Jelly Sea Cliff Epic Guide
🌊 Trip Highlights:
✅ Explore Zhang Island's Conch Cave and capture stunning "Jelly Sea" shots
✅ Check in at Qin Feng Cliff's Roman columns and horse sculptures for dark-themed cliffside photos
✅ Watch the lotus sunset and capture cinematic light and shadow effects in the cave
✅ Experience local fishing family life with fresh seafood like sea cucumber rice and mackerel dumplings from Jiaodong
✅ Rent an electric scooter to circle the island, visiting popular spots like the Lonely Tree and Island Letter
🚗 Transportation Guide:
✈️ External Transport: Fly into Yantai Penglai Airport, then take a taxi for 1 hour directly to Yangma Island (about 150 RMB), or take the airport shuttle bus to Muping Station and transfer to bus 617
🚌 Island Transport:
1. Shuttle Bus: Free shuttle from Transfer Center to Houhai Scenic Area (8:00-20:00, every 20 minutes), covering main attractions
2. Electric Scooter Rental: Near Tianma Square, 50-80 RMB/day, recommended models with over 80km range for freer island riding
3. Ride-Hailing: Can go directly to Tianma Square or Seawater Bathing Beach, avoid traffic control hours (8:00-18:30)
📅 2-Day Itinerary Plan:
🌅 Day 1: Cliff Secrets and Island Romance
• Morning:
◦ Arrive by car before 8:00, head straight to Zhang Island, explore the Conch Cave along the red wooden boardwalk at low tide, shoot the layered textures of rocks and clear water from low angles, wearing a white long dress enhances photos
◦ 10:00 Check in at Yishou Road Castle Path, where pine forests and sea create a fairytale scene, use a telephoto lens for stronger compression effect
• Noon:
◦ Eat authentic fisherman's dishes at Xinyang Restaurant in Zhongyuan Village, must-try spicy scallop edges and mackerel dumplings, about 60 RMB per person for a full meal
• Afternoon:
◦ Rent an electric scooter and ride counterclockwise around the island, stop at Qin Feng Cliff to photograph Roman columns and horse sculptures, use side lighting to highlight three-dimensionality; climb the viewing platform to overlook the gradient blue sea, morning light is best
◦ 16:00 Arrive at Lotus Sunset, check in at the Lonely Tree and Island Letter cabin, at high tide the sea shows Tiffany blue, use a wide-angle lens to capture the cave and coastline
• Evening:
◦ Stay at Island Love Guesthouse, enjoy a 180° sea view terrace overlooking the Yangma Island Bridge light show, dinner can include freshly steamed scallops and oysters prepared by the owner
🌅 Day 2: Seafood Feast and Cultural Exploration
• Morning:
◦ Drive to Libeng Island before 5:30 to secure the best sunrise spot, morning mist creates a fairyland atmosphere, use a tripod for long exposure to capture sparkling sea surface
◦ 8:30 Visit Tianma Square, where the Qin Shi Huang statue and horse culture corridor are perfect for vintage-style photos, avoid midday harsh light
• Noon:
◦ Try specialty seafood potstickers at Yuhe Restaurant in Sunjiatuan Village, mantis shrimp potstickers stuffed with three whole shrimp, paired with salt-grilled conch and brown sugar lava flatbread, about 80 RMB per person
• Afternoon:
◦ Explore the Sea Erosion Cave (Dog Demon Eighteen Caves), waves pass through the cave at high tide, wear non-slip shoes and be cautious of slippery surfaces; reachable on foot via navigation to "Dongdao Fisherman's Seafood Restaurant"
◦ Before 15:00, head to Island Diary Café, a pure white Instagram-style building with black window frames, order a sea salt latte and relax by the floor-to-ceiling window, capturing the changing light of tides
• Evening:
◦ At Seawater Bathing Beach, try jet skiing (150 RMB/30 minutes) or build sandcastles, shoot backlit silhouettes when the sunset reflects on the sea
⚠️ Pitfall Tips:
1️⃣ Traffic Control: During peak season July-August, Yangma Island Bridge restricts traffic from 8:00-18:30; it’s recommended to enter the island by car before 8:00 or use the shuttle bus; only shuttle buses are allowed in Houhai Scenic Area 24/7
2️⃣ Rental Traps: Check brakes and battery when renting electric scooters, ensure full charge for island riding; avoid private rentals, choose official shops with clear pricing
3️⃣ Seafood Price Protection: Confirm prices before ordering seafood, recommended local favorites are Xinyang Restaurant and Yuhe Restaurant; avoid "live seafood weight swapping"
4️⃣ Safety Tips: No guardrails at Sea Erosion Cave and Yubi Garden, do not approach cliff edges when taking photos; wear rain boots for tide hunting and check tide tables in advance
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations:
📍 Premium Choice: Yangma Island Resort Hotel, exclusive private beach, offers tide hunting tools and family activities
📍 Cost-Effective Choice: Yuzu Family Hotel, located in Longhu Resort Area off the island, includes kids’ playground and pool, 30 minutes drive to attractions
📍 Unique Experience: Geek Guesthouse, designer light luxury style, offers travel photography and sea tours, 10-minute walk to the beach
🍜 Food Map:
✅ Must-Try: Sea cucumber rice, mackerel dumplings, mantis shrimp potstickers, salt-grilled conch
✅ Snack Streets: Longhu Putai Commercial Street, Yangma Island Seafood Stalls
✅ Souvenirs: Changyu Wine, Penglai Instant Noodles
📸 Photo Tips:
1️⃣ Zhang Island Conch Cave: Shoot at low tide from low angles, use wide-angle lens to highlight water transparency
2️⃣ Qin Feng Cliff: Use Roman columns for portrait close-ups, horse sculptures with telephoto lens to compress space
3️⃣ Lotus Sunset: Arrive 1 hour before sunset, use slow shutter speed to capture flowing light and shadow in the cave
4️⃣ Lonely Tree: Wear solid color long dress, shoot silhouettes with side backlight of person and coastline
💰 Budget Reference (per person):
• Transport: 200 RMB round trip Yantai to Yangma Island + 100 RMB island transport
• Accommodation: Mid-range hotel 400 RMB/night
• Tickets: Free (some activities charge separately)
• Food: 150 RMB/day, total about 1000-1200 RMB
This summer, escape the crowded popular islands and come to Yangma Island for a romantic date with the "Jelly Sea," experiencing the unique charm of a northern island between cliffs and waves!