Back from Yantai, here are my thoughts

🌊 Yantai, a city kissed by sea breezes, combines the boldness of northern coastal cities with the gentleness of southern towns. The golden sand at Golden Beach is powdery soft, Yangma Island's waters are crystal clear, European-style buildings hold centuries-old stories, and seafood is plentiful and cheap! Remember to bring sunscreen and good vibes—the sea breeze will blow all your worries away~ Must-visit spots 1️⃣ Penglai Pavilion: Legendary site where the Eight Immortals crossed the sea. This ancient architectural complex sits between mountains and sea, offering breathtaking views of the Yellow-Bohai Sea boundary from the pavilion.🌊 2️⃣ Yangma Island: The "Little Maldives" of China! The island loop road is stunning, with transparent waters where you can spot small crabs at low tide. Don't miss this former horse-breeding site of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.🐎 3️⃣ Golden Beach Coastal Park: 10km of "Asia's finest golden sand"—so soft it feels like walking on cotton. Sunset views here are breathtaking!🌅 4️⃣ Yantai Mountain Scenic Area: Lighthouse + former consulate buildings. The European architecture is photogenic, and the hilltop lighthouse offers panoramic harbor views—all for just ¥10!🏰 5️⃣ Fisherman's Wharf: Straight out of a Miyazaki film! European buildings + coastal boardwalk transform into a fairy-tale world at night, perfect for couple photos.💑 6️⃣ Moon Bay: Ultra-romantic heart-shaped "Moon Old Man" statue. The pebble beach is great for finding hermit crabs at low tide—a proposal hotspot!💍 7️⃣ Changyu Wine Culture Museum: Century-old cellars + wine tasting. You can even bottle your own brandy souvenir—a must for wine lovers!🍷 8️⃣ Suochengli Street: Revamped Ming-Qing ancient street with cobblestones and café-filled old houses. Hanfu photoshoots here are magical!👘 Food recs 🦀 Spanish mackerel dumplings: Minced mackerel filling so fresh it'll "make your eyebrows fall off!" Try the legendary "Penglai Chun" version with thin wrappers. 🍢 Menzi: Golden-fried sweet potato starch cubes with garlic sauce and sesame paste—Yantai's iconic street snack since childhood! 🦐 Sea intestine rice: Crisp-tender intestines with leeks in savory sauce over rice—you'll want thirds! "Wong Kok Seafood Village" does it best. 🐚 Spicy clams: Huge ¥15 portions of plump, sweet-spicy clams—perfect with beer! Any night market stall delivers. 🍧 Seaweed jelly: Clear jelly with vinegar-garlic dressing—a ¥3 summer refresher at beachside stalls! Transport 🚌 Bus: Most attractions cost ¥1-2. Use Alipay's "Yantai Citizen Card," but infrequent schedules may test your patience. 🚕 Taxi: ¥8 starting fare. Most downtown trips under ¥15; Yangma Island/Penglai cost ¥50-100. 🛵 E-bike: Shared bikes near Golden Beach/Fisherman's Wharf make scenic rides—but sunscreen is a must! Accommodation 🌊 Near Golden Beach: Ocean-view rooms ideal for sunrise watchers. Peak season prices soar—try "Yantai Golden Coast Hilton." 🏙️ Zhifu District: Downtown convenience within walking distance to Yantai Mountain/Suochengli. "Yantai Central Hotel" recommended. 🏝️ Yangma Island homestays: Gorgeous sea views for slow travel, but limited dining—bring snacks! Tips 🌞 SUNSCREEN! Coastal UV is brutal—sunglasses, hat, and SPF are non-negotiable. 🦀 Go easy on seafood! Those with sensitive stomachs, bring meds. 🚗 Yangma Island best explored by car/charter—island buses are sparse and waiting is torture. 🌊 Check tide tables for beachcombing! Big tides = best hauls. Bring buckets, shovels, and boots. 📸 Wear light colors at Fisherman's Wharf! European architecture + blue sea = 200% photo success rate. 🍺 Yantai beer is fantastic! Grab bagged draft at night markets—perfect with seafood.