Just got back from Yantai, here are my honest feelings!

🌞 Trip Overview

Cost: 800 RMB (all-inclusive for food, accommodation, and local transport, excluding major transportation)
Weather: Average 27-34°C in July (mostly sunny with little rain, strong UV rays!)
Outfit: Slip dress + sun protection shirt + Crocs + sunglasses, white dress a must for seaside photos!
Transport: Shared bikes + Route 17 double-decker bus (front row sea view is amazing) + taxis (within 30 RMB for city attractions)

📍 Day 1: Old Town Stroll · Crossing the European-style Coastline

⏰ 09:00 Yantai Hill

- Activities: Free entry! Climb the lighthouse (10 RMB) to overlook the meeting point of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea, must-visit red-roofed consulate buildings + Bingxin Memorial Hall, check in at the "Yantai" large character wall at the foot of the hill.
- Tip: Go early to avoid crowds! Wear a vintage dress for a Republic of China style photoshoot~

⏰ 12:00 Lunch at Chaoyang Street

- Food: Hairtail fish dumplings (Dongsheng stuffed buns) + Penglai noodles (scallop broth only 4 RMB a bowl!)
- Leisure: European-style Zhongshu Bookstore, heart-shaped street lamps, wine and coffee shops

⏰ 15:00 Fisherman’s Wharf

- Photo spot: The “sea railway” like in Spirited Away (located behind the New Era Hotel), best to shoot at low tide! European castle + whale shark aquarium (great for families)
- Evening: Order a craft beer at the seaside bar and watch the sunset dye the sea red

⏰ 19:30 Accommodation

- Recommended: Zhifu District guesthouse (close to Yantai Hill, very convenient for night strolls on Chaoyang Street)

🌊 Day 2: Yangma Island Circumnavigation · Jelly Sea Wave Attack!

⏰ 08:00 Island Access Tips

- Transport: Taxi to Muping → rent an electric scooter (30 RMB/hour, bargain!) counterclockwise around the island, total 17 km
- Must bring: Sunscreen + slippers + water (expensive on the island!)

🔥 Island Route (counterclockwise highlights)

1. Zhang Island: Red wooden boardwalk + sea cave “ocean pupil,” sneak in at low tide for silhouette shots!
2. Qin Feng Cliff: White church ruins + horse sculpture, cliffside viewing platform to watch jelly-like waves
3. Island Diary: Pure white café, mint milkshake super refreshing, unbeatable sea view from the terrace!
4. Lotus Sunset: Glass plank bridge + pink shell beach (better lighting in the afternoon for photos)

⏰ 18:00 Dinner after leaving the island

- Feast on seafood: Sea cucumber rice (98 RMB but worth every penny!) + spicy stir-fried clams + grilled sea cucumber, recommended at Mong Kok Little Fishing Village

🏯 Day 3: Penglai Wonderland · Searching for the Eight Immortals Legend

⏰ 09:00 Penglai Pavilion

- Transport: Yantai Station → Penglai bus (1.5 hours, 28 RMB), head straight to the top of Danya Mountain!
- Activities: Main pavilion to see the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea dividing line ✅, Tianheng Mountain glass plank road ✅, join a tour to hear the Eight Immortals stories ✅ (ticket 100 RMB, don’t buy combo tickets!)
- Bonus: At the scenic area exit, an old shop selling Penglai noodles, 4 RMB, so fresh it’s soul-stirring!

⏰ 13:00 Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Scenic Area

- Photos: Gourd-shaped sea pavilion, squat to catch the “mirage” phenomenon (more likely after rain)
- Experience: Speedboat surfing (50 RMB), pick up transparent little crabs on the beach

⏰ 16:00 Last-minute shopping before return

- Souvenirs: Changyu red wine (museum offers direct shipping), dried apples, freshly grilled squid strips

💡 Tested Pitfall Avoidance Tips

1. Sunscreen: UV rays are super strong by the sea! Use both physical and chemical sunscreen, fully equipped with hats and umbrellas
2. Yangma Island: Don’t go at noon! After 3 PM the light is softer + low tide; wear non-slip shoes in the reef area
3. Transport: Don’t schedule Jinsha Beach and Yangma Island on the same day (50 km apart!); the latest bus from Penglai to Yantai is at 6 PM
4. Accommodation: Book 2 weeks in advance during peak season! Laishan District sea view rooms offer great value

“The beauty of Yantai is the 25°C sea breeze mixed with the scent of locust flowers, the fresh sweetness of biting into hairtail fish dumplings under the lighthouse, and scooping up a handful of transparent summer from the jelly sea.” — A local’s secret romance💙