This northeastern Chinese port city has golden beaches along the Bohai Sea, fresh seafood markets, and a 1903 Russian Orthodox Church with striking onion domes and green-white walls.
Yantai, a city of 7 million in northeastern Shandong province, sits where the Yellow Sea meets the Bohai Sea. Walk through China's oldest winery at Changyu, climb the ancient Penglai Pavilion, or swim at one of the city's sandy beaches. The surrounding waters include 230 islands, many with small fishing communities where you can try fresh seafood caught that morning.
Getting to Yantai
Fly into Penglai International Airport, with daily connections to Beijing (1 hour), Shanghai (1.5 hours), Seoul, Osaka, and Hong Kong. Take the high-speed rail from Beijing (4 hours) or Qingdao (1.5 hours). Daily ferries run to Dalian - choose between the overnight boat (8 hours) or the fast ferry (3.5 hours).
Climate and Seasons
Ocean currents keep Yantai's temperatures moderate, with an annual average of 11.8°C (53.2°F). The city gets steady rainfall year-round, with snow in winter and warm summers. Spring and fall bring clear skies and temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F), making these seasons ideal for beach visits and outdoor exploration.
Wine Culture
Visit the Changyu Wine Culture Museum at 56 Dama Road to see China's first industrial winery from 1892. Walk through the cellars to see original wine-making equipment and historical documents. Join daily tours and tasting sessions to learn about local wine production methods and sample wines made from regional grapes.
Coastal Areas and Beaches
Swim or sunbathe at First Beach and Second Beach within the city limits - both have changing rooms and equipment rental shops. Head to Golden Sand Beach, 25 minutes from the center, for a calmer atmosphere. Take a 30-minute ferry from Muping Port to Yangma Island to explore fishing villages and swim in clear waters. Each evening at 8 PM, watch the synchronized water and light show along the main waterfront promenade.
Local Food and Agriculture
Try Yantai cherries in early summer, when local orchards harvest their certified fruit varieties. In fall, taste fresh apples and Laiyang pears from nearby farms. Local fishing boats bring in daily catches of sea cucumbers, abalones, scallops, and prawns. Find these at restaurants along Chaoyang Street, where chefs prepare them using traditional Shandong cooking methods.
Getting Around
Buses 10 and 17 stop at major beaches and the wine museum. Taxis use meters and are readily available throughout the city. The main dining and shopping area centers around Three Stations Market and Chaoyang Street, with both Chinese and international restaurants nearby.
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