Yantai

Yantai (烟台 Yāntái) is a port city on the Shandong coast that still retains some of its colonial charm. The city has a development zone and large container and shipbuilding ports. There is a small community of foreign expatriates working in shipbuilding and English teaching.

Yantai is located on the northeastern coast of the Shandong Peninsula, bordering both the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea. This location gives the city a marine climate with four distinct seasons. Sea fog is common in spring and early summer.Summer temperatures average around 25°C, making it a popular summer retreat. Winter is cold but moderated by the sea, with January averages around -2°C.

Yantai is home to Yantai Raffles (烟台莱福士船厂), which owns the largest shipbuilding crane in the world, towering over the eastern edge of the T shaped peninsula. Yantai is known for tasty fruit, especially cherries, apples, peaches and pears and is also the home of Changyu Wines, whose founder Zhang Bishi introduced viticulture and winemaking to China in 1892.

The seaside is home to a promenade for walking or relaxing. Among the seaside attractions is a great water, light and sound show: nightly at the promenade. It is definitely worth seeing.

Mandarin Chinese (普通话) is the lingua franca; the Yantai accent differs in tone distinction and is often described as gritty. Most younger residents and service staff in tourist areas can understand standard Mandarin.Yantai is also the government seat for the surrounding areas and attracts many workers from those areas, each with a different flavor of Mandarin on a spectrum of intelligibility.

Yantai boasts a long and multifaceted history, evolving from an ancient coastal defense and fishing hub to a modern port and industrial city. Its development reflects the historical shifts of China's eastern coast, particularly the Shandong Peninsula.

Human activity in the Yantai area dates back to the Neolithic period. During the Qin and Han dynasties, it was part of Donglai Commandery. The name "Yantai" originates from the Ming Dynasty (1398 AD), when a beacon tower was built on the northern hill to warn of pirate attacks. The hill, and later the surrounding area, became known as "Beacon Tower Hill" (Yantai Shan). The nearby Dengzhou (modern Penglai) was a pivotal military and commercial port, serving as a key departure point on the ancient Maritime Silk Road to Korea and Japan. Emperors Qin Shi Huang and Han Wu Di are recorded to have visited the area.

A pivotal moment came in 1861 when, following the Treaty of Tianjin, Yantai (then called Chefoo) was opened as a treaty port. This sparked profound change:Foreign consulates, trading firms, and churches were established, creating a distinct architectural quarter around Yantai Hill.Modern industry emerged, most notably with the founding of Changyu Pioneer Wine Company in 1892, China's first industrialized winery.The port flourished, exporting local products like vermicelli and lace. While Western education and medicine were introduced, cultural clashes occurred.

The founding of Changyu in 1892 by Zhang Bishi marked the beginning of China's modern wine industry. The company introduced Western viticulture and winemaking techniques to the country. The original underground cellar, built in 1903, is still in use and is open to visitors at the Changyu Wine Culture Museum.Today, Yantai is one of China's major wine-producing regions, with numerous wineries in the surrounding area.

After 1949, Yantai developed as an industrial and defense base. Its true transformation began in 1984 when it was designated one of China's first 14 coastal open cities. The establishment of economic and technological development zones attracted massive foreign investment, spurring growth in manufacturing, automotive, and electronics. The port expanded significantly, becoming a major hub for roll-on/roll-off transport and trade with Korea. Today, Yantai is a key economic center in Shandong. It balances modern industry with thriving tourism (leveraging sites like Penglai Pavilion) and a world-renowned wine industry, actively shaping its future as a modern international coastal city.

Yantai's history is a journey from an ancient strategic outpost to a compelled treaty port, and finally to a proactively globalizing metropolis. The sea is the constant thread—linking its past in defense, trade, and forced opening to its present and future in maritime economy and open development. The city embodies layers of history, from ancient legends and imperial visits to treaty-port architecture and modern innovation, serving as a vivid microcosm of China's coastal evolution.

Yantai is located on the northeastern coast of Shandong Peninsula, bordering the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea. It experiences a warm temperate monsoon climate​ with distinct marine influences.

The climate features four distinct seasons and moderate temperatures. Winters are cold but not severely so, with January averages around -1.5°C to -2°C, moderated by the ocean. Summers are pleasantly cool and humid, with July averages around 25°C, making it a popular summer retreat. Spring is mild, and autumn is long and comfortable.

Precipitation is concentrated heavily in the humid summer months. The city enjoys abundant sunshine. Sea fog is common in spring and early summer.

Monsoon winds prevail: dry, cold northwesterlies in winter and warm, moist southeasterlies in summer. Coastal winds can be strong, especially in spring.

Major meteorological hazards include cold waves, snowstorms, and gales in winter, and typhoons (though less intense than in southern China), rainstorms, and thunderstorms in summer. Overall, Yantai's climate is mild, pleasant, and significantly moderated by the sea, contributing to its liveability and famous agricultural products like apples and wine.

• 37.66009120.978571 Yantai Penglai International Airport (YNT  ^IATA, 烟台蓬莱国际机场), Intersection of Konggang 2nd Road and Yingbin 8th Road, Chaoshui Town, Penglai District (蓬莱区潮水镇空港二路与迎宾八路交叉口), ☏ +86 535 6299999. The terminal has currency exchange, car rental counters, and a food court. Free Wi-Fi is available for passengers. International flights from Seoul, Osaka and Hong Kong are available. Domestic flights connect Yantai with more than 20 major cities in China, such as Beijing (daily, 1 hour), Harbin (daily, 2 hours), Jinan, (daily, 35 minutes), Shenyang, (daily, 2 hours), Ningbo (daily, 1½ hours), Dalian (daily, 45 minutes) Chengdu (4 hours), Guangzhou (3 hours), Kunming (4 hours), Shanghai (daily, 1½ hours), Shenzhen (3 hours), Wuhan (daily, 2 hours) and Xi'an (2 hours). The airport is 15 km (9 mi) northwest of the city. An airport shuttle bus is available to multiple destinations in the city, including bus stations and train stations, as well as certain hotels. There are also buses to neighbouring cities such as Penglai and Weihai. A taxi ride to Laishan or downtown can cost you about ¥40.  (updated Jul 2020)

Yantai is easily accessible from Jinan and Qingdao with frequent trains daily. But rail transport may be inconvenient if you travel long-distance, as there are no direct or fast trains. Sometimes you need to transit at Jinan.Here are a few major high-speed rail routes that run from Yantai to surrounding cities

Yantai Railway Station is located in Zhifu District, close to the city center and the port. It serves high-speed trains to Jinan, Qingdao, and Weihai. The station is within walking distance of several hotels and the Chaoyang Street bar area.The station is about 2 km from Yantai Hill and about 3 km from the First Beach. Local buses and taxis are available outside the station.

• G6932. From Liaocheng. (updated Dec 2025)
• D6097. From Weihai (updated Dec 2025)
• C6566. From Qingdao (updated Dec 2025)
• D6032. From Jinan (updated Dec 2025)
• 37.5475121.37762 Yantai Railway Station (烟台站), No. 135, Beima Road, Zhifu District, ☏ +86 535 296 5432. A first-class passenger station.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 37.5476121.37773 Yantai South Railway Station (烟台南站), Shanhai Road, Laishan District (about 15 km southeast of city center), ☏ +86 535-12306. A major high-speed rail station serving the Qingdao-Rongcheng Intercity Railway. It handles most high-speed trains (G and D) to and from Yantai, including services to Beijing, Shanghai, Jinan, and Qingdao. Connections to the city center are available by bus and taxi.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.65718121.049414 Yantai West Railway Station (烟台西站), Development Zone, Fushan District (about 25 km west of city center), ☏ +86 535-12306. A station on the Weifang-Yantai High-Speed Railway, opened in 2024. It serves the western part of Yantai, including the Economic and Technological Development Zone, and offers high-speed connections to Weifang, Jinan, and beyond.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.6572121.04955 Muping Railway Station (牟平站), Muping District (about 30 km east of city center), ☏ +86 535-12306. A station on the Qingdao-Rongcheng Intercity Railway, serving the Muping District and the eastern suburbs of Yantai. Convenient for travelers heading to Kunyu Mountain and other eastern attractions.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.7567120.79666 Penglai Railway Station (蓬莱站), Penglai District (about 70 km west of Yantai city center), ☏ +86 535-12306. A high-speed rail station serving Penglai, home of the famous Penglai Pavilion. It is on the Weifang-Yantai High-Speed Railway and offers direct trains from Jinan and Qingdao.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.618066120.5177677 Longkou Railway Station (龙口站), Longkou (about 90 km west of Yantai city center), ☏ +86 535-12306. A station on the Dalailong Railway, serving Longkou and the surrounding area. It primarily handles conventional trains but also serves some high-speed services on the Weifang-Yantai line.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 36.927686120.7057088 Laiyang Railway Station (莱阳站), Laiyang (about 100 km southwest of Yantai city center), ☏ +86 535-12306. A station on the Qingdao-Rongcheng Intercity Railway, serving Laiyang and the surrounding agricultural region. It offers high-speed connections to Qingdao, Yantai, and Weihai.  (updated Oct 2026)

The Yantai-Weifang (272 km/169 mi), Yantai-Qingdao (276 km/172 mi) and Yantai-Weihai (86 km/53 mi) high quality superhighways have been put into service. Minibuses run between Yantai and nearby cities, such as Qingdao (3½ hours) and Weihai (1½ hours). Direct buses also serve Jinan (about 5 hours) and Weifang (about 3 hours). Tickets can be purchased at the Yantai Bus Terminal.The long-distance bus station is southwest of the railway station on Qingnian Lu.The expressways leading to surrounding cities can all be accessed at the Yangmadao Expressway Toll Station. Below are the numbers of the highways leading to surrounding cities from each section

• Yantai-Qingdao Expressway (S13).  (updated Dec 2025)
• 37.5273121.36419 Yantai Bus Terminal (烟台汽车总站), No. 86, West Street, Zhifu District, ☏ +86 535 666 6111. Yantai Bus Terminal, a national first-class passenger bus station, is adjacent to the railway station and port station, serving as a core transportation hub in the downtown business district.  (updated Dec 2025)

There are seven slow boat departures daily to Dalian at the ferry terminal. The ferry offers rooms at different prices. The price for a special-class room is ¥1,200, first-class room is ¥600, and second-class room is ¥400. The room furnishings vary greatly. The special-class room is a single room, while the second-class room accommodates six people. There are also boats to Tianjin, but only in the summer.

International ferries also run between Yantai and South Korea. Current services are overnight rather than a short daytime crossing: the Incheon route is typically Yantai 19:00 to Incheon 11:30 the next day on some weekdays, while the Pyeongtaek route has evening departures and next-morning arrivals. Schedules and ticketing change, so verify with the ferry company or port before travelling.

(M W F 19:00, Tu Th Sa 10:30). Japan can be reached by boat which takes approximately 30 hours, Kobe (Tuesday, noon).

• Bohai Drilling Pearl, No. 2 Huanhai Road. Bohai Pearl: Ferry linking Yantai to Dalian.There are approximately three rounds of ship trips every day, at 09:00, 12:00, and 21:00. The sailing time is about 8 hours, with the destination being Dalian Bay (updated Dec 2025)
• 37.56121.380210 Yantai Port (烟台港), Within Zhifu Bay on the northern side of the Shandong Peninsula. Yantai Port is composed of five major port areas: Zhifu Bay Port Area, West Port Area, Longkou Port Area, Penglai Port Area, and Laizhou Port Area.  (updated Dec 2025)

All bus lines only cost one yuan (¥1) as of January 2019. Besides cash, you can also use AliPay or 'Citizen Card' (市民卡) to pay.Most bus routes run from 06:00 to 20:00. Bus lines 10, 17, and 1 are the most useful for sightseeing.

There are about 30 public bus lines in service. Bus Line No.10 and 17 are by far the most useful for travelers for sightseeing purposes. No. 10 goes from the railway station, then passes Nan Dajie and turns east down the coast. No. 17 goes from the railway station to the coast and all the way to the municipal government in newly developed Laishan District. No. 1 is also a good choice, as it crosses the centrepiece of Zhifu District.

Taxi is a good means of going places with a flagfall fare of ¥8 (Although many taxis still have ¥7 posted). A 30-minute of taxi ride would probably cost you around ¥30. There are no fixed taxi pick-up points throughout Yantai city, and you can only hail a taxi by waving on the street. Alternatively, you can also use Chinese taxi apps to make a call, such as Didi Dache and T3 Chuxing. Hailing a taxi during mealtimes (around 06:00, 12:00, and 18:00) can be especially difficult due to a tradition of cultural breaks and siestas.

You can use the Shared Bike app to find shared bike rides around you. However, it is best to carefully assess the degree of wear and tear on bicycles, as many faulty shared bicycles are still being put into use. They may have issues with their tires or the handlebars may not turn

Shared bikes are available through apps such as Hellobike and Meituan Bike. Many bikes may have worn tires or faulty brakes, so check the bike carefully before riding.

• 37.541113121.4005471 Changyu Wine Culture Museum (张裕酒文化博物馆), 56 Dama Rd, Zhifu District (芝罘区大马路56号) (at the formal site of Chongyu Wine Company; take bus no. 3, 18 28, 38 or 61 and get off at the Changyu Museum bus stop; or, take bus no. 32, 43 or 46 and get off at the Yantai Hospital bus stop), ☏ +86 535 6632892. 08:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30. Traces the history of the winery from 18th century up to 21st century. Changyu was founded in 1892 as the first Western-style winery in China by Zhang Bishi (also known as Cheong Fatt Tze, known for his eponymous mansion in George Town, Malaysia). It has developed into a brand including brandy, red wine, vermouth and riesling white wine. A display area showcases the development through pictures and videos. An underground cellar covers an area of over 2,600 m², and contains eight interlocked arches. It was the first underground wine cellar in Asia when it was completed in 1903. There are over 600 barrels in the cellar. Three King-Barrels, each with the capacity of housing 15 tones of wine, are the largest wine barrels in Asia, which have a history of over 100 years. There is a bar inside the cellar, where travelers can taste a variety of wine. While opening to tourists, the cellar is still in use for wine storage.The museum tour takes about 1.5 hours. Wine tasting is available at the bar inside the cellar. ¥80.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 37.542485121.4013512 Polaris Museum of Watch Culture (北极星钟表文化博物馆), 21 Guangren Road, Binhai Scenic Area, Zhifu District (芝罘区滨海景区广仁路21号) (take bus no. 32, 43 or 46 and get off at either Yantai Hill (烟台山) or Yantai Hill Hospital (烟台山医院). The museum is a couple of hundred meters east of the bus stop), ☏ +86 535 6611259. 08:30-17:30. Polaris Watch is a Chinese watch brand, affiliated with Yantai Polaris Watch (Group) Co., Ltd. Its predecessor, Yantai Baoshi Clock Factory, was founded by Li Dongshan in 1915, marking the beginning of China's modern mechanical clock manufacturing industry. The company primarily produces mechanical clocks, quartz clocks, time synchronization systems, and other products, covering both civilian and precision timing fields ¥30.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 37.541643121.4024123 Yantai Art Museum (烟台美术博物馆), 20 Hai'an Road, Zhifu District (芝罘区海岸路20号) (less than 100 m southeast of the Polaris Museum of Watch Culture), ☏ +86 535 6224281. 09:00-16:30, closed on Mondays. Free.  (updated Aug 2020)
• 37.5383121.3973684 Yantai Museum (烟台市博物馆), 61 Nanda St, Zhifu District (芝罘区南大街61号) (take bus no. 1, 2, 5, 10, 45, 51, 52, 62, 81, High-Speed Rail Bus 2 (高铁巴士2号线) or the Yantai Sightseeing Bus (烟台旅游观光巴士). Get off at the Culture Center (文化中心) bus stop), ☏ +86 535 6232976, ytsbwg@163.com. May-Oct: 09:00-17:00, Nov-Apr: 09:00-16:30, no entry in last 30 minutes, closed on Mondays. The museum focuses on the history of the Jiaodong region, including the Neolithic period, the Qi state, and the treaty port era. Information panels are in Chinese and English.Allow about 1.5 hours for a visit. The museum is located near the Culture Center bus stop. Free.  (updated Jul 2020) ^{[dead link]}
• 37.451547121.5109045 Yantai Natural History Museum (烟台自然博物馆), 2001 Binhai Middle Road, Laishan District (莱山区滨海中路2001号) (Take bus no. 17, 61, the Red Memories Bus (红色记忆专线) or the Yantai Sightseeing Bus (烟台旅游观光巴士). Get off at the Geological Museum (地质博物馆) bus stop), ☏ +86 535 6762520. 09:00-16:30, no entry after 16:00, closed on Mondays. The museum features exhibits on geology, minerals, and prehistoric life. Allow about 1.5 hours for a visit. It is located near the coast, so visitors can combine it with a walk along the seaside promenade. ¥40.  (updated Aug 2020)

• 37.5333121.38666 Nanshan Park (南山公园), No. 1, Nanshangou, Zhifu District, ☏ +86 535 625 3687. Daily 09:00-17:00. The park includes a small zoo, a flower garden, and a forested area with walking trails. It is a popular spot for local families on weekends. Covering an area of over 2,000 acres, it features a temperate monsoon climate and consists of five major sections: the park area, the flower area, the zoo, the forest area, and the children's playground  (updated Dec 2025)
• 37.52121.397 Tashan Park (塔山公园), No. 36, Tashan Road, Zhifu District, ☏ +86 535 608 0008. Daily 09:00-17:00. The park is known for its ancient pagoda and a small Taoist temple on the main peak. It also has a cable car offering views of the city and the coast.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 37.547409121.3970828 Yantai Hill Park (烟台山公园), 7 Lixin Road, Zhifu District (芝罘区历新路7号) (take bus no. 32, 43, 46 or the Red Memories Bus Line (红色记忆专线); get off at the Yantai Hill bus stop), ☏ +86 535 6632846. 08:00-17:00, no entry after 16:40. Yantai Hill is one of the highest hills in the city. The lighthouse on the hill is open to visitors and you can climb up to the 11th floor to get a view of the city. Surrounding the hill are several historical buildings including the former consulates of the UK, the US, Japan and Denmark, which date from the 19th century. Allow about 2 hours to visit the park and the surrounding historic buildings. Free (except for the lighthouse, which charges ¥10).  (updated Feb 2019) ^{[dead link]}
• 37.542121.4089 First Beach (第一海水浴场), Binhai North Road, Zhifu District (Zhifu District; along Binhai Road, near Yantai Hill). 24 hours. One of Yantai's most popular beaches, featuring fine sand and calm waters. The park area along the beach is great for strolling, and it is a popular spot for swimming in the summer. Free.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.433121.44310 Yantai Botanical Garden (烟台植物园), Laiyuan Road, Laishan District (about 15 km southeast of the city center). 08:30-17:00. A botanical garden with themed gardens, spring flowers and autumn foliage. Free entry.  (updated Oct 2026)

• 37.88120.3511 Changdao County/the Long Island (长岛列岛). Changdao National Forest Park and Changdao National Nature Reserve are on the islands, which are on a cross-Bohai Sea flyway. The islands are often referred to as the Temple Islands (Miaodao Qundao) because of the large number of temples that were built there. Xianying Palace is a temple that was built during the Northern Song Dynasty, starting in 1122. It was built as a Taoist temple to the sea goddess Matsu, but became Buddhist later. The local government has restored the temple to its Ming Dynasty appearance, although many additions had been made during the Qing. The Changdao Islands are now open to non-Chinese nationals. Access to Changdao is by ferry from Penglai. The ferry crossing takes about 40 minutes. Visitors should check weather conditions before travelling, as services may be suspended in strong winds.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.45121.6112 Yangma Island (养马岛), No. 524 Huandao Road, Muping District, ☏ +86 535 4763763. Open 24 hours. An outlying island off the coast of Muping District, connected by a long bridge. Although the name means Horse-breeding Island in Chinese, it is a great place for beachcombing. Features horse parks, beaches, sea cliffs, theme coffee shops, defunct (and remains of) resort hotels and a fishing village. In "hot" seasons (usually Jun-Aug), the bridge may be closed to automobiles between 08:00-16:00, but remains open to visitors on bicycles or on foot. This island is hilly and relatively large, so walking is not recommended, especially in the hot summer. Bicycles can be rented from stores on both sides of the bridge. Free to enter.  (updated Feb 2019)
• 37.4705121.44613 Mu Family Manor (牟氏庄园), No. 2, Zhuangyuan South Street, Qixia City, ☏ +86 535 521 1694. Daily 09:00-18:00. The Qixia Mou's Manor is where the Mou Molin family, the leading landlord in the north, has lived together for generations. The entire manor has a rigorous architectural structure, solid and sturdy, majestic and dignified. Facing south and backed by the north, it is divided into three groups, including six courtyards. ¥50 per person.  
• 37.25121.783314 Mount Kunyu (昆嵛山), ☏ +86 535 469 3307. 07:00-17:00. A famous mountain on the Jiaodong Peninsula, known as the "Natural Oxygen Bar." It is home to the Quanzhen school of Taoism and features ancient temples such as Shenqing Temple, dense forests, and beautiful waterfalls. It is a great spot for hiking.  (updated Feb 2019)
• 37.833120.7515 Penglai Pavilion (蓬莱阁), Yingbin Road, Penglai District (about 70 km west of Yantai city center). 07:00-18:00. One of the Four Great Towers of China, located on the coast where the mythical Eight Immortals crossed the sea. The pavilion offers stunning views of the ocean and is a major historical and cultural site in Shandong. The scenic area also includes the Penglai Water City. ¥100.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.544121.39616 Chaoyang Street (朝阳街), Zhifu District, city center (near Yantai Hill). 24 hours (shops open 10:00-22:00). A historic pedestrian street and a popular bar street. It is lined with well-preserved century-old Western-style buildings, now housing bars, cafes, and boutique shops. It's a great place to take a stroll and experience Yantai's nightlife. Free entry.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.317120.83317 Taixu Palace (太虚宫), No. 33 Yingbin Road, Qixia (about 45 km southwest of Yantai city center). 08:00-17:00. Built in 1191 during the Jin Dynasty, this is the largest Taoist temple in the Jiaodong area and the birthplace of the Quanzhen Taoist sect. It was the residence of Qiu Chuji, a famous Taoist leader who famously met Genghis Khan. The complex has been rebuilt and is quite grand. ¥50.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.478121.44618 Yantai Haichang Fisherman's Wharf (渔人码头), Binhai Middle Road, Laishan District (Laishan District; along the coastal road). 09:00-22:00. A vibrant coastal complex designed in a European style. It features a fishing port, seafood restaurants, a beer street, a cinema, and a dolphin show. It comes alive in the evening with beautiful lights and is very popular for evening strolls and dining. Free entry.  (updated Oct 2026)

Summer - Escape the heat at the golden beaches of Yangma Dao (Horse-Raising Island), perfect for swimming and water sports. Enjoy cool sea breezes, vibrant night markets, and fresh seafood along the bustling coastal boulevard. It's the city's most lively and energetic season.

There are two major beaches in Yantai, the First Beach (第一海水浴场) and Second Beach (第二海水浴场), and another one called Golden Beach in the Economic Development Zone (about 25 min from city centre). The First Beach is the most accessible, while Golden Beach is quieter and less crowded.

Winter - There is a skiing place in the Tashan Park during winter.Experience a serene coastal charm. Brave the crisp air for dramatic winter seascapes and frost-kissed beaches. Warm up indoors with a hearty Shandong hot pot​ featuring the season's freshest local seafood, offering a cozy and authentic taste of the region.

• 37.4705121.4461 MIXC (万象汇), No. 228, Guanhai Road, Laishan District (at the intersection of Guanhai Road and Yingchun Street in Laishan District), ☏ +86 535 295 1999. Daily 09:00-22:00. Yantai MixC, as a brand-new commercial complex, is committed to enhancing the quality of life in Yantai and becoming an important part of residents' daily lives. It not only provides a wide range of shopping and dining options but also enhances the cohesion and vitality of the community through diverse activities and services.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 37.53912121.4022 Changyu Winery (Changyu Pioneer Wine Company), No. 56, Dama Road, Zhifu District, ☏ +86 535 663 2890. Daily 09:00-17:00. The Changyu Wine Culture Museum tells the story of corporate culture and wine culture knowledge, with the main line being the more than 100-year history of Changyu Company. It introduces the arduous journey of China's wine industry and the rise of Chinese national enterprises. It is one of the few world-class professional museums in the global wine industry. You can taste and purchase wine here  (updated Dec 2025)
• 37.552121.3833 Yantai Seafood Market (烟台海中宝海产品交易中心), No. 9 Xingfu Middle Road, Zhifu District (north of the railway station). 08:00-18:00. The best place to buy local dried seafood and souvenirs. You can find high-quality dried scallops, sea cucumbers, shrimps, and fish. It is advisable to compare prices and bargain, especially if buying in bulk.  (updated Oct 2026)

Sweet Cherries

"Red Fuji" Apples

In fact, the local cuisine in Yantai is highly diverse. It encompasses Shandong cuisine, which is suitable for entertaining guests at gatherings, as well as fast food that aligns with international standards (McDonald's, KFC, Domino's). In different regions, each place boasts its unique cuisine. For instance, Muping District is renowned for its barbecue. Notable local specialties include sea cucumber soup (海参汤 Hǎishēn tāng), the "Yantai" variety of apple (烟台苹果 Yāntái píngguǒ), and sweet cherries (甜樱桃 Tián yīngtáo)

• 37.4636121.44821 Jackies Cuisine (Jie Ke Xi Can Ting), Southeast Entrance of Orient Haitian Hotel, Laishan District, ☏ +86 535-6881800, jackiesyt@gmail.com. Serves great Western-style food in a nice hard rock cafe-style environment, with many Europeans, Americans, Australians, and Chinese businessmen and women. It is a good place to meet some fellow English speakers, and also to just sit at the bar, eat peanuts and drink some great imported beers. They serve quesadillas, burgers, fries, fajitas (beef or chicken), chili, chips and salsa, fish and chips, et al. Jackie keeps the only real cheese inventory in Yantai, so if your hankering is for cheese, drop by and pick up a brick. Jackie is kind and fun loving. The staff speaks English very well. The TVs are often buzzing with concert videos of Queen, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, and other great Western musical acts.  (updated Mar 2019) ^{[dead link]}
• 37.5356121.37172 Penglaichun Restaurant, No.13 Dingxi Rd. It is a time-honored restaurant and specializes in cooking seafood. It's said that the dishes are tasty but not too expensive. The Quanjiafu (Hotchpotch), soft-fried oyster and scrambled eggs with agarics are particularly good.  
• 37.5406121.39583 Xile Restaurant (喜乐餐厅), No.52 Huanshan Rd. Recommended for its food but its service and environment are not so good. Menu items that are particularly good include the fish dumplings, garlic-style scallop, and fried leek dumplings.  
• 37.5271121.40344 Shunshui Renqing (顺水人情), No.34 Haibin Rd. Quite good environment as it is near the Golden Beach. Recommended food: dove soup and pumpkin pie.  
• 37.4636121.44825 Yantai Impression (烟台印象), Near No. 2-125, Lifeng Street, Zhifu District. Daily 11:00-21:00. Yantai Impressions is a renowned restaurant specializing in authentic Shandong cuisine. It captures the essence of coastal culinary traditions, offering classics like Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallions, Oil-Stewed Prawns, Sweet and Sour Carp, and the local favorite Yantai Fried Starch Jelly. Each dish showcases exquisite technique and the rich, fresh flavors of Shandong. ¥150.  
• 37.4623121.44556 Juxiangyuan Casserole (聚香园砂锅), No.7 Huamao Street. It specializes in casserole, a dish with soup cooked in the clay pot. It comes in many flavors, such as beef, chicken with mushrooms, and vegetable.  
• 37.46121.447 Chinese Drunken Chicken (花雕醉鸡), 200 meters east of Suning Appliance, Mixc Mall, Laishan District, on the south side of the road (Mixc Mall area, Laishan District), ☏ +86 177 6082 7638. 11:00-23:00. Yantai Huadiao Drunken Chicken is a signature dish from Shandong. Tender chicken is marinated in aromatic Huadiao rice wine, resulting in a unique flavor that is both savory and subtly sweet. A must-try local delicacy. ¥70.  
• 37.3866121.59478 Muping Laoren Barbecue (牟平老人烧烤), No. 519, Jiuchang Street, Mouping District, ☏ +86 183 5458 6239. Daily 11:00-01:00, 17:00-20:00. Yantai's long-established chain barbecue restaurant! The environment is clean and hygienic. Besides barbecue, there are also many stir-fried dishes, suitable for family dinners with the elderly and children. It caters to the needs of different age groups ¥50 per person.  
• 37.488121.4389 Wangfu Seafood Restaurant (旺福海鲜), Binhai Middle Road, Laishan District (Laishan District; near the seaside). 10:00-22:00. A popular local spot for fresh seafood. You can pick your seafood directly from the tanks. Known for its steamed seafood platters and spicy fried clams. It gets very busy on weekends. CNY120.  (updated Oct 2026)

Chaoyang Street is known as the Bar Street among the expats is the place to be seen in Yantai! Although it has a slightly seedy reputation within the city, Chaoyang Street is most definitely the expats' first port of call when feeling homesick. Trendy locals and ex-pats mix along the street, and for many westerners it's the only place where you can bump into other native English-speakers.

• 37.545121.41 Bohemia Bar (波西米亚酒吧), Chaoyang Jie (on the corner of the northern, seaside-end of the street). A welcoming and relaxing western-owned joint to start an evening in.  
• 37.545121.42 Havana bar (哈瓦那酒吧), No. 16 Chaoyang Street, Zhifu District. It's midway down Chaoyang street, plays good western music and has a fantastic atmosphere after midnight if you want to dance (again, western staff).  
• 37.5435121.4023 Druid's Irish Pub & Restaurant (德鲁伊爱尔兰酒吧). An Irish pub with typical Irish decor. With Guinness, Kilkenny, Magners Irish Cider, Strongbow, Stella Artois and Heineken on tap, good Irish music and soft rock, genuine wood interior, satellite tv, pool room, library with wireless internet, it is the place to go. Located midway down Chao Yang Jie, number 56. Has a great Western Restaurant downstairs as well.  
• 37.535121.3854 Baby Face Club. It's downtown, and the only real clubbing experience Yantai offers. Baby Face Club has loud house music, laser lights galore, poor bar service, cover charge and cross dressing bartenders.  

• 37.5517121.42471 Binhai Marina (滨海码头), No. 45, Binhai Middle Road, Laishan District, ☏ +86 535 679 2699. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. The Fisherman's Wharf Tourist Scenic Area is located on Binhai Middle Road in Laishan District, bordering the Yellow Sea to the east, the Second Beach to the north, and the former fishery wharf to the south. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the scenic area integrates various elements such as tourism, dining, leisure, entertainment, shopping, and vacation, including attractions such as the Yantai Haichang Whale Shark Aquarium, Yantai Haichang Yudaishan Hot Springs, Food and Cultural Street, Binhai Specialty Commercial Street, and high-end residential areas. The most core attraction is the Haichang Whale Shark Aquarium, whose architectural appearance adopts a unique Nautilus-like shape. Inside, there are exhibition areas for whale sharks, sharks, sea turtles, and other attractions. ¥400.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 37.46121.442 Crowne Plaza Yantai Seaview, No.299 Gangcheng East Main St, ☏ +86 535 689 9999. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Crowne Plaza Hotel is the first platinum five-star hotel in Yantai, invested and built by Yantai Nanshan Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., and will be managed by the InterContinental Hotels Group, the world's largest multinational international hotel management company, which boasts 3,700 five-star hotel chains in nearly 100 countries and regions. ¥850.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 37.545121.43 Golden Gulf Hotel, No. 34, Coast Road, Zhifu District, ☏ +86 535 298 0555. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. The greatest advantage of Yantai Golden Bay Hotel lies in its unparalleled geographical location. It is nestled at the foot of Yantai Mountain, with part of the hotel directly built on the sea, allowing guests to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Bohai Bay from their rooms or restaurants. The hotel is surrounded by a dense network of tourist attractions, and within walking distance are famous sites such as the Yantai Mountain Scenic Area, Changyu Wine Culture Museum, and Chaoyang Street Historical District, making it highly convenient for tourists. Furthermore, the hotel is only about 1.5 kilometers away from Yantai Railway Station and Yantai Port, providing excellent transportation convenience ¥600.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 37.46121.444 Fulitai International Hotel (孚利泰国际大酒店), Aucma Street, Laishan District, ☏ +86 535 298 8999. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. The hotel boasts 363 guest rooms and 12 banquet halls. It is equipped with renowned restaurants specializing in Shandong, Cantonese, Sichuan, and Hunan cuisine, a western restaurant, and a courtyard tea restaurant. ¥400.  (updated Dec 2025)

Consider getting yourself a local prepaid mobile phone number you are planning to stay in China longer than 3 days. Most mobile telecommunication providers have promotional rates for new SIM card number. ¥20 for ¥100 worth of talk time.

You can find some Internet cafes, just look for the word 网吧, and the price is generally fair. Note that only adults (in China, the age is 18) are permitted to enter Internet cafes.

Just like anywhere else in mainland China, most western websites are blocked due to the Great Firewall (防火长城) in Yantai.

• Zhifu Post Office: No.1 Huanhai Rd, Zhifu District
• Laishan Post Office: In Laishan Airport, Laishan District
• Fushan Post Office: No.173 Yong'an St, Fushan District
• Mouping Post Office: No.610 Shizheng St, Mouping District
• South Avenue Branch: No.8 Yudong Rd, Zhifu District
• Jiefang Branch: No.3 Jiefang Rd, Zhifu District
• Erma Branch: No.22 Erma Rd, Zhifu District
• Shanxia Branch: No.28 Haian Rd, Zhifu District

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