Yantai's Autumn Scenery at Its Best ~ Golden Tree-lined Road Meets the Lighthouse

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🍁 Yantai, Shandong · Complete Autumn Viewing Guide (2024 Latest Edition)

When the northern wind carries a chill across the Bohai Bay, Yantai’s autumn quietly dons its most enchanting colors. Here, there’s not only fine grape wine and blue seas, but also mountains and fields dyed in layers of color, dazzling golden ginkgo avenues, and tranquil, poetic fishing village alleys. This autumn, come to Yantai for a romantic rendezvous with mountains, sea, and autumn hues!

🌄 1. Best Time to Enjoy Autumn
📅 Late October to mid-November
At this time, Yantai’s temperature is moderate, ginkgo and maple leaves are at their peak, and the sea breeze gently brushes your face—perfect for strolling, photography, and relaxing.

🍂 2. Six Must-Visit Autumn Spots
Yantai Hill Park | Golden Secret Realm Beneath the Century-old Lighthouse
Yantai Hill is a city landmark, where in autumn century-old plane trees and ginkgoes weave a golden corridor. Climb to the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the shimmering Yellow Sea, red-tiled old buildings nestled among autumn leaves, like an oil painting.
📸 Recommended check-ins: Ginkgo Trail, Former Consulate Cluster, Lighthouse Viewing Platform
🚇 Transportation: Accessible by bus from downtown, about a 15-minute walk uphill

Nanshan Park | The “Autumn Oxygen Bar” in the Hearts of Locals
The largest natural park in the city, layered with maples, smoke trees, and ginkgoes. Morning mist lingers, fallen leaves cover stone steps—ideal for jogging, photography, and family outings.
🍁 Highlight: Sea-view pavilion atop the hill overlooking the city’s autumn colors
🚗 Transportation: Multiple buses directly to the south or north gate

Yangma Island | Quiet Autumn Light Between Mountain and Sea
Famous as a summer island, but in autumn Yangma Island feels cool and refined. Cycle around the island, watch reeds sway and waves crash on reefs, and occasionally spot a few proud red leaves, reminiscent of scenes from a Studio Ghibli animation.
🚴‍♀️ Activity: Rent an electric bike to circle the island (about 2 hours), check in at “Zhang Island” and “Qinfeng Cliff”
🚌 Transportation: Take bus K617 to the last stop, fare 2 yuan

Kunyu Mountain National Forest Park | Autumn Feast on the Roof of Jiaodong
A natural oxygen bar at 37°N latitude, with fiery red leaves in the primeval forest and babbling streams. The main peak, Taibo Peak, stands at 923 meters, offering views of vast colorful forests.
🍁 Rich species: smoke tree, five-point maple, oak trees in splendid display
🚗 Recommended to drive: Navigate to “Kunyu Mountain Scenic Area,” entrance fee 50 yuan, multiple entrances included

Zhangyu Wine Culture Museum Area | Grape Vines Turn Yellow, Autumn in Full Swing
Post-harvest vineyards have no fruit, but the vines turn yellow, and old factory buildings with European architecture feel especially storied under the autumn sun. Pair with a glass of hot red wine for full ambiance.
🍷 Bonus experience: Wine cellar exploration, aged wine tasting
📍 Location: Original site of Zhangyu Company on Dama Road, Zhifu District

Suochengli · Chaoyang Street | Autumn Atmosphere in the Old Town Alleys
Yantai’s oldest neighborhood, with persimmon trees heavy with orange fruit beside bluestone roads, red ivy climbing walls, and cafes and creative shops tucked in old courtyards. At dusk, when the lights come on, the gentle autumn night makes it hard to leave.
☕ Recommendation: Find a rooftop café and quietly watch the sunset spill over the eaves

🍎 3. Autumn-Exclusive Food Recommendations
Sugar-roasted chestnuts: fragrant on every street corner, recommended at Beimalu Night Market
Roasted sweet potatoes: freshly baked at fishermen’s doorsteps on Yangma Island, sweet and comforting
Seafood potstickers + millet porridge: a warming choice for the cool season, must-try at the old brand “Chunxiang Restaurant”
Apple feast: Yantai apples are in season, crisp, sweet, and juicy, also enjoy apple pastries and stewed apple chicken

📸 4. Photography Tips
Light is softest before 8:00 AM or after 4:00 PM
Wear light or bright colors to stand out against the golden background
Shoot cultural scenes in Suochengli, grand landscapes in Kunyu Mountain, and emotional moods in Yantai Hill

🚗 5. Itinerary Suggestions (2-day tour)
Day 1: Yantai Hill → Lunch at Chaoyang Street → Circle Yangma Island → Overnight at a seaside hotel
Day 2: View red leaves at Kunyu Mountain → Lunch with farmhouse dishes → Zhangyu Museum → Stroll Suochengli and return

This autumn, don’t just focus on Xiangshan in Beijing or Qixia in Nanjing.
Come to Yantai, see the mountains and sea blend with the sky, hear the whispers of falling leaves and waves.
An autumn city awaits your slow discovery.

📌 Save this guide, bring your camera, and set off!