Went and no regrets! This is how to experience Yantai

Yantai, this coastal city with romance in its bones, greets you with tangerine-scented mornings and rose-hued sunsets. Every moment here is worth treasuring. Let me present you with an ultra-detailed Yantai travel guide to effortlessly begin your romantic journey. Itinerary Day 1: Development Zone - A Dreamy Rendezvous at Golden Beach Coastline • Transportation: Take a taxi from Yantai Station to the Development Zone for about 25 yuan. • Must-visit spots: • Golden Beach Park: Wake up early for the sea sunrise, don't miss the Lonely Whale Fall sculpture and Time Tower. • Sails Square: The rainbow bridge is stunning, plus there's a non-powered children's playground perfect for families. • Pegasus Pier: At dusk, admire the purple-pink sunset glow - when the lights come on, the romance factor skyrockets. • Foodie delights: • Main meal: Try the sea intestine rice and salt-pepper mantis shrimp at Little Fishing Boat Seafood Restaurant. • Snacks: Don't miss the conch wontons and mackerel dumplings at Golden Beach Night Market. • Accommodation: Back Sand Square sea view homestay - open your window to ocean views. Day 2: Zhifu District - A Retro Journey in the Old Town Time Machine • Transportation: Take Bus 21 from Development Zone directly to Yantai Hill. • Must-visit spots: • Yantai Hill: Climb the lighthouse for 360° city views, and be sure to visit Bing Xin Memorial Hall. • Chaoyang Street: Retro European architecture with photogenic spots like Zhongshuge Bookstore and Wine Wall. • Suochengli: 600-year-old garrison ruins - find the Love Alley and bluestone paths. • Binhai Square: Marvel at the boundless sea here. • Foodie delights: • Dongsheng Stuffed Buns: Century-old shop with amazing flavors. • Fuji Dough Drop Soup: Their sea urchin version is exceptional. • Ganhai'er Aesthetic Restaurant: Their sea urchin steamed eggs are mind-blowing. • Accommodation: Hotels near Wanda Plaza for easy evening access to Binhai Square. Day 3: Laishan District → Muping District - The Passionate Movement of Mountain-Sea Symphony • Transportation: Recommended to rent a car or hire a driver for flexibility. • Route: • Morning: Visit Fisherman's Wharf, snap photos at the Spirited Away railway tracks, relax at White Wave Café. • Noon: Visit Yu Meiren Square - if tulips are blooming, it's breathtaking. • Afternoon: Begin Yangma Island loop tour (rent e-bike or hire car). Must-stops: Zhangdao Wooden Walkway, Lotus Sunset, and Island Diary Café. • Foodie delights: • Wangjiao Small Fishing Village: Their sea urchin steamed eggs are top-tier. • Yangma Island Xindao Fisherman's Homestay: Fresh seafood caught by the owner. • Accommodation: Options near Yantai University in Laishan, Yangma Island, or Longhu area. Day 4: Kunyu Mountain Secret - Surprise Alternative Itinerary • Transportation: About 50 minutes from Yangma Island. • Activities: • Nine Dragon Pool Scenic Area: Marvel at the nine cascading waterfalls. • Wu Ran Temple: Gives "Northern Jiuzhaigou" vibes. • Stone Gate: Forest oxygen bar hiking with fresh air. • Foodie delights: Pack picnic or try mountain vegetable buns at foothill farmhouses. Transport Tips 1. From Development Zone to Zhifu District, take Bus 21 or Airport Bus Line 3. 2. For cross-district travel, use Gaode Taxi app (many new user coupons). 3. Rent e-bikes on Yangma Island. Authentic Experiences 1. Buy seafood at 6am from Muping Beicui Market, then get it cooked nearby - fresh and affordable. 2. Join night fishing activities at Development Zone beaches for unique fun. 3. Try intangible cultural heritage experiences at Suochengli, like making Jiaodong flower buns. Travel Notes • Bring windproof jackets for significant coastal temperature drops. • Carry buckets and shovels for beachcombing during Yangma Island low tide. • Kunyu Mountain requires advance booking. Feel free to adjust routes to your preferences. With significant distances between attractions, plan transportation carefully. In Yantai, every day brings a romantic encounter - this coastal city awaits you to write your own azure chapter.