Yantai is named the “Most Charming City” in China. It is a historical commercialized coastal city flanked by both the Bohai and Yellow Sea. A coastal city of 7 million in population located on the northwest corner of the Shandong Peninsula, Yantai is the largest fishing seaport in Shandong. Yantai boasts 909 km of coastline, 63 islands, a mild climate with average temperatures of 12∞C (53.5∞F), an environment cozy enough for breeds of seabirds settle in large numbers, and a wide variety of fruits and seafood in wide supply. The city won the United Nations Habitat Scroll of Honor Award in 2005.

Yantai in Chinese means ‘smoke tower’. It is derived from the watch towers built on the hill overlooking the site in 1398 under the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to send smoke signals warning against invasion by Japanese pirates. The city, traditionally known as “Chefoo” derived its name from the island that protects Yantai’s natural deep-water harbor, has been an important port for northern China since early times.

In the mid-1800s, Yantai was forced to open for international trade following China’s tragic defeat to the British during the Opium War. This had plunged the world market into Yantai with an abundant of foreign influence. The city was not prepared; but it was able to adjust. It then began to embark on its journey to westernize and modernize. It has not stopped since.

Yantai’s port was later occupied by an Anglo-French force in 1860 and opened it to international commerce as a treaty port in 1861, as a result of the Second Opium War (1856-1860). Trade and trans-shipment businesses, as well as the local population, started to grow in the late 19th Century. But it was not until after 1984 when the city’s economy started to grow exponentially. During that time, Yantai was designated, as part of China’s effort to revitalize its economy, as one of the country’s “open” cities to foreign trade. Come and see the Yantai Museum to witness the city’s changes throughout time!

Vineyards and Wines. A wide range of industries have been established, producing textiles, processed foods, machinery, construction equipment, electronics, instruments and meters, metallurgical products and auto parts. Emphasis has also been placed on leveraging the city’s traditional strength in vineyards and wines. Blessed with a coastal climate perfect for growing grapes, Yantai has developed an industry cluster to include vineyards, wineries, chateau-style golf resorts and hospitality services. China’s first winery, Changyu, was founded in Yantai in 1892 and has maintained the largest wine production in China today.

Gold Rush. Yantai also has more underground gold reserves in its vicinity than any other city in China. The history of the local gold rush is elaborated in the Gold Exhibition at the ‘Rush to Gold’ Village in Zhaoyuan County about 90 km west of downtown Yantai.

Heaven for foodies. Yantai produces – in Longkou area – China’s best cellophane noodles, a key ingredient in Chinese and Asian cuisines. The city has traditionally been the largest exporter of apples, pears, cherries and peanuts not to mention the sea-cucumbers, abalones, scallops, crabs and prawns, all easily available for any seafood connoisseur.

China’s first Aquarium. Known for the largest display of sharks, you can stroll along the seaside promenade that extends dozens of miles at dawn. It may also remind you, for a moment, of Sorrento, Italy.

Yantai commands great respect both locally and internationally as it represents Shandong. Just like the city of Dalian across the Bohai Sea, Yantai serves to protect naval routes to Beijing. Years ago, a military base was established in Penglai to oversee all naval operations in its surrounding area. Today, the naval fortress continues to be well-maintained and preserves a window into China’s past. Here you will also find a number of trendy hotels, restaurants, and themed tourist areas. Atop the Danya Cliffs at Penglai Pavillion to witness the awe-inspiring statue of 8 immortals, legendary men, who are revered in Taoist culture is a real fun. There are six temples surrounding Penglai Pavilion occupying 18,900 sq km.

Changyu Winery. Take this time to slowly absorb one more pleasure – wine tasting, one of Yantai’s greatest. Wine culture here had evolved with a mixture from foreign influence. Yantai boasts to be the best premium wine supplier in China. The Chang Yu Wine Museum, while no longer producing wine and spirits, is a storage facility for the company’s wines and a cozy spot for wine-tasting. The Changyu Winery began its production in 1892. In 1915, 4 brands from Chang Yu Winery were awarded gold medals at Panama-Pacific International Expo. Check out the Centennial Grand Cellar with an area of 8,000 sq meters, the largest 3 barrels each containing 15,000 liters of fine wine sitting quietly at the end of the row since 127 years ago.

Nanshan (Southern Mountain) Buddha At 38.66 m high and weighing 660 tons, this is the tallest bronze Buddha statue in the world. The amazing story about it is the people who built it were at the turn of the century. It was started by few local farmers 30 years ago. And before long, 20 villagers bonded together to start manufacturing aluminum. After going public, the Nanshan Group started building housing communities and taking care of the farmers’ retirees at no cost. The tall Buddha was built as part of a restoration of historical Buddhist and Taoist temples nearby. The Taoist temple close-by has 25 pavilions and 198 statues. It did not take long for villagers to turn an entire region (called Long Kou) into a world-class tourist destination.

Nanshan Golf Club has 6 world class 18-hole golf courses that regularly host China PGAs. Your holiday at Nanshan resort could start at Nanshan tropical botanical garden. Grab a lunch date at their jockey club, a sip of their sample wine at the winery, and ending the day at the 5 star resort hot spring tub. The Nanshan Golf Club is open all-year round. It attracts many golfers from South Korea and Japan too.

The Mou Family Mansion is the largest family estate in northern China. It was built around 1735 with a total construction space of about 20,000 sq meter and 3 courtyard clusters. Each cluster has two tightly connected family units. Pay attention to the mansion’s functional designs, symbols, detailed craftsmanship, building materials, and family hierarchies in design. This mansion is an encyclopedia of the late Qing Dynasty family’s life. The Mou family saga of business management has been featured in many documentaries. There is also a movie titled, The Mou Family, that swept the nation like the British tv show “The Downton Abbey”. The Mou family story ended with one great-grandson by the name of Mouqi Zhong, who traded a trainload of textile for 4 Soviet-made jumbo jets and leased to an airline about 15 years ago.

50 km south of Yantai City, you will find the Kunyu National Forest and Taixu Temple. The Kunyu Mountain extends across Yantai and Weihai over 100 km.

Hiking paths are buried between trees, canyons, and waterfalls. Along the path, you will come across waterfalls above “clouds”, known as the “First Fairy Mountain on the Sea” with waterfalls 100 m high (The Nine Dragon Fall). You will also see a cave where the Quanzhen School of Taoism was said to be borne. The Taixu Palace, home temple of Qianzhen School of Taoism was built in 1191. You will see a 35 m long by 3 m high wall which 365 Taoist statues inscribed on. Stop by the Peach Village (Taoyuancun) to have a bite of the juicy peaches. Staying the night at a mountain bed & breakfast inn is not a bad choice either.

Yantai has 20 sister cities across Asia, Europe and North America, including San Diego and Omaha in the U.S. The city is connected with scheduled flights to Seoul, Osaka, Hong Kong, as well as major cities in China. There are also high-speed trains running to Yantai from Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai.

PLANNING

1-day Trip: Penglai Pavilion 蓬莱阁

Zhangyu Wine Factory 张裕酒厂

2-days Trip:

Day one: Penglai Pavilion 蓬莱阁

Penplai Water City张裕酒厂

Day two Kongtong Island Scienic Spot 崆峒岛

Mou Manor牟庄园

Mount Nan 南山

Contact:

Yantai Tourism Center:

0535-12301

www.ytta.cn