Yantai is freezing, don't go there

Hey guys 👋, Yantai in January is like a pearl that has been gently polished by time, exuding a tranquil and charming atmosphere. I just came back from there, and I'm here to share a super detailed guide with you all! 🌆 Yantai is located in the northeast of the Shandong Peninsula, facing the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea. It is a charming coastal city with fresh air, blue skies, vast seas, and a rich history and culture. In January, Yantai is less bustling than in summer, and more peaceful in winter. The sea breeze may be cool, but the sunshine is still warm, allowing you to fully enjoy the unique beauty of this city. 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ By Air: After arriving at Yantai Penglai International Airport, you can take the airport shuttle bus to Yantai city center or Penglai city. The airport shuttle bus covers a wide range of areas, making it easy to reach major attractions and bustling areas. You can also take a taxi, which takes about 40-50 minutes. 🚄 By High-speed Rail: Both Yantai Station and Yantai South Station have high-speed rail stops. Yantai Station is located in the city center, with convenient transportation options such as buses and taxis. Yantai South Station is a bit farther from the city center, but there are buses connecting to various attractions. Most city buses operate from around 6:00 to 19:00, and some tourist buses may adjust their schedules based on the season and tourist flow. It is recommended to check relevant information before traveling. 🗺 Recommended Itinerary Day1️⃣: Yantai Mountain Scenic Area - Changyu Wine Culture Museum - Binhai Square - Moon Bay Day2️⃣: Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area - Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Scenic Area (Winter sea fairy mountain, with a unique flavor) 🌟 Must-visit Attractions 📍 Yantai Mountain Scenic Area: This area is home to many modern foreign consulate buildings, known as the "World Architecture Expo." In January, you can stroll through the scenic area, admire the diverse architectural styles, and feel the historical changes. Climb the Yantai Mountain Lighthouse to overlook the entire Yantai city and sea view, with a wide view and magnificent scenery. The sea breeze gently caresses your cheeks, making you feel refreshed 📷 📍 Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area: One of the four famous ancient towers in China, Penglai Pavilion in winter is even more mysterious in the mist. The ancient buildings are scattered on the mountains by the sea, surrounded by the surging sea, like a fairyland. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful sea view and ancient buildings, and feel the rich cultural atmosphere. 📍 Moon Bay: Shaped like a crescent moon, the sea is crystal clear, and the beach is soft and delicate. In January, there are relatively fewer tourists at Moon Bay, allowing you to better enjoy this peaceful beach. The rocks by the sea have various shapes under the impact of the waves, making it a great place for photos and a romantic spot for couples. 📌 Practical Tips 1. Yantai Mountain Scenic Area tickets can be booked online in advance, with some discounts. There are many uphill and downhill roads in the scenic area, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. It is windy on the mountain, so keep warm and bring a hat, scarf, etc. 2. Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area tickets include multiple attractions, so plan your itinerary in advance to avoid missing anything. The sea is windy and cold in winter, so be careful when taking a boat trip and follow the staff's instructions. Some sea activities may be suspended in bad weather. 3. There are many seafood restaurants around Moon Bay, but be sure to choose reputable ones to avoid being overcharged. Protect the environment while playing and do not litter. 🍜 Local Food Recommendations 🦪 Sea Intestine Rice: Sea intestines are crispy and tender, with a delicious taste. They are stir-fried with rice, and the fresh taste of the sea intestines is infused into the rice, making every bite full of the taste of the sea. The rice is distinct, and the sea intestines are plentiful. With the delicious soup, it is simply a delicacy, and eating a bowl makes you feel happy 👍 🐚 Spicy Stir-fried Octopus: The octopus is firm and chewy, stir-fried with chili and various seasonings, making it spicy and satisfying. The octopus fully absorbs the flavor of the seasonings while retaining its tenderness. A bite first stimulates the taste buds with spiciness, followed by the deliciousness of the octopus spreading in the mouth, making it irresistible. 🍜 Yantai Steamed Bun: This is a traditional Yantai snack made from starch, cut into small pieces, and fried until the outside is golden and crispy. Then, it is topped with special sesame sauce, garlic paste, and other seasonings. The steamed bun is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a rich and mellow sesame sauce. The garlic paste adds a unique flavor, making it fragrant but not greasy, and it is one of the locals' favorites. 🐟 Mackerel Cake: Fresh mackerel meat is minced and wrapped in cornmeal cakes, then steamed. The cake has a corn fragrance, and the mackerel filling is delicious and juicy. The combination of the two is perfect, with a rich taste and unique flavor. It is a Yantai specialty that is nutritious and delicious. 🥟 Penglai Noodles: The noodles are thin and chewy, with a seafood broth that is incredibly delicious. The soup often contains scallops, oysters, and other seafood. The noodles absorb the fresh taste of the seafood broth, making them smooth and tasty. A bowl of hot Penglai noodles in the morning will start your day full of energy. 🏨 Hotel Accommodation 📍 Near Yantai Mountain Scenic Area: Yantai Golden Gulf Hotel, with a prime location close to Yantai Mountain Scenic Area and Binhai Square, and the sea is just outside. The rooms are elegantly decorated and well-equipped, with some rooms offering beautiful sea views. The hotel provides attentive service and has a restaurant where you can taste delicious Yantai specialties. 📍 Near Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area: Penglai Oulebao Knight Resort Hotel, with a unique architectural style full of fairy tale colors. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with exquisite decoration, making it perfect for family trips or couples. There are many entertainment facilities and restaurants around the hotel, and it is also close to Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area, making it convenient to travel. 📍 City Center: Yantai Wanda Vista Hotel, located in a bustling area of the city center, with convenient transportation and many shopping malls and restaurants nearby. The hotel rooms are luxurious and comfortable, with high-end facilities, providing a high-quality accommodation experience. The hotel also has a gym, swimming pool, and other facilities, allowing you to maintain a healthy lifestyle while traveling. 💖 Travel Experience In the past two days in Yantai in January, I felt like I was in a peaceful and beautiful coastal fairy tale world. The historical buildings of Yantai Mountain, the ancient charm of Penglai Pavilion, and the romantic tenderness of Moon Bay, each attraction made me intoxicated. The delicious food also made my taste buds immersed in the unique flavors of Yantai. Yantai in January is not as busy and restless as big cities, but it has a sense of leisure and freedom, allowing me to find a place for my soul to rest. I am already looking forward to coming back to Yantai again to explore more of its charm and surprises 💕