Yangmadao Island is not what you imagine…

🚌 1. Money-saving Transportation Tips 1. **Ways to Get to the Island** - **Bus**: Take Route 617 directly to "Yangmadao Station" from Yantai Station/Yantai South Station (most economical, about 5 RMB one way). - **Carpool**: Taxi from downtown costs about 60 RMB; carpool with 4 people costs 15 RMB per person. - **Self-driving**: Navigate to "Yangmadao Transfer Center Parking Lot" (free), then transfer to the scenic shuttle bus (25 RMB/person, unlimited rides on the same day). 2. **On-island Transportation** - **Electric Scooter Rental**: Top choice! Rent at the bridge entrance or Tianma Square, about 30 RMB/hour, bargaining possible (recommended to rent in 2-3 hour segments). - **Island Loop Bus**: Pass costs 25 RMB/person, suitable for visitors who don’t want to ride scooters. *Avoid taking the bus onto the island (prone to traffic jams) and shared bikes (poor management, easy to incur extra fees).* 🏞️ 2. Free Must-visit Attractions (Avoid Paid Traps) 1. **Natural Scenery** - **Zhang Island**: Redwood boardwalk + rocky coast, excellent sunrise spot (free, arrive before 5 AM). - **Qinfeng Cliff**: Seven horses sculpture + Qin and Han dynasty architecture, a holy place for sunset photography. - **Lotus Sunset**: Explore the popular rock cave at low tide (check tide tables in advance! High tide is dangerous). 2. **Experience Activities** - **Beachcombing**: Free tidal flats near Yubiyuan, bring your own small bucket/shovel to dig clams and catch crabs (best within 1-2 hours after low tide). - **Island Cycling**: Rent an electric scooter and ride along the coastal road, 20 km coastline with stops for photos anytime. 🏠 3. Affordable Accommodation Recommendations - **Guesthouses**: Non-sea view rooms cost 100-150 RMB per person per night (e.g., guesthouses around Longmen Village). - **City Accommodation**: Chain hotels in Muping District (e.g., Home Inn/Hanting), about 80 RMB per person + early bus to the island. *Book 3 days in advance during peak season (July-August), prices double on the day!* 🍽️ 4. Dining Money-saving Guide 1. **Seafood Meals** - **Xinyang Restaurant**: Popular with locals, 80 RMB per person for hairtail fish dumplings + sea intestine rice. - **Good Brothers Fisherman’s Home**: Salt and pepper mantis shrimp with clear pricing, avoid "market price" traps. 2. **Self-cooked Seafood** - **Gaogong Island Market** (near Yangmadao): Buy before closing in the afternoon, 100 RMB fills a box (mantis shrimp + oysters + sea clams), cook fresh and sweet at the guesthouse. *Avoid: Scenic area food stalls without prices, roadside "fresh catch" often short-weighted.* ⏳ 5. High Cost-performance Itinerary **One-day Highlight Route** (total cost ≈ 150 RMB): - Morning: Bus to the island → rent electric scooter → Tianma Square (free landmark) → Zhang Island (rocky photo spot) - Noon: Bring your own food or buy seafood at the market for cooking - Afternoon: Beachcombing at Yubiyuan → Lotus Sunset (enter cave at low tide) → Qinfeng Cliff sunset - Evening: Return electric scooter → bus back **Two-day In-depth Experience** (total cost ≈ 300 RMB): - Day 1: Island cycling + beachcombing, stay at affordable guesthouse - Day 2: Zhang Island sunrise → Island Diary Café (photo only, no purchase) → Xishan Viewing Platform 💡 Other Money-saving Tips - **Bring Your Own Sunscreen**: Strong UV on the island, prepare sunscreen/hat in advance (high markup on site). - **Travel Off-peak**: April-June or September-October, accommodation prices drop 30% + fewer people and beautiful scenery. > 💰 **Budget Reference** (per person/day): Transportation 50 RMB + Accommodation 100 RMB + Food 80 RMB = **230 RMB**, easily achievable by avoiding paid attractions and trendy consumption!