Yantai independent travel guide (2025): top things to do near you, popular tourism attractions, itinerary planning, accommodation, food, transportation, weather, and more - everything you need to know (updated July, 2025) | Trip.com

About Yantai

Recommended length of visit

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Laobeishan Viewing Platform Makes Dazzling Debut, Penglai Pavilion's Breathtaking Scenery Revealed for First Time@Penglai Pavilion

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Yantai Local Travel Guide 2025

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Yantai Brief Guide

Yantai is a city on the coast that is as beautiful as a fairy tale. Here there are blue seas, white sands, clear waters, and green waves everywhere. It is a great place to beat the summer heat and play in the waves. Step into the Penglai Pavilion to see the birthplace legend of the eight immortals crossing the sea; climb atop Zhifu Island, where the traces of Emperor Qin Shihuang’s visit more than 2,000 years ago remain; walk on the streets of Yantai to the completely preserved foreign consulates of the modern era, where foreign architecture and the feel of the mountains and sea merge as one. Yantai's Zhangyu wine enjoys domestic and foreign renown and at the Zhangyu Wine Culture Museum, you can learn about the development and history of Zhangyu wine and sample fine wines. The sweet Yantai apples are also a great gift to bring back for friends and relatives.

Yantai Must-try Local Experiences

1. Explore the Coastal Charms of Yantai Discover Yantai's coastline by visiting Yantai Mountain Scenic Area, Golden Beach, and Penglai Pavilion for stunning sea views and historical significance. 2. Delve into the World of Wine at Changyu Wine Culture Museum Explore the history of winemaking in China at Changyu Wine Culture Museum, including underground cellars and wine tasting sessions. 3. Experience the Charm of Yantai's Islands Take a boat trip to the Changdao Islands for clear waters, sandy beaches, and unique rock formations, perfect for relaxation and photography. 4. Savor the Flavors of Yantai Cuisine Enjoy Yantai cuisine with fresh seafood like braised sea cucumber and steamed scallops, Yantai-style noodles, and the local specialty, Yantai apples. 5. Capture the Sunset over the Yellow Sea Capture breathtaking sunset photos at Yantai Hill Park or the First Bathing Beach, with golden hues over the Yellow Sea. 6. Take a Serene Stroll along Binhai Road Walk or bike along Binhai Road for stunning sea, sculpture, and city views, perfect for memorable photos. 7. Capture the Sunrise at Yantai Mountain Yantai Mountain offers a perfect spot to capture a breathtaking sunrise over the sea and historic buildings. 8. Visit the Yantai Whale Shark Aquarium Explore the Yantai Whale Shark Aquarium to see various marine life, including whale sharks, for an educational and entertaining experience.

Yantai Must-see Attractions

Yantai, a coastal city in China, is rich in history and culture with attractions like Penglai Pavilion linked to the legend of the Eight Immortals, scenic Changdao known for its geological features, artistic Wall of Eight Immortals, interactive Polar Ocean World, and the 'Oriental Hawaii' Yangma Island, offering a variety of leisure and cultural experiences.

Yantai Food Guide

Yantai's cuisine is celebrated for its distinctive seafood flavors and diverse cooking styles. From the traditional Penglai noodles to the flavorful Yantai braised specialties, and from the savory chive sea intestines to the time-honored salted fish cakes, each dish captures the unique allure of the local culture and heritage.

Yantai Transportation

Yantai's transportation infrastructure is well-developed, with Yantai Penglai International Airport and the Port of Yantai being key hubs for intercity and international travel. Yantai Penglai International Airport (IATA: YNT) is an international airport located 43 kilometers from the city center, near Chaoshui town in Penglai District. It has a runway suitable for large aircraft and a terminal building designed to handle millions of passengers annually. To reach the city from the airport, travelers can take taxis or buses, with several bus lines connecting the airport to various parts of Yantai. The Port of Yantai is a significant seaport on the Yellow Sea, handling a substantial amount of cargo and forming a strategic alliance with other ports in Shandong province and the Port of Busan in South Korea. It is equipped with modern facilities and has seen considerable investment to expand its capacity. The port is connected to the city by road, and passengers can use taxis or buses to travel between the port and the city center.

Yantai Where to Stay

Yantai features distinct accommodation areas distributed across its scenic coastal stretches and historical urban centers, attracting visitors with its diverse range of environments. The city is divided into multiple districts, each renowned for its unique characteristics and accessibility to Yantai’s attractions, including Zhifu District as the central hub, the beautiful oceanic allure of Penglai District, and the relaxing retreat at Yangma Island Resort.

Yantai Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Yantai is from April to October. During these months, the climate is mild and pleasant, making it a comfortable time for sightseeing and enjoying various outdoor activities. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold, which enhances the overall travel experience by providing an ideal atmosphere for tourists. In these months, Yantai offers a range of floral attractions and scenic beauty which can be best enjoyed in agreeable weather. Whether it’s exploring natural landscapes or indulging in local cultural activities, this period ensures travelers can fully enjoy what Yantai has to offer without the discomfort of extreme weather.

Yantai Travel Tips

1.Reservation Tips for Popular Attractions: When visiting popular attractions like Penglai Pavilion and Changyu Wine Cultural Museum, it's essential to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. The Changyu Wine Cultural Museum offers limited English tours, so request one when booking if needed. 2.Respect Local Customs and Taboos: When visiting Yantai, be mindful of local customs and taboos. Respect local traditions and dress modestly when visiting religious or cultural sites. Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion with locals. 3.Beach Safety Guidelines: Yantai's beaches are beautiful but can have strong currents. Always swim in designated areas and follow the lifeguards' instructions to ensure your safety. This is especially important at popular spots like Golden Beach. 4.Photography Restrictions in Military Areas: Certain areas in Yantai, especially near military installations, prohibit photography. Always look for signs and respect these restrictions to avoid legal issues. This includes areas around ports or naval facilities.

Yantai Useful Guide

Yantai's primary language is Mandarin Chinese, influenced by the local Yantai dialect, a variation of Jiaodong dialect, which is less intelligible to standard Mandarin speakers. The area features a linguistic diversity due to migration for work, introducing a spectrum of Mandarin dialects. Translation and interpretation services, especially in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Taiwanese, are crucial for business and tourism. For effective communication, non-verbal cues like gestures and visual aids are recommended.