Mountains, Seas, and Fairy Tales: A Poetic Journey

Day 1: Penglai Pavilion and Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea | Travel Through Ancient Fairy Mountains and Mythology Morning: Explore Penglai Pavilion • Core Experience: ◦ Arrive at Guanlan Pavilion at 6:00 AM to capture the misty Danshan Mountain and the dividing line between the Bohai and Yellow Seas, a scene resembling an ink painting. ◦ Climb the main pavilion of Penglai Pavilion (a wooden structure from the Northern Song Dynasty), overlook the sea and sky, and experience the magic of the "mirage" described by Su Shi. ◦ Visit the Ancient Ship Museum, touch the remains of the Song Dynasty shipwreck "Black Stone", and learn about the history of ancient Chinese navigation. Midday: Penglai's Special Cuisine • Recommendation: Lao Chuan Zhang Noodle House: Penglai noodles for CNY 3 a bowl, featuring fragrant fish soup with hand-rolled noodles; pair it with mackerel dumplings from Mo Zhi Kou Yu Jia Le. Afternoon: Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Scenic Area • Highlight Activities: ◦ Take aerial photos of the Eight Immortals Bridge, with the gourd-shaped island floating on the sea and flocks of seagulls flying like a mythical scroll. ◦ Feed the spotted seals at Seal Island and capture the interactive moments; overlook the panoramic view from Wangying Tower, and enjoy the "Dream of Fairy Mountain" light show at night. Evening: Ancient City Lights and Seafood Feast • Check in to a seaside guesthouse near Penglai Pavilion, stroll through the Eight Immortals Market at night, and savor the Eight Immortals Feast (eight seafood dishes corresponding to the allusions of the Eight Immortals). Day 2-3: Changdao | Blue Tears at 37° North Latitude Transportation: Take a boat from Penglai Port to Changdao (CNY 45/person, 40 mins), and rent an electric scooter for island tours (CNY 38/hour). Day 2: North Line: The Poetry of Cliffs and Gravel Morning: Jiuzhang Cliff • Activities: Take photos of the "Heart of the Sea" reef from the cliffside boardwalk (visible at low tide), and overlook the sea caves from the Crown Viewing Platform. Afternoon: Crescent Bay Park • Features: Walk barefoot on the colorful gravel beach and watch the seal ball-balancing show at the Seal Garden. Evening: Fisherman's Wharf Experience • Check in to a Changdao fisherman's guesthouse, enjoy a steamed seafood feast with freshly caught ingredients (abalone, scallops, sea urchin), and listen to the tide and watch the stars at night. Day 3: South Line: The Symphony of Forest and Sea Morning: Linhai Fengshan Park • Dividing Line Between the Bohai and Yellow Seas: Stroll along the boardwalk at the intersection of the two-colored waters, and take photos of "one foot in two seas" from the glass viewing platform. Afternoon: Island Hopping: Wan Bird Island and Daheishan Island • Wan Bird Island (best time to visit: Apr–May): Feed bread to attract flocks of seagulls; explore the "Heaven's Gate" of Longzhua Mountain on Daheishan Island. Evening: Sunset at Fairyland Origin • The birthplace of the Eight Immortals legend, take ancient-style photos against the crimson sunset. Day 4: Yantai Fisherman's Wharf | Mediterranean Style and Lively Atmosphere Transportation: Take a boat from Changdao back to Penglai, and drive 1.5 hrs to Yantai. Afternoon to Evening: Wharf Wandering • Must-sees: ◦ Haichang Whale Shark Museum: Touch beluga whales and watch a 360° dome movie. ◦ Seaside Boardwalk: Take photos of the reflection of the "Prague red-roofed buildings" at sunset. ◦ Happy Coast Amusement Park: Enjoy the night view from the Ferris wheel, and have a drink at a bar on Bar Street while listening to the waves. Dining: Enjoy a seafood platter at the Ninety Nautical Miles Restaurant, paired with Zhangyu wine, and enjoy the slightly tipsy sea view. Day 5: Nanshan Scenic Area | Buddhist Holy Land and Zen of Mountains and Seas Transportation: Take a high-speed train from Yantai to Sanya (transfer required), or fly directly to Sanya and rent a car (the scenic area is 40 km from the city center). Core Route: • Nanshan Temple: Worship the 108m-tall sea-standing Guanyin and circle the Buddha three times for blessings. • Thirty-three Guanyin Hall: Copy scriptures for peace of mind, and experience meditation courses (reservation required). • Vegetarian Feast: Enjoy Luohan Zhai and coconut-flavored glutinous rice balls at the Nanshan Leisure Club. Evening: Cultural Surprise • Small and Big Cave Heavens: Adjacent to Nanshan, explore the "Small Cave Heaven" cliff carvings, and overlook the South China Sea from the cliff swing. Practical Information • Tickets: ◦ Penglai Pavilion combined ticket: CNY 140 (including the film and television city); Changdao land pass: CNY 150; Nanshan Scenic Area: CNY 154 (including sightseeing bus). • Transportation Tips: ◦ Boats from Penglai to Changdao operate from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM (one boat per hour). Follow the "Changdao Ferry Tickets" official account for real-time sailing information. ◦ The sightseeing bus in Nanshan Scenic Area is a must-buy, as the walking distance within the park is long. • Clothing Suggestions: ◦ Penglai/Changdao: Windbreaker + Hanfu (for photos at ancient buildings); Nanshan: Plain long dress (suitable for Buddhist culture). • Photography Guide: ◦ Use a telephoto lens to capture the details of the mirage at Penglai Pavilion; use a wide-angle lens to capture the layers of cliffs at Jiuzhang Cliff in Changdao; use a drone to take panoramic aerial photos of the sea-standing Guanyin at Nanshan. From fairy mountains to islands, from mythology to Zen, this route connects the beauty of the Jiaodong Peninsula and the solemnity of the South China Sea coast, allowing you to touch the thousand-year-old cultural context and indulge in the freedom and romance between the mountains and the sea.