Skip Qingdao, Discover Shandong's Hidden Gem

Yantai 4-Day Travel Guide for an Unforgettable Trip✨ Hey guys, Yantai is seriously amazing to explore! Today I'm sharing a 4-day Yantai itinerary that takes you to the must-visit spots, lets you savor authentic local food, and experience the unique charm of this coastal city. ✅ Itinerary: **Day 1: Around Yantai Mountain 🌆** Morning: Head straight to Yantai Mountain Scenic Area after arrival. This landmark offers stunning sea views and historic consulate buildings. Climb the Yantai Mountain Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the city and ocean—perfect for photos! 📸 Noon: Dine at a restaurant near Chaoyang Street. Highly recommend Rongxiang Seafood—their Sea Cucumber Rice and Mackerel Dumplings are must-tries! Fresh and delicious. 😋 Afternoon: Stroll along Chaoyang Street, a charming European-style old street full of boutique shops and cafés. Pick up souvenirs or relax with coffee. Evening: Visit Suochengli to soak up old Yantai vibes. Try local snacks like Menzi (fried starch jelly) and seaweed buns—tasty and affordable! **Day 2: Around Yantai University 🍤** Morning: Hike up Daiwang Mountain for breathtaking coastal views and fresh air. The scenery is picture-perfect! 📷 Noon: Head to Yanda Snack Street—a foodie paradise! Enjoy Sea Cucumber Rice, Mackerel Dumplings, Menzi, and more. You won’t want to stop eating! 😜 Afternoon: Explore Yantai University’s youthful campus. The beach is right outside the west gate—perfect for a breezy seaside walk. Evening: Feast on fresh seafood at nearby restaurants—great value and flavor! **Day 3: Yangma Island 🏝** Morning: Rent an e-bike for a Yangma Island loop ride. Cruise along the coastline, admire the "jelly sea," and stop for photos. Don’t miss Zhangdao Reef Boardwalk—super photogenic! 📸 Noon: Dine at a local fisherman’s restaurant. Try dishes like Scallop Salad and Mackerel Dumplings—authentic and mouthwatering. 😋 Afternoon: Continue island-hopping. Relax at Island Diary Café with coffee and sea views, then catch the sunset at Lianhua Xizhao—pure magic! Evening: Return to the city and explore Yantai’s night markets. **Day 4: Penglai Pavilion 🏯** Morning: Visit Penglai Pavilion, one of China’s Four Great Ancient Towers. Marvel at the historic architecture and ocean views—maybe even spot a mirage! Noon: Eat at Jianxing Restaurant nearby. Try Penglai Noodles—thin, smooth noodles with rich seafood broth. Unique and tasty! 😋 Afternoon: Explore the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea scenic area, themed around Chinese mythology. Take a boat ride, feed seagulls, and enjoy the sea. Evening: Wrap up your amazing Yantai trip! ✅ Transportation Tips: 🚗 City travel: Buses, taxis, or e-bikes work well. Buses are cheap and cover most attractions. E-bikes offer flexibility. 🚄 High-speed rail: Yantai Station (downtown) or Yantai South Station (farther but with direct buses to some spots). ✈ Flights: Yantai Penglai Int’l Airport has nationwide routes. Airport buses/taxis go downtown. ✅ Food Recs: 🍱 Sea Cucumber Rice: Yantai’s signature—tender sea cucumber with savory sauce over rice. 🥟 Mackerel Dumplings: Juicy, flavorful, and huge! 🥘 Penglai Noodles: Chewy noodles in rich seafood broth. 🍢 Yantai Menzi: Golden-fried starch jelly with sesame sauce—QQ texture! 🦀 Seafood Feast: Fresh crabs, shrimp, and shellfish—don’t miss out! ✅ Stay Tips: 🏨 Near Yantai Mountain or downtown for convenience. Ocean-view rooms offer soothing waves at night. ✅ Reminders: 🌞 Strong UV—pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. 🚴‍♀ Check e-bike condition/battery before Yangma Island rides. 📅 Check weather and plan accordingly.