Attractions · Yantai

Penglai Pavilion was first built in the sixth year of Jiayou of the Northern Song (1061) and is ranked with the Yellow Crane Tower, Yueyang Tower and Pavilion of Prince Teng as one of China's four great towers. The pavilion sits on the summit of Danya Hill above the sea, looking like a fairyland when cloud and mist wrap it. Highlights include the main pavilion, the Tianhou Palace, Penglai Water City and Tianheng Hill. Tip: in summer there is a chance of seeing a mirage. Practical info: located at 7 Yingbin Road, Penglai District, Yantai, Shandong Province; ticket ¥100; opening hours 07:30–17:30. Best season: summer (Jun–Sep) is for escaping the heat and watching the sea; autumn (Sep–Oct) brings the fragrance of apples and plump, sweet seafood. Combine with Changdao (Miaodao Islands), the Zhangyu Wine Culture Museum and Yangma Island for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time.

Tip: In summer there is a chance of seeing a mirage. Go early to avoid the crowds.

• Address: 7 Yingbin Road, Penglai District, Yantai, Shandong Province
• Ticket: ¥100
• Opening: 07:30–17:30

China's offshore boundary follows the line from Laotieshan Cape by Dalian through the Miaodao Islands to Penglai Cape in Shandong, separating the Bohai Sea from the Yellow Sea, and Changdao lies exactly on that line; the islands have 56.8 square kilometres of land, 3,541 square kilometres of sea and 187.8 kilometres of coastline. Changdao was formerly Shandong's only island county; in June 2020, with State Council approval, the county was abolished and incorporated into Penglai District of Yantai. The Changdao National Nature Reserve protects migratory birds and their habitat; environmental protection department records give it an area of 5,300 hectares and more than 240 recorded bird species, with spring and autumn the peak seasons for birdwatching. The steep wall of Jiuzhang Cliff and the pebble beach of Crescent Bay were both shaped by long wave erosion; the strait is windy, and passenger boats are often reduced or suspended in strong winds, so confirm the day's sailings before setting out. Highlights include Wangfu Reef. Tip: boats leave from Penglai Port and take about 45 minutes. Practical info: located at Beichangshan Township, Penglai District, Yantai, Shandong Province (boat required); ticket pass ¥150 (boat fare extra); open all day (boat required).

Tip: Boats leave from Penglai Port and take about 45 minutes.

• Address: Beichangshan Township, Penglai District, Yantai, Shandong Province (boat required)
• Ticket: Pass ¥150 (boat fare extra)
• Opening: All day (boat required)

The Zhangyu Wine Culture Museum is China's first wine museum, showing the century-long development of the Zhangyu company and the culture of winemaking. The great underground cellar was built in 1905 and is still in use. Highlights include the century-old great cellar, the wine culture exhibition hall, the tasting area and the Zhangyu Centenary Culture Square. Tip: the ticket includes a tasting, where several Zhangyu wines can be sampled. Practical info: located at 56 Dama Road, Zhifu District, Yantai, Shandong Province; ticket ¥80 (including wine tasting); opening hours 08:00–17:00. Best season: summer (Jun–Sep) is for escaping the heat and watching the sea; autumn (Sep–Oct) brings the fragrance of apples and plump, sweet seafood. Combine with Penglai Pavilion, Changdao (Miaodao Islands) and Yangma Island for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time.

Tip: The ticket includes a tasting where several Zhangyu wines can be sampled.

• Address: 56 Dama Road, Zhifu District, Yantai, Shandong Province
• Ticket: ¥80 (including wine tasting)
• Opening: 08:00–17:00

Yangma Island is traditionally the place where Qin Shi Huang pastured horses. The island has Tianma Square, Houhai and other sights; the round-island road has fine views and clear water, making it a good place for a holiday. Highlights include the Houhai pebble beach, Zhang Island and cycling around the island. Tip: it suits driving or cycling around the island; allow half a day. Practical info: located at Yangma Island Tourist Resort, Muping District, Yantai, Shandong Province; admission free; open all day. Best season: summer (Jun–Sep) is for escaping the heat and watching the sea; autumn (Sep–Oct) brings the fragrance of apples and plump, sweet seafood. Combine with Penglai Pavilion, Changdao (Miaodao Islands) and the Zhangyu Wine Culture Museum for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and avoid the crowds, allowing time for queues and security checks.

Tip: It suits driving or cycling around the island; allow half a day. In summer you can swim in the sea.

• Address: Yangma Island Tourist Resort, Muping District, Yantai, Shandong Province
• Ticket: Free
• Opening: All day