Nanny-Level Yantai Travel Guide: How to Enjoy Three Days and Two Nights Without Pitfalls and Have a Great Time!

Yantai’s biggest features are its “immortality” and “freshness.” It has the legendary Penglai fairyland and the ultimate fresh flavors of Bohai Bay, making it a true treasure coastal city. Itinerary suggestion: Three days and two nights is quite fulfilling. Day 1: Chasing the Footsteps of Immortals and the Charm of the Ancient City · Morning: After arrival, head straight to Penglai Pavilion. This is one of the “Four Great Ancient Towers of China”! When you hear “The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea,” doesn’t the image just come to mind? Standing on the pavilion, leaning on the railing and looking far away, the boundary line between the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea (if visibility is good) appears faintly. The feeling is like you could ride the clouds and mist the next second. The scenic area also includes Penglai Water City and the Ancient Ship Museum, both quite interesting. Take a stroll and feel the thousand-year-old coastal defense history and the immortal aura. · Afternoon: Visit the Mou Family Manor. After leaving Penglai Pavilion, if you have time, I strongly recommend you visit the Mou Family Manor. This is not an ordinary farmhouse; it’s the largest and best-preserved landlord manor in northern China, known as the “Folk Little Forbidden City.” The architecture inside is exquisite, with every brick and tile carefully crafted. Walking inside, you can instantly travel back to that era and experience what it means to be a “wealthy family.” · Evening: Stay in downtown Yantai and head straight to Yantai University Snack Street. After a long day, you must reward yourself with delicious food! The snack street near Yantai University is a paradise for foodies! Various seafood barbecues and local snacks are dazzling. You must try “Yantai Menzi,” made from sweet potato starch, pan-fried crispy outside and tender inside, paired with garlic paste and sesame sauce—absolutely amazing! Also, grilled oysters and scallops have that fresh and sweet taste that makes your mouth water just thinking about it. Day 2: Embrace the Blue Sea, Blue Sky, and Urban Romance · Morning: Coastal Road Stroll—Moon Bay, East Battery, and Zhanqiao Pier. Today, we’ll stroll along Yantai’s most beautiful coastline. First, go to Moon Bay, where the huge Moon Elder sculpture is a must-visit spot for couples. It’s said that hanging a love lock here is especially lucky. Then walk to East Battery to see the Qing Dynasty coastal defense site and touch those ancient cannons, where history and sea views blend. Next, visit Zhanqiao Pier, a long bridge extending into the sea. Walking on it, with the sea breeze on your face and an open view, your mood will soar. · Afternoon: Changyu Wine Culture Museum. Yantai is a world-famous wine city! You must visit this museum. You can learn about the development history of China’s wine industry and see the century-old large wine cellar with rows of huge oak barrels—very impressive. The best part is that the ticket usually includes tasting one or two kinds of wine. You can play the sommelier and savor the taste of “nectar of the gods” (underage friends and drivers should just enjoy the visit). · Evening: Try authentic seafood at Mong Kok Little Fishing Village. Coming to Yantai without eating seafood is a waste! Find a popular local restaurant like “Mong Kok Little Fishing Village.” No need to hesitate when ordering—just point at the lively seafood in the tanks! Steamed sea urchin egg custard is incredibly fresh, braised sea cucumber with scallions is soft and chewy, and spicy stir-fried mantis shrimp will make you lick your fingers. Remember, eating seafood is all about the original fresh flavor! Day 3: Island Style and Leisure Time · All day (or half day): Changdao Island trip. If you have enough time and good weather, I sincerely suggest you spend a day on Changdao Island. It’s actually an archipelago, and you need to take a boat from Penglai. You can feed seagulls on the boat, which is a fantastic experience. On the island, visit Jiuzhang Cliff to see the spectacular sea erosion formations and steep cliffs; go to Crescent Bay to collect unique pebbles; visit Linhai to see the marker of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea boundary. On Changdao, time seems to slow down, leaving only the sound of waves and sea breeze. · If not going to Changdao: You can sunbathe and swim at the city’s First Seawater Bathing Beach or take photos at Fisherman’s Wharf, where the European-style buildings are very photogenic. Finally, buy some Yantai specialties like dried apples and dried seafood, then head home satisfied. Some Thoughtful Tips: 1. Transportation: Yantai’s attractions are a bit spread out. The most convenient way is by taxi or renting a car. Buses are available but take more time. 2. Accommodation: It’s recommended to stay in downtown Yantai (Zhifu District or Laishan District) for convenient dining, shopping, and transportation. 3. Season: The best time is from late spring to early autumn (May to October). Summer is good for swimming but also peak season; autumn offers the fattest seafood and clear skies. 4. Essentials: Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! The UV rays by the sea are no joke. Also, comfortable shoes because you’ll walk a lot. Yantai is definitely a place full of surprises. Wish you have a great time and enjoy delicious food in Yantai!