains, seas, and pleasant climate, Yangma Island boasts stunning natural scenery, most notably its "One Island, Three Beaches" landscape. You might be surprised to learn that within this small island, there are three distinct waters, three distinct beaches, and three distinct waves.
Image from tourists: Jin Yu
Mou's Manor: A Century of Architectural Culture
Built in the first year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty, it boasts over 480 halls and rooms, making it the largest and most complete feudal landlord manor in China. Incorporating the finest architectural styles of northern Chinese folk art, it possesses a rich history and culture.
Yantai, a place that makes foodies happy
Located at 119°34′~121°57′ east longitude and 36°16′~38°23′ north latitude, it is surrounded by mountains and the sea and has a pleasant climate. To borrow the words from "A Bite of China", the gifts from nature make Yantai's foodies extremely happy.
Endless fruit
Yantai Apple (Qixia)
Yantai's city tree is the apple tree! Apple cultivation in Yantai has a long history, dating back over 140 years, starting with the introduction of Western apples to the city in 1871. Yantai is considered the earliest place in China to cultivate apples, and is often called the birthplace of modern apples in China.
Laiyang Pear
A product of China's National Geographical Indication, it is considered a top-grade pear. Laiyang pears are generally obovate in shape, with yellow-green skin and large fruits. While their surface is relatively rough, their flesh is delicate, juicy, crisp, and sweet, with a unique flavor.
Grape
Nestled between mountains and the sea, with a mild climate, fertile soil, and sweet, soft water, Yantai is an ideal location for grape cultivation. Overseas Chinese and industrialist Zhang Bishi, attracted by this prime location, purchased 3,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) of barren hills in Yantai's East and West Mountains in 1892, the 18th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. He then imported 120 premium red and white grape varieties from Europe, including Cabernet Gernischt, Cabernet Sauvignon, Agate Red, Drunken Poet, and Cabernet Sauvignon, cultivated vineyards, and founded the Changyu Winery.
Fukuyama Cherry
Fushan District has been named "China's Cherry Hometown" by the country. The district currently has 80,000 mu of cherry planting area, accounting for 40% of the country's planted area; the output is 16 million kilograms, accounting for 60% of the country's total.
strawberry
The annual output value exceeds 2 billion yuan, and the annual export volume is 30,000 tons. A little-known fact is that Yantai accounts for one-third of the country's total strawberry exports.
Here by the sea, you can eat as much seafood as you want
The "fresh" in "Fairyland Coast, Delicious Yantai" refers to seafood. Yantai, blessed with a strategic location near the Bohai and Yellow Seas, is rich in seafood. Yantai's seafood is renowned for its diverse variety and delicious freshness.
There's a saying in Yantai: "When Spanish mackerel jumps, the father-in-law smiles." Giving a few fresh Spanish mackerel to one's parents-in-law is an ancient, culturally rich tradition among Yantai people, expressing gratitude and filial piety to their elders. This demonstrates the importance of Spanish mackerel in the hearts of Yantai people.
In addition to fish, Yantai also has a variety of shrimps, the more famous ones include prawns, lobsters, mantis shrimps, etc.
The most famous crab in Yantai is undoubtedly the swimming crab. In China, the most famous freshwater crab is the Chengyang Lake hairy crab, while the most famous saltwater crab is the swimming crab. The Yantai Laizhou swimming crab is plump and strong, with a thin, brightly colored shell and pure white flesh. The meat is tender, plump, and has a creamy, creamy roe that is delicious.
Clams are a common and affordable shellfish in Yantai and one of the most popular seafood.
Have a seafood platter. The more famous ones include abalone, sea cucumber, sea urchin, starfish, sea intestine... There are so many seafood in Yantai that it is hard to count them all.
Yantai Fushan, the hometown of Shandong cuisine
Fushan cuisine in Jiaodong has been documented since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, and is considered one of the three pillars of Shandong cuisine, alongside Jinan's Lixia cuisine and Jining's Kongfu cuisine. Fushan's culinary culture enjoys a strong popular following, with highly skilled professional chefs and household head chefs known for their exceptional cooking. A saying once circulated in the Jiaodong region: "Eastern women, Western buildings, Fushan chefs dominate the world." Fushan has produced numerous renowned chefs and master chefs.
A Bite of China 3: Yantai Noodle Scramble
at last
Take time out to visit Yantai; the people here are simple, the scenery is beautiful, and everything here is intoxicating. Go to the "Fairy Mountain on the Sea" to watch the sea and sunrise, see the "mirage", take photos of the beach that rival the Maldives, and experience a life that even the gods would yearn for.
Image from tourists: Jin Yu
Tips:
Best time to visit:
From April to October, pear blossoms and rape blossoms bloom all over Yantai in spring, and the fragrance of flowers is everywhere; in summer, the weather in Yantai is refreshing, the sea is sparkling, and the beach is fine and clean.
Yantai Climate:
Yantai has a temperate monsoon climate and is one of the few cities in China that faces the sea to the north (others include Haikou, Keelung in Taiwan, and Penglai, a city within Yantai). This results in dry and cool summers and milder winters. With an average annual temperature of around 12°C, Yantai is a renowned summer resort and leisure destination in northern my country.
Things to note when playing:
When taking a speedboat, rafting, or participating in water activities in Yantai, please wear a life jacket as required and follow the staff's instructions. When playing in the water at the beach, please do not cross the safety line. Those who are not familiar with swimming should not enter the water alone. If there are any stimulating activities during the tour or during free time, those in poor health should not participate.
Dressing Guide:
Bring a change of clothes that are quick-drying, as clothes will inevitably get wet when playing at the beach, and the air is relatively humid; bring a pair of sneakers for hiking or long-distance travel; make sure to bring water-resistant sandals, and flat heels are recommended; remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses; bring anti-diarrhea medicine and medicine for treating allergies to prevent discomfort after eating seafood.
Yantai specialties:
There are Yantai apples, Yantai peanuts, Changyu wine series, Laiyang pears, Fushan cherries, Longkou vermicelli, Laizhou roses, Laizhou marble, Laizhou brushes, Fushan figs, Zhaoyuan gold, Longkou strawberries, seafood, etc.
