Went and no regrets! This is how to experience Yantai

Yantai, this coastal city with romance in its bones, greets you with tangerine-scented mornings and rose-hued sunsets. Every moment here is worth treasuring. Let me present you with an ultra-detailed Yantai travel guide to effortlessly begin your romantic journey.

Itinerary
Day 1: Development Zone - A Dreamy Rendezvous at Golden Beach Coastline
• Transportation: Take a taxi from Yantai Station to the Development Zone for about 25 yuan.
• Must-visit spots:
• Golden Beach Park: Wake up early for the sea sunrise, don't miss the Lonely Whale Fall sculpture and Time Tower.
• Sails Square: The rainbow bridge is stunning, plus there's a non-powered children's playground perfect for families.
• Pegasus Pier: At dusk, admire the purple-pink sunset glow - when the lights come on, the romance factor skyrockets.
• Foodie delights:
• Main meal: Try the sea intestine rice and salt-pepper mantis shrimp at Little Fishing Boat Seafood Restaurant.
• Snacks: Don't miss the conch wontons and mackerel dumplings at Golden Beach Night Market.
• Accommodation: Back Sand Square sea view homestay - open your window to ocean views.

Day 2: Zhifu District - A Retro Journey in the Old Town Time Machine
• Transportation: Take Bus 21 from Development Zone directly to Yantai Hill.
• Must-visit spots:
• Yantai Hill: Climb the lighthouse for 360° city views, and be sure to visit Bing Xin Memorial Hall.
• Chaoyang Street: Retro European architecture with photogenic spots like Zhongshuge Bookstore and Wine Wall.
• Suochengli: 600-year-old garrison ruins - find the Love Alley and bluestone paths.
• Binhai Square: Marvel at the boundless sea here.
• Foodie delights:
• Dongsheng Stuffed Buns: Century-old shop with amazing flavors.
• Fuji Dough Drop Soup: Their sea urchin version is exceptional.
• Ganhai'er Aesthetic Restaurant: Their sea urchin steamed eggs are mind-blowing.
• Accommodation: Hotels near Wanda Plaza for easy evening access to Binhai Square.

Day 3: Laishan District → Muping District - The Passionate Movement of Mountain-Sea Symphony
• Transportation: Recommended to rent a car or hire a driver for flexibility.
• Route:
• Morning: Visit Fisherman's Wharf, snap photos at the Spirited Away railway tracks, relax at White Wave Café.
• Noon: Visit Yu Meiren Square - if tulips are blooming, it's breathtaking.
• Afternoon: Begin Yangma Island loop tour (rent e-bike or hire car). Must-stops: Zhangdao Wooden Walkway, Lotus Sunset, and Island Diary Café.
• Foodie delights:
• Wangjiao Small Fishing Village: Their sea urchin steamed eggs are top-tier.
• Yangma Island Xindao Fisherman's Homestay: Fresh seafood caught by the owner.
• Accommodation: Options near Yantai University in Laishan, Yangma Island, or Longhu area.

Day 4: Kunyu Mountain Secret - Surprise Alternative Itinerary
• Transportation: About 50 minutes from Yangma Island.
• Activities:
• Nine Dragon Pool Scenic Area: Marvel at the nine cascading waterfalls.
• Wu Ran Temple: Gives "Northern Jiuzhaigou" vibes.
• Stone Gate: Forest oxygen bar hiking with fresh air.
• Foodie delights: Pack picnic or try mountain vegetable buns at foothill farmhouses.

Transport Tips
1. From Development Zone to Zhifu District, take Bus 21 or Airport Bus Line 3.
2. For cross-district travel, use Gaode Taxi app (many new user coupons).
3. Rent e-bikes on Yangma Island.

Authentic Experiences
1. Buy seafood at 6am from Muping Beicui Market, then get it cooked nearby - fresh and affordable.
2. Join night fishing activities at Development Zone beaches for unique fun.
3. Try intangible cultural heritage experiences at Suochengli, like making Jiaodong flower buns.

Travel Notes
• Bring windproof jackets for significant coastal temperature drops.
• Carry buckets and shovels for beachcombing during Yangma Island low tide.
• Kunyu Mountain requires advance booking.

Feel free to adjust routes to your preferences. With significant distances between attractions, plan transportation carefully. In Yantai, every day brings a romantic encounter - this coastal city awaits you to write your own azure chapter.