Just returned from Yantai, sharing my real experience~

Had a two-day layover in this coastal city unexpectedly loved it! Already want to revisit.
The city has such relaxed vibes with fewer crowds and great food! Most importantly, the sea here is incredibly blue – strolling along the shore with ocean breezes is pure bliss.
Skip overcrowded popular destinations this summer; Yantai comes highly recommended!

Here's my tested travel guide:

**Transportation:**
1. Penglai Airport is quite far from downtown – about 1 hour to both Golden Beach and city center.
2. No subway system, but buses reach all attractions for just ¥1 – cheap and convenient.

**Itinerary:**
*Day 1*: Arrival → Time Tower → Lonely Whale → Sky Promise → Golden Beach sunset
*Day 2*: Yangma Island → Binhai Middle Road → Yu Meiren Square → Fisherman's Wharf
*Day 3*: Hongkou 1920 → Yantai Mountain

**Golden Beach (p2):**
Long coastline with fine sand. Areas beyond Lonely Whale are sparsely populated, perfect for sunset walks. Route: Time Tower → Lonely Whale → Sky Promise → White Watchtower → Love Yantai Chapel.
*Tips*:
1. Time Tower closed Mondays (open 9:00-21:00).
2. Visit Lonely Whale before 8am for best "lonely" photos.

**Yangma Island (p5):**
Stunning on sunny days with visible "jelly sea" effect. Best visited during morning high tide. See p8 for route highlights.
*Tips*:
1. 40+ min drive from downtown. Free parking available.
2. E-bike rentals (3-4hr loop) recommended over cars (traffic restrictions during holidays).
3. Compare rental prices at Tianma Square.

**Yu Meiren Square (p1):**
Best spot for Fisherman's Wharf photos (telephoto lens recommended).

**Hongkou 1920 (p10):**
Revitalized historic district featuring the iconic Fun Apple art installation.

**Binhai Middle Road:**
Find the "road to the sea" at Xincheng North Street bus stop.

**Food:**
1. *Yang Yang Hong* – Local friend-recommended seafood/Shandong cuisine near Golden Beach Tiandi Square. Must-tries: tender scallops with scallion oil, chewy sea intestine rice, plus complimentary boiled shrimp and fresh apple juice.
2. *Sun Moon BBQ (Xiangshan Road)* – Popular Korean BBQ with excellent service. Staff grill meats tableside and suggest special pairings. High-quality meats at great value.