Yantai, a city in Shandong Province, is located in the northeast of the Shandong Peninsula. It is adjacent to Weihai to the east, and connects to Weifang and Qingdao to the west. It faces the Yellow Sea to the south and the Bohai Sea to the north, with Liaodong Peninsula and Dalian in the distance across the sea.
Yantai covers a total land area of 13,745.95 square kilometers, with a coastline of 909 kilometers and 63 islands. It consists of Zhifu District, Laishan District, Fushan District, Muping District, Development Zone, High-tech Zone, Jinshan Port Zone, Kunyu Mountain Nature Reserve, Changdao County, as well as Longkou, Laiyang, Laizhou, Penglai, Zhaoyuan, Qixia, and Haiyang, which are county-level cities.
As an important node in the Bohai Economic Circle, Yantai is a key city in the Shandong Peninsula Blue Economic Zone and one of the first 14 coastal open cities in China. It is renowned as a coastal city and the only international grape and wine city in Asia. Yantai is also a national historical and cultural city and a national civilized city. It is famous for its hot springs, just like its neighbor Weihai.
So, what are the attractions in Yantai? Let's take a look!
1. Penglai Pavilion Tourist Area: This is a national 5A-level tourist scenic spot and a key national cultural heritage site. Located at the northernmost tip of the Jiaodong Peninsula, Penglai Pavilion is known as the "Fairyland on Earth". Legend has it that Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou are three immortal mountains in the sea where immortals reside and the place where Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought for the elixir and Emperor Han Wudi visited to seek immortality. The well-known mythological story "Eight Immortals Cross the Sea" originated from here.
2. Longkou Nanshan Tourist Area: This is a national 5A-level tourist scenic spot located in Longkou City. It boasts beautiful mountains and pleasant climate, making it an ideal destination for tourists. The highlight of this area is the Nanshan Giant Buddha, the world's first sitting bronze Buddha. Standing at a height of 38.66 meters and weighing 380 tons, the Buddha's serene expression and wise eyes leave a lasting impression on visitors.
3. Chateau Changyu - Castel Wine Museum: This is a national AAA-level tourist scenic spot and a patriotic education base. The museum showcases the history of Changyu Company and the arduous journey of the rise of China's grape wine industry. It is div ided into several sections, including the Wine Culture Square, Underground Wine Cellar, History Hall, Film and Television Hall, and more. The museum is a rare professional museum in the global wine industry.
4. Qixia Taixu Temple: This is a national AAA-level tourist scenic spot and is located in Bindu Village, north of Qixia City. Taixu Temple was built over 800 years ago by Qiu Chuji, the main founder of the Quanzhen Sect of Taoism. It features magnificent palaces, golden decorations, and various halls such as the Sanqing Hall, Yuhuang Hall, and Arhat Temple. The temple presents a fusion of natural and cultural landscapes.
These are just a few of the many attractions in Yantai. Whether you are captivated by the natural landscapes, fascinated by the historical sites, or delighted by the rich culture, Yantai offers something for everyone. So don't hesitate to plan your trip to Yantai and experience the beauty and charm of this amazing city!