A port city famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and delicious wine — Yantai’s tourist attractions

Yantai is a city where you can experience ancient Chinese history, with sites like Yangma Island, which is said to have been visited by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and Yantai Mountain. It is also a major production area for Chinese wine.

Although not very well-known to tourists, Yantai offers unique attractions that can only be found in China, such as the Haichang Yantai Whale Shark Aquarium and the Changyu Wine Culture Museum. Additionally, there are plenty of natural attractions like Kunlun Mountain and Yantai Golden Beach, known for its natural swimming areas, making Yantai a destination with a wide variety of sightseeing options.

With its developed maritime transport and easy accessibility, combining a visit to Yantai with trips to Qingdao or Dalian would make your tour more efficient. Yangma Island, with its warm climate year-round, is a popular tourist destination in China. Here are some recommended tourist spots in Yantai.

1. Yantai Mountain

Yantai Mountain is a symbolic tourist attraction of Yantai City, easily recognizable from afar thanks to its white tower. Located on the northern side of Yantai, it is surrounded by the sea on three sides, offering beautiful scenery and a pleasant environment. Covering 450,000 square meters, it also boasts a vast sea area. The scenic spot is rich in greenery, with clear waters and unique rock formations that delight visitors.

It is also home to cultural heritage sites and is designated as a government-approved tourist scenic area in China.
Originally, Yantai Mountain was established during the Ming Dynasty in 1398 when a signal beacon tower was built at the summit to warn of enemy invasions. This beacon tower gave Yantai City its name. You can still see the remnants of the base of a general who defended against Japan (referred to as the "Country of Wa" back then). With over 600 years of history, Yantai Mountain has become a true symbol of the city and continues to attract many tourists.

2. Changyu Wine Culture Museum

The Changyu Wine Culture Museum is one of the few museums in the world dedicated entirely to wine. Located on Dama Road in Zhifu District, the museum was built on the former factory site of Changyu Company, a pioneer of Chinese wine, to commemorate its 100th anniversary.

Opened to the public in 1992, the museum was constructed with an investment of 4.5 million yuan and attracts numerous visitors. Inside, you’ll find a Wine Culture Plaza, a century-old underground wine cellar, a multipurpose hall, a history hall, and an audiovisual hall — all designed for tourists.
Spanning 40,000 square meters, the museum showcases the history of Changyu Company and the challenging journey of China’s wine industry.
Located along the coast southeast of Yantai Station, it is a highly popular tourist attraction.

3. Kunyu Mountain

Kunyu Mountain, one of the most famous tourist destinations in both Yantai City and Shandong Province, is located within a national forest park. It belongs to Muping District in Yantai and sits on the eastern part of the Shandong Peninsula. Covering 48 square kilometers, the area features a combination of warm and humid as well as maritime climates.

It is the tallest mountain on the peninsula and is surrounded by a peaceful environment. Kunyu Mountain is also known for its cultural heritage and is a popular tourist spot. Additionally, the park is recognized as the birthplace of the Quanzhen School of Taoism.

Kunyu Mountain is designated as a National 4A-Class Scenic Area (5A is the highest) and is also a nature reserve. It serves as a model ecological tourism area and a valuable educational site for children around Yantai. Come and experience Kunyu Mountain’s rich history and stunning natural beauty.

4. Yantai Golden Beach

Yantai Golden Beach is located on the northern side of the Yantai Economic and Technological Development Zone. It is a large tourist attraction where swimming, leisure, and gourmet food come together. The area is a seaside park featuring four main attractions: Tianjie Square, Wanmi Seaside Bathing Beach, Qicai City Water Park, and Air World.

Tianjie Square has monuments and fountains, which are beautifully illuminated at night, creating a romantic atmosphere. By the sea, Wanmi Seaside Bathing Beach stretches out, where in summer, the sea temperature hovers around 25°C with excellent water quality. It is one of China’s top natural bathing beaches, attracting many visitors.

The Water Park is located on the west side of the park, spanning 4,000 square meters. It features airplane-themed entertainment areas that excite children. Air World showcases a British-made passenger plane donated by China Eastern Airlines. Inside, visitors can enjoy flight simulation experiences, a café, a theater, and a restaurant. This is a unique Yantai tourist spot that both adults and children can enjoy.

5. Yantai Tashan Scenic Area

Yantai Tashan is located in Zhifu District, Yantai City. It is named after the oldest tower in the area, “Tashan.” The scenic spot features Dai Mountain to the east and Nan Mountain to the west, with natural greenery at its center. Known for its beautiful scenery, it is popular among both locals and tourists.

Major facilities include the Dynamic Theater, Competition Hall, and Tropical Rainforest Pavilion. The Dynamic Theater offers earthquake-themed exhibits and an immersive 4D experience. At the Competition Hall, visitors can watch goat, chicken, and dog fighting competitions, dragon dances, international magic shows, Guinness World Record performances, and Russian luxury dance shows. In the Tropical Rainforest Pavilion, visitors can see over 100 rare plant species and around 20 bred animals such as Yangtze alligators and Taiwanese alligators.

Its easy access and the concentration of attractions make it a must-visit spot where visitors can enjoy both beautiful nature and modern entertainment.

6. Yantai Haichang Whale Shark Aquarium

The Yantai Haichang Whale Shark Aquarium is a unique shark-themed aquarium located at the scenic Haichang Fisherman’s Wharf. The modern silver building adds to the excitement of the visit.

Inside, there are several themed zones like the Shark Zone, Turtle Zone, and Coral Zone, all using sound and light technology to entertain guests. Other attractions include a theater, a mermaid legend show, and deep-sea exploration, making it one of Yantai's most popular tourist spots.

Shark breeding in aquariums is said to be extremely difficult, but Yantai Haichang Whale Shark Aquarium has succeeded using advanced technology and shark ecology research. Visit this marine high-tech aquarium, themed around harmony with nature, when you’re in Yantai.

7. Yantai No.1 Bathing Beach

Yantai No.1 Bathing Beach is located on Beihai North Road, Zhifu District, offering a beautiful 1.7-kilometer-long coastline. With soft sand and scenic views, it attracts many visitors for vacations and trips. The water is crystal clear, making it a perfect spot for swimming, strolling along the beach, or playing by the shoreline. It is designated as part of the Yantai Mountain Scenic Area, with nearby attractions like the Former Danish Consulate, Bing Xin Memorial Hall, and Changyu Wine Culture Museum. The easy access also adds to its charm.

At night, the beach is illuminated, creating a fantastic and romantic atmosphere. You can feel the warm sea breeze and the scent of Yantai's ocean. If you look to the east, you’ll find the East Fort, a key maritime defense spot of Yantai. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of Yantai's rich history. Wrapping up your sightseeing here gives you a full view of the city and reminds you of the places you’ve visited. Don't miss Yantai No.1 Bathing Beach when touring Yantai.

8. Yantai Dà Nánshān (Great South Mountain)

Lush with vegetation, Yantai Dà Nánshān is located almost at the center of Yantai City. Spanning the districts of Zhifu, Laishan, and High-tech Zone, this natural park is a top tourist destination in Yantai.

Covering a total area of 60 square kilometers, the towering Dà Nánshān also helps purify the city’s air. With its abundant nature and scenic beauty, many tourists visit with cameras in hand to enjoy the changing seasons.

With a continental warm and humid climate, there is ample rainfall and sunshine, making it perfect for relaxing while enjoying mountain views. The highest peak is around 401 meters, ideal for light trekking. If you want to connect with nature in Yantai, Dà Nánshān is highly recommended.

9. Yangma Island Resort Area

Yangma Island is designated as a resort area in Shandong Province. Located east of Yantai, it covers about 10 square kilometers. According to legend, the First Emperor of Qin was so mesmerized by its beauty that he visited the island.

The island's grasslands made it ideal for raising war horses, hence the name "Emperor’s Horse-Raising Island." It remains a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate. The changing seasons are also a highlight, offering different views year-round. The blue sea and silver beaches offer a soothing escape. Local specialties include abalone, oysters, and scallops — perfect for seafood lovers.

With about 40 large hotels and entertainment spots, Yangma Island is bustling with tourists annually. After shopping in downtown Yantai, relaxing on Yangma Island is highly recommended.

10. Yantai Tianhou Palace

Yantai, once a small fishing village, developed into an important port in Northern China during the Qing Dynasty. Many merchants from Fujian Province arrived, and in 1884, the Yantai Tianhou Palace (Fujian Guild Hall) was built for them.

It is said that building materials were shipped all the way from Fujian. The unique Fujian architectural style amazed the locals with its beauty.
Many women served in the Fujian Guild Hall, so the characters for "Tianhou Xínggōng" (Heavenly Queen's Palace) — referring to the Taoist sea goddess Mazu — were engraved at the entrance. Now, it stands as a historic spot where visitors can reflect on the Fujian merchants' entrepreneurial spirit. Though not a major tourist attraction, it’s an intriguing place to explore Yantai's history.

11. Yantai Tashan Amusement City

Located within the Yantai Tashan Scenic Area, this is a popular tourist destination in Yantai. Positioned almost at the center of the city, its convenient transportation has helped develop the leisure industry.

In 1993, the Tashan Group began development, and by 1999, additional funding led to the second phase of construction. As a result, the area has become a large-scale integrated tourist destination that blends religion and leisure.

The site is divided into the Taiping Temple Scenic Area and the Modern Entertainment Area. At the top, the Taiping Temple Scenic Area features cultural heritage sites like "Taiping Temple," "Sanhe Pagoda," and "Dragon King Palace," as well as natural attractions like "Guanyin Peak" and "Yunshi Valley."

Meanwhile, the Modern Entertainment Area at the foot of the mountain offers attractions like Jet Star rides, a sports center, a musical fountain, and the National Defense Education Hall, making it a popular spot for families. Visitors can enjoy Yantai's history as they climb the mountain, and modern entertainment below — making it an attractive tourist destination that draws many visitors.

◎ Summary

With fascinating spots like Kunlun Mountain, Yantai Golden Beach, and Tashan with its amusement park, Yantai has plenty of attractions. Although still not widely known, you can see that it’s a city worth exploring.

For example, even their aquariums use high-tech features to highlight sharks, creating a unique experience different. Both foreign and many Chinese tourists visit amusement parks and cultural heritage sites. Yantai is a scenic port city rich in natural beauty, steeped in legends like that of the First Emperor, while also embracing modern urban life. Be sure to visit Yantai someday!

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A port city famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and delicious wine — Yantai’s tourist attractions