China Travel Guide

Yantai, lying at the northwest tip of Shandong Peninsula, is a beautiful coastal city. In 1398, in order to defend itself against enemies from the sea, the government of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644AD) built the beacon tower here, from which the city derived its name ‘Yantai’ (meaning – the place where smoke is produced to give warning). The biggest gold producing area in China, Yantai is also one of the top three most prosperous port cities in Shandong (along with Qingdao and Weihai). In recent years, the town has seen a steady stream of visitors heading for its sunny beaches and great seafood. Penglai is a famous coastal tourist area near Yantai, home to the Penglai Pavilion . Optical illusions have been seen on several occasions on the sea near Penglai. There are numerous small islands, beautiful gulfs and fine beaches along Yantai’s 900-kilometre-long coastline. The fairyland scenery of Yuhuangding Park and architecture and the exhibits of the Yantai museum are well worth a visit.
As the earliest wine-production-center in Asia, the Zhangyu Wine Culture Museum in Yantai has on exhibit the world’s three biggest wine barrels, which exude their fragrance all year round. Yantai cuisine was said to be an important part of the Chinese imperial banquet. Famous dishes are braised abalone with shells (Payuanke baoyu) and fried sea cucumber with onion (Congshao haishen). Fushan noodles are another popular local food. Good wholesome meals at modest prices can be found in small restaurants around the railway station.
Yantai’s Tuoji inkstone made of Tuoji stone found on Long Islands has gained its reputation in the Song dynasty (960-1127AD) and was given in tribute to Emperors in the Qing dynasty (1368-1644AD). The main commercial streets of Yantai are the fashionable Nan Dajie and Bei Dajie. After dark the International Seaman’s Club opposite the railway station bursts into life, or try the nearby Friendship Store for evening cocktails.

Name: Yantai Yantai
City: Yantai
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