https://bh.trip.com/moments/detail/yantai-170-134162064
Nova_EverglenUnited States

Yantai Changdao Crescent Bay|Hiding a "Gemstone Beach" with Few People and Beautiful Scenery, the Jelly Sea Is Simply Divine

Among the islands in Shandong, Changdao’s Crescent Bay is definitely a "treasure-level" spot—here, there’s no ordinary fine sand beach; instead, there are billions of smooth, jade-like colorful pebbles. Stepping on them feels like walking on a carpet paved with gems; the seawater is as clear as jelly, with a blue-green gradient on sunny days, and even the waves sparkle. The best part is the tranquility with few people around, making every photo look like a "pretend you're abroad" masterpiece. Visiting here in summer truly unlocks the real island romance. 🌟 Why is Crescent Bay worth visiting? Three core highlights - Unique "Pebble Beach": Polished by waves over billions of years, the beach is covered with smooth pebbles in white, yellow, and green. Under the sunlight, they look like scattered diamonds. Walking barefoot feels like a natural foot massage—fun and comfortable. - Jelly Sea water quality: The seawater is so clear you can see the pebbles underwater. On sunny days, it shows layered blue and green hues, shimmering like a spilled palette. Sitting by the shore watching waves hit the stones can make you daydream all afternoon. - Low-key and easy to take great photos: Compared to popular islands, there are far fewer tourists here, so no need to squeeze for photos. Whether standing on the rocks looking into the distance or sitting among the pebbles with a gentle smile, every shot is atmospheric and cinematic. 🚢 Transportation Guide: Key Steps to Reach the Island (Super Detailed!) 1. First, get to Penglai: - Take high-speed train or flight to "Yantai Station" or "Yantai Penglai International Airport," then transfer to a bus (about 1.5 hours) or taxi (about 1 hour, around 100 RMB) to Penglai Port Passenger Terminal. 2. Take the ferry to Changdao: - Penglai Port → Changdao (Miaodao Archipelago), ferry ride takes 45 minutes, one-way ticket costs 45 RMB per person (half price for children). It’s recommended to check schedules in advance on the "Changdao Ferry Tickets" WeChat public account (more morning trips in peak season, fewer in the afternoon). - ⚠️ Important reminder: Ferry service will be suspended during strong winds or heavy rain! Always check the weather forecast before departure to avoid being stranded or delaying your trip. 3. From the island to Crescent Bay: - Changdao is small, and Crescent Bay is at the northernmost tip of the island. It’s recommended to take a taxi (about 20 minutes from Changdao Port, around 30 RMB) or rent a car with driver (100-150 RMB for the whole day, can also visit Jiuzhang Cliff, Wangfu Reef, and other spots). - Note: Private cars are not allowed on the island. Public buses are infrequent and slow, so taxi or car rental is the most convenient option. 🗓️ One-day Highlights: Crescent Bay + Jiuzhang Cliff, Covering the Island’s Best Scenery Morning: Have fun at Crescent Bay, interact with the "gems" - Recommended activities: - Walk barefoot on the pebbles, feel the cool waves brushing your ankles, pick a few favorite stones for photos (remember to put them back after shooting to protect the ecology). - Rent a small fishing net to catch little crabs and shells in the shallow water—perfect for kids. - Find a prominent rock to sit on and take panoramic shots of "people + jelly sea + pebble beach." When the sun is bright, the sea surface sparkles with blingbling reflections. - Outfit suggestion: Wear light-colored dresses or shorts paired with a straw hat and beach bag for a fresh look. Noon: Enjoy authentic seafood at a fisherman's homestay There are many fisherman's homestays near Crescent Bay. Recommended dishes include seafood noodles (piled high with shrimp, scallops, and mussels, incredibly fresh), and mackerel dumplings (made fresh to order with delicate fish meat). You can be fully satisfied for 50-80 RMB per person. For a special treat, ask the owner to prepare a seafood feast (swimming crab, mantis shrimp, clams) for about 100 RMB per person—fresh and affordable. Afternoon: Chase the sunset at Jiuzhang Cliff, capturing divine views - It’s a 15-minute walk from Crescent Bay to Jiuzhang Cliff, the "sunset hotspot" of Changdao: - Stand at the cliff edge watching waves crash against black rocks, with the lighthouse turning into a golden silhouette under the sunset. Every shot looks cinematic. - Walk down the wooden boardwalk to the "Fairy Bridge" by the sea. When the tide recedes, standing under the arch to shoot the sunset creates a stunning scene. - Sunset time: Around 19:00-19:30 in summer. Arrive half an hour early, find a good spot, and patiently wait for the light to change. Overnight: Stay at a fisherman's homestay and experience the island’s slow life Recommended to stay near Crescent Bay or Jiuzhang Cliff in a fisherman's homestay, priced 200-400 RMB per night. Most owners are warm and simple, and you can taste homemade dried fish and seafood dumplings. During peak season (July-August), book in advance to avoid the awkward situation of "high prices but no rooms." 💣 Pitfall Guide: Avoid These Traps! - ❌ Don’t wear flip-flops to the beach! The pebbles are smooth and slippery; flip-flops can easily slip and hurt your feet. It’s recommended to wear thick-soled hole shoes or water shoes for slip resistance and water walking. - ❌ Beware of "low-price one-day tours": Some 100 RMB all-inclusive tours on the island may take you to shopping spots or force consumption. Independent travel is more worry-free. - ❌ Don’t eat seafood without asking the price: Some restaurants charge "per piece" but say "per jin (weight)." Always clarify the price before ordering and ask the owner to write it down. - ❌ Don’t secretly take pebbles: The pebbles at Crescent Bay are protected. There are checks at the exit, and taking them away will result in fines. Just take photos for memories. 📌 Practical Tips: Make Your Trip Perfect - Bring a light jacket! It’s windy by the sea, and the temperature difference between morning and evening can be 10℃. Wear short sleeves at noon but have a jacket for the evening to block wind and sun. - Choose sunny days! On cloudy days, the seawater looks gray and dull, which ruins photo quality. The jelly sea on sunny days is truly legendary. - Bring stomach medicine: Seafood is fresh but may upset sensitive stomachs. Bring some montmorillonite powder and probiotics for peace of mind. - Hidden surprise: In summer nights, you might see "blue tears"! If you stay overnight, watch for glowing waves by the sea that look like stars falling into the ocean—romantic to the point of screaming. Time slows down at Crescent Bay—step on the "gemstone" beach, gaze at the jelly sea, chase a cliff sunset, and enjoy a seafood feast with the taste of the sea. This uncrowded, unhurried island time is exactly how summer should be. Add it to your travel list now!
View original text
*This content is provided by our partner and translated by AI
Posted: Jul 24, 2025
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Yueliangwan

4.7/5181 reviews | Beaches and shores
Yantai
No.9 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Yantai
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Penglai Pavilion

I thought Weihai was beautiful until I came here

ElizabethBrown
Penglai Pavilion

Half sea, half fairyland—Yantai's beauty and scenery are worth cherishing!

Violet789_Ward
Xianjingyuan

Changdao Travel Guide

AuroraSorcerer
Changdao

Slow Time in Long Island|Romance of the Sea and Poetry at "Familiar at First Sight"

KASON KELLY
Dongshan Trestle

For this place... made a special trip to Yantai? It's so beautiful!

Smith_Alexia_1
Xianjingyuan

Suitable for students with low budgets

Simmons Liam71Liam
Yueliangwan

Yueliang Bay

OliviaPerry.68
Linhai Park

Let's go to Changdao! Live out your ocean dreams (with a guide)

MarkusS?rensen
Penglai Pavilion

A Beginner's Guide to Must-See Attractions in Yantai, Plus a Travel Guide

TechTalksTrends
Zhanqiao Park

Qingming Festival: 8-Day Tour of Tai'an and Beyond - A Feast for Your Eyes

Zoey Anderson
Penglai Pavilion

Weihai-Yantai 4-Day Tour Guide: Enjoy Both Cities with No Regrets

SerendipityRhapsody5678
Zhanqiao Park

Weifang-Qingdao-Weihai 5-Day Tour: A Must-Read Guide for Friends

MikkelHaugland