It's not that the Maldives is unaffordable, but Yangma Island offers better value for money

Still wondering where to go for summer vacation? Don’t hesitate, Yangma Island is the perfect choice! Here you’ll find crystal-clear jelly-like seas and fairy-tale seaside castles, making it a hidden gem for a beach holiday. Today, I’m sharing this super detailed Yangma Island travel guide with everyone! 📍Location: No. 99 Tianma Road, Muping District, Yantai City, Shandong Province. Just navigate by car to "Yangma Island Transfer Center Parking Lot." 🚗 Transportation Guide: • External Transport: ◦ Plane: After arriving at Yantai Penglai International Airport, take a taxi for about 1 hour (around 150 RMB); you can also take the airport shuttle bus to Muping Bus Station, then transfer to bus 617. ◦ High-speed Rail: Muping Station is close to Yangma Island, only 10 km away, about 15 minutes by taxi; Yantai South Station is a bit farther. • Island Transport: ◦ Rent an electric scooter: Highly recommended! The 20 km island loop road is perfect for electric scooters, giving you freedom to stop anytime for photos and sightseeing. It costs 30 RMB/hour, with many rental points near Tianma Square, and you can bargain a bit. ◦ Charter sightseeing car: 300 RMB for half a day, suitable for groups, with a driver providing commentary but less flexibility. ◦ Shuttle bus: Saves time and effort, stops at all attractions with short distances between stops. If you don’t want to wait, walking to the next stop is quick. The island has 1 circular sightseeing route and 3 direct routes to attractions. 💰 Admission: Free entry, but shuttle bus tickets need to be purchased. 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations: • Seaside homestays: Fall asleep to the sound of waves, wake up to the sea, full of atmosphere. • Mountain homestays: Overlook the whole island, fresh air, quiet and relaxing. • Hotels/homestays in the island center: Convenient for travel, with complete surrounding facilities. 📸 Must-visit Attractions: 1. Tianma Square: The island’s landmark building, the "Flying Horse" sculpture is grand, the starting point for island cycling, and a place to learn about Yangma Island’s history and culture. 2. Seawater Bathing Beach: The island’s only official sandy beach, fine sand and clear water, perfect for swimming, playing in the sand, and sunbathing in summer. 3. Zhang Island and Sea Erosion Caves: At low tide, the reefs are exposed, and the conch caves are unique. The seawater is as clear as jelly, perfect for photos and tide pooling. Remember to check the tide schedule in advance. 4. Qin Feng Cliff: A mix of cliffs and reefs, with romantic sunsets reflected in the evening glow. A must-visit for photographers and couples. 5. Lotus Sunset: A popular cave photo spot where the sunset shines through the cave entrance creating a golden halo, perfect for stunning photos and sunset viewing. 6. Island Diary and Creative Coffee: A seaside café and artsy shops where you can enjoy a drink, collect creative products, and experience the island’s slow pace of life. 🍱 Food Recommendations: • Seafood feast: Crab, shrimp, shellfish, fish, fresh and delicious. Must-try dishes include seafood hot pot, sea intestine rice, and warm scallop salad. • Muping BBQ: Specialty food with grilled lamb skewers, chicken wings, and squid, irresistibly tasty. • Other delicacies: Spanish mackerel dumplings with thin skin and juicy filling; Yantai steamed rice cake with a soft texture; Penglai noodles with thin noodles and flavorful broth. 📅 Suggested Itineraries: • One-day tour: Arrive at Yangma Island in the morning, start at Tianma Square to learn about the history, then rent an electric scooter to circle the island, visit the seawater bathing beach to splash and play in the sand; have a seafood feast nearby for lunch; in the afternoon, visit Zhang Island (reef viewing and photos), Qin Feng Cliff (sea views and sunset), Lotus Sunset (take photos at the popular cave and enjoy the beautiful sunset); in the evening, have Muping BBQ at the island center or seaside, then stroll the island’s night scenery. • Two-day tour: On the first morning, arrive at Yangma Island, check in and rest, then visit the seawater bathing beach; have seafood at a seaside restaurant for lunch; in the afternoon, visit Zhang Island and sea erosion caves, watch the sunset at Qin Feng Cliff, then enjoy dinner and explore the night market. On the second day, get up early to see the sunrise at Lotus Sunset, then visit Island Diary for creative coffee, and return after lunch. ❗ Notes: • Weather: Check the weather forecast in advance; sunny days mean bluer seas and better photos. • Tides: Pay attention to tide times when tide pooling to avoid danger; check the "Yantai Tide Table." • Mosquitoes: The island has many mosquitoes; bring mosquito repellent bracelets, floral water, and other anti-mosquito products. • Expenses: Some activities charge fees, ask about prices in advance; watch out for prices, especially seafood, to avoid being overcharged.