Yantai Summer Fun Guide: Beat the Heat and Enjoy Your Vacation!

Summer is here, still wondering where to escape the heat? Yantai offers a romantic coastline, refreshing islands, and vibrant night markets. This summer, head to Yantai for a cool and joyful getaway!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Yantai → Golden Beach Seaside Park → Housha Square → Tianma Pier → Sheraton Yantai Golden Beach Hotel (sunrise viewing)
Day 2: Yantai Mountain Scenic Area → Chaoyang Street → Suochengli → Fisherman's Wharf → Second Bathing Beach
Day 3: Yangma Island (self-driving island tour) → Yanda Snack Street

Transportation Guide

External Transport:
Flight: Penglai International Airport is far from downtown, with airport buses to various districts (fare ~¥20) or taxis (~¥100-150).
High-speed rail: Yantai Station (Zhifu District) is close to downtown attractions; Yantai South Station is farther; Muping Station is near Yangma Island. Choose based on your itinerary.

Internal Transport:
Bus: Download "Yantai Bus" APP for real-time route tracking. Fare: ¥1 (some routes accept Alipay).
Taxi: Base fare ¥9 for first 3km, then ¥2.7/km. Expect traffic during peak hours.
Car rental: Ideal for Yangma Island or nearby attractions (~¥200-500/day).

Must-Visit Attractions

Golden Beach Seaside Park: Known as "Northern China's Beach" with fine golden sand, clear water, and water sports.
Housha Square: Features viral photo spots like the "sea ladder" and stunning sunsets.
Tianma Pier: European-style pier with a romantic white wedding hall at the end, perfect for photos.
Yantai Mountain Scenic Area: Free entry. Historic consulate buildings and a landmark lighthouse with panoramic views.
Chaoyang Street: Century-old European-style street with retro architecture, cafes, and bars.
Suochengli: Yantai's most atmospheric old quarter with traditional snacks and handicrafts.
Fisherman's Wharf: European-style buildings, commercial streets, and "Spirited Away"-inspired railway tracks.
Yangma Island: "Oriental Hawaii" with blue waters and unique "one island, three beaches" landscape. Note traffic restrictions (July 23-Oct 8).

Food Recommendations

Penglai Noodles: Hair-thin noodles with savory broth and seafood toppings (~¥10-20).
Mackerel Dumplings: Juicy dumplings with fresh mackerel filling (~¥50/person).
Sea Squirt Rice: Chewy sea squirt with rice and rich sauce (~¥60-80).
Yantai Menzi: Golden-fried sweet potato starch cakes with sesame sauce (~¥15).
Seafood BBQ: Grilled oysters, scallops, and squid at night markets (~¥80-120/person).

Accommodation Suggestions

Zhifu District: Downtown area with budget hotels (¥150-250/night) or themed B&Bs (~¥300/night).
Laishan District: Coastal hotels (¥500-800/night) or sea-view apartments (¥300-500/night).
Yangma Island/Development Zone: Luxury resorts (~¥800/night) or fishing village homestays (¥200-400/night).

Budget Estimate

Transport: Round-trip train + local transport (~¥500-800).
Accommodation: Two nights (~¥800-2000).
Food: Three days (~¥600-1000).
Attractions: Some free, plus activities (~¥300-500).
Total: ¥2500-4000 (adjust as needed).

Tips

Sun & Bug Protection: Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and mosquito repellent.
Tide Times: Check tide tables for optimal beach visits.
Book Early: Summer is peak season—reserve accommodations 1-2 weeks in advance.