MileHacker Logo
Things to Do in Yantai

Things to Do in Yantai

Yantai Shandong, China Travel Guide

Embrace Yantai's Outdoors

Yantai's natural setting invites outdoor exploration.

Hiking & Trekking Trails

Yantai Mountain Park:

Offers easy walking trails, suitable for all fitness levels.

Yuhuangding Park:

Features a moderate uphill climb to its peak, providing gratifying views.

Kunyu Mountain Muping District:

Offers trails from easy walks to more difficult hikes with significant elevation changes.

Water Sports & Cycling

  • Swimming: Golden Beach, Yangma Island, other coastal areas (warm summer months).
  • Boating/Yachting: Available from Fisherman's Wharf or specific marinas.
  • Fishing: Shore fishing or local charters for sea fishing experiences.
  • Cycling Routes: Binhai Road (Coastal Road), Yangma Island for scenic trips.

Adventure Sports

  • Constrained and particular adventure sports.
  • Some resorts might seasonally provide activities.
  • Jet skiing or paragliding (mainly summer).
  • Inquire with coastal holiday resorts for current offerings.

Wildlife Encounters

  • No safaris in Yantai.
  • Birdwatching opportunities at Kunyu Mountain.
  • Birdwatching along coastal areas.
  • Especially during migratory seasons.

Mountain Biking

  • Opportunities exist in hills/mountains.
  • Trails may not be officially marked.
  • Not maintained for biking on mountains tourists.
  • Approach with caution and local guidance.

Safety Note for Mountain Biking

Mountain biking trails around Yantai might not be officially marked or maintained for tourists. Local guidance is highly advisable for a protected experience.

Dive into Local Culture

Engage with Yantai's rich culture through various immersive experiences.

Workshops & Classes

  • Paper-cutting (剪纸 - jiǎnzhǐ) classes.
  • Calligraphy workshops.
  • Private arrangements possible through local cultural centers or universities.
  • Inquire at cultural institutions for availability.

Cultural Performances & Language

Cultural Performances:

Yantai Grand Theater hosts opera, ballet, concerts, and plays. Occasional folk performances might occur at festivals.

Language Learning Opportunities:

Yantai University and other institutions offer Chinese language courses (short-term intensive or longer academic studies).

Private Tutoring:

May be arranged for basic conversational skills.

Community-Based Tourism

Formal initiatives are limited. Experience community life by visiting local markets or small fishing villages, interacting respectfully.

Cultural Festivals & Events

Yantai International Wine Festival, local temple fairs (Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival), seafood festivals (summer/autumn).

Affiliate Cultural Experiences

Locate and reserve cultural tours and unique experiences in Yantai through GetYourGuide.

Rejuvenate Your Senses

Find opportunities for rest and rejuvenation in Yantai, from spa treatments to hot springs.

Spa & Wellness Center Recommendations

  • High-end hotels often feature their own spas and wellness facilities.
  • Local massage and foot reflexology parlors are widely available.
  • These provide more budget-friendly options.

Traditional Healing & Beaches

Hot Springs & Natural Therapy:

Haiyang Sanli Hot Spring (海阳三里温泉) in Haiyang City (Yantai prefecture) is a popular destination for natural hot spring baths.

Yoga & Meditation Retreats:

Yantai is not a prominent destination for international retreats. Some local studios may exist, mainly catering to Chinese speakers.

Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM:

Clinics offer acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping, providing insights into ancient healing methods.

Beach & Pool Access

Golden Beach:

A large public beach popular for relaxation and sunbathing.

Other Public Beaches:

Smaller beaches along the coast provide additional spots for leisure.

Hotel Pools:

Many luxury resorts feature swimming pools, some may offer day passes for non-guests.

Yantai After Dark

Yantai's evenings offer a variety of entertainment options, though it is generally a more subdued city compared to China's megacities.

Live Music & Theater

  • Live Music Venues: Dedicated international live music venues are limited.
  • Some bars or cafes may feature local musicians, offering a more intimate atmosphere.
  • Yantai Grand Theater: The main venue for theater and performance, hosting a range of shows.
  • Shows include classic Chinese opera, modern plays, and concerts.

Nightclubs & KTV

Nightclubs:

Several nightclubs (e.g., Space Club, Miu Club) popular among locals, mainly in commercial districts.

KTV Karaoke Venues:

Highly popular late-night entertainment choice, offering opportunities for singing and socializing.

Bar Districts:

Concentrations of bars around university areas and central commercial districts cater to locals and expats.

Bar Districts

  • Found around university areas.
  • Also in central commercial districts.
  • Cater to both local and expat communities.
  • Places for drinks and socializing.

Pub Crawls

  • Not a common organized activity.
  • Explore bars independently.
  • Discover different neighborhood spots.
  • Enjoy the city's nighttime ambiance.

Late-Night Entertainment

  • KTV (Karaoke) remains highly popular.
  • Many shaokao (BBQ skewers) restaurants operate late.
  • Some bars offer late-night service.
  • Plenty of options for evening enjoyment.

Book Nightlife Experiences

Activities & Entertainment:
  • Explore and book evening presentations and activities.
  • Use platforms like GetYourGuide for convenience.
  • Review local listings for unique performances.
Local Recommendations:
  • Ask hotel staff or locals for their favorite bars and KTVs.
  • Discover late-night street food areas for a local experience.
  • Explore commercial districts for popular venues.

Nightlife Expectations

Yantai's nightlife is generally more subdued compared to China's megacities. It offers a relaxed atmosphere focused on local entertainment possibilities such as KTV and casual dining.

Retail Therapy & Local Finds

Traditional Markets & Crafts

  • Local Wet Markets (菜市场 - cài shìchǎng): Authentic shopping for fresh produce, seafood, local snacks.
  • Some smaller antique or curio markets might exist for unique finds.
  • Artisan workshops and crafts: Limited, look for paper-cutting (剪纸 - jiǎnzhǐ) or regional vernacular art.
  • These make meaningful and unique souvenirs.

Souvenir Recommendations

  • Yantai Apples: Purchase these crisp, sweet apples when in season.
  • Changyu Wine: A bottle of local wine from Changyu Winery.
  • Regional Seafood Products: Dried or processed seafood items.
  • Yantai Paper-Cutting: Delicate, intricate artworks of traditional local craft.