A quiet port on the coast of China’s Shandong Province, Yantai has a few charms that make it more than a mere transportation stopover. Visitors can tour colonial remains, relax in town or explore the beaches.
More often than not, Yantai gets scheduled as a transport changeover for travelers en route between Qingdao and Penglai. Spending a night isn’t a bad idea, especially during the summer when visitors can enjoy the beach by day, enjoy dinner at an excellent restaurant and then take to the up-and-coming bar scene after sunset.
Otherwise, there’s a sampling of British colonial architecture on display dating to the late 19th and early 20th century during a concession with China. These homes and government offices are in varying degrees of upkeep, but strike a nice harmonic with this otherwise modern Chinese city.
Getting There & Away
Yantai has an airport with flights to Hong Kong (3 hours), Shanghai (1 hour, 30 minutes) and Beijing (1 hour). Buses are also convenient for traveling to cities within Shandong Province. Yantai also serves as launching point for ferries to Dalian. Express boats embark several times a day and take 3 hours, 30 minutes to arrive.
Things to Do
Yantai Attractions
- Beaches
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During the summer months, yantai’s beaches are an inviting place to spend an afternoon.
- Nightlife
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There’s increasingly more to do in yantai with its burgeoning after-hours scene.
- Light and sound show
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Held every evening on the promenade, this attraction is worth a look if you’re in the neighborhood.