Yantai Yangma Island Guide: Enjoy the "Oriental Maldives" for Free, Don't Miss These Hidden Activities

While Sanya's beaches are crowded with influencers taking photos, the rocks on Yantai Yangma Island are where locals leisurely gather seafood! 🌊 This treasure island, rated "China's Most Beautiful Island" by National Geographic, boasts ancient legends of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's eastern horse herding and modern romance under the "jelly sea" filter✨.

📍【Basic Information】
Address: No. 99 Tianma Road, Muping District, Yantai City
Opening Hours: Open all year round, 24/7
Recommended Visit: 1-2 days

This internet-famous island quietly went viral in 2025. While preserving its original fishing village charm, it has added 3 stunning new viewing platforms! This guide will help you explore free seafood gathering, island cycling, and many other niche activities👇

🚗【Transportation Guide】
For Self-Drivers:
- 40 minutes direct drive from Yantai city center
- Stunning views of "city on the left, sea on the right" along the way
- Free parking all over the island! Park anywhere and step onto the beach

Budget Public Transport:
- Route 617 direct for only 2 yuan (last bus at 18:30⚠️)
- New in 2025: "Jelly Sea Express" Line B (50 minutes direct)

💡Tips to Avoid Pitfalls:
- Don’t trust the 150 yuan per person one-day tours (includes shopping stops)
- No direct ferry from the pier, don’t be scammed!

🌤️【Best Travel Time】
May-June / September-October: Perfect 20-25℃ weather
July-August: Crowded (but you can swim)
April only: Pink cherry blossom trail is super romantic
November secret: Crabs are huge and prices are halved

🔥【Must-Visit Highlights】
1️⃣ 18KM Island Drive
- Stop freely at 12 viewing platforms
- Hidden photo spot: mid-span of the cross-sea bridge for panoramic shots
- Start at 3 PM to catch the stunning sunset perfectly

2️⃣ Back Sea Seafood Gathering Secret Spot
- Mudflats on the west side of the old fishing port
- Sprinkle salt to summon the razor clam king 👑
- You can find starfish and crabs 🦀

3️⃣ Qin Style Cliff: Ancient Meets Modern
- 200 million-year-old reef cluster + Qin horse imprint stone carvings
- Perfect for Hanfu photoshoots
- Sea-view pavilion on the hilltop overlooking the whole island

4️⃣ Lotus Sunset Glass Walkway
- New internet-famous spot in 2024
- Suspended 28 meters high, super thrilling
- Best lighting from 4 to 5 PM

5️⃣ Zhang Island Red Boardwalk
- 800-meter coastal wooden walkway
- "Island Diary" café to watch seagulls
- Collect small sea snails 🐚 at low tide

🍤【Food Map】
Xinyang Restaurant: Locals’ favorite! Warm scallop salad only 28 yuan
Old Captain: Seafood processing starting at 10 yuan
Jixiangyuan: Must-try intangible cultural heritage seafood dumplings

🏨【Accommodation Recommendations】
Best Value: Blue Sea Hotel 200 yuan/night
Seaview Homestay: Island Family 150 yuan
Luxury Villa: Island No.1 600 yuan

⚠️【Avoid Pitfalls】
Keep an eye on the scale when buying seafood!
Confirm freshness before processing
Eat off-peak at 11 AM or 5 PM