Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area Super Detailed Travel Guide

Penglai Pavilion is located in Penglai District, Yantai, Shandong Province. It is one of the Four Great Ancient Towers of China, famous as a "Fairyland on Earth." It combines mountain and sea scenery with historical culture, featuring attractions such as the Penglai Pavilion ancient architectural complex, Penglai Water City, and Tianheng Mountain. Visitors can enjoy stunning sea and sky views, explore historical stories, and it is also well-known for the "mirage" phenomenon. 2. [Calendar] Itinerary Planning (Recommended 2 - 3 days) [Calendar] (1) Day 1: In-depth Tour of Penglai Pavilion Ancient Architectural Complex • Morning: ◦ [RoundNails] Arrive at Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area, enter through Zhenyang Gate (a good starting point for photos), and walk to the Penglai Pavilion ancient architectural complex. First, visit the main building of Penglai Pavilion to learn about its history. This was once a place where scholars and poets admired the view and composed poetry. Standing on the pavilion overlooking the sea, you can feel the poetic mood of "If you want to know where the fairy pavilion is, the water kingdom is truly enchanting." ◦ [RoundNails] Visit the Tianhou Palace to see exhibits related to Mazu culture; the Dragon King Palace to learn about local marine beliefs; and the Lüzu Hall to explore the legend of Lü Dongbin. • Noon: Enjoy local delicacies such as Penglai noodles (a local specialty of thin noodles with seafood broth) and mackerel dumplings at restaurants inside or near the scenic area to replenish energy. • Afternoon: ◦ [RoundNails] Visit the Penglai Ancient Ship Museum (inside the scenic area) to view precious artifacts like ancient warships and sea vessels, and learn about Penglai’s history as an important ancient maritime transportation hub. ◦ [RoundNails] Head to the Dengzhou Museum (not far from the scenic area, accessible by walking or taxi) to gain a deeper understanding of Dengzhou’s (Penglai’s ancient name) historical changes and cultural heritage. The museum houses numerous historical relics and folk exhibits. • Evening: Stay at a hotel or guesthouse near Penglai Pavilion, such as Penglai Pavilion Hotel, for convenient travel the next day; or choose a seaside guesthouse to fall asleep to the sound of waves. For dinner, enjoy a local seafood feast featuring dishes like steamed mitten crab and oil-braised prawns to experience the fisherman's flavor. (2) Day 2: Penglai Water City + Tianheng Mountain + Coastal Scenery • Morning: ◦ Visit Penglai Water City, an important ancient military port in China, with existing city walls and water gates. Stroll along the Water City ruins, imagining ancient naval drills and warships coming and going. You can also visit the Beiwodu Office to learn about the Ming Dynasty’s anti-Japanese history. ◦ [RoundNails] From the Water City nearby boardwalk, head to Tianheng Mountain by hiking or taking the cable car (cable car costs about 30 RMB per person, hiking takes about 1 hour with coastal views along the way). Climb Tianheng Mountain to see the boundary line between the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea (on clear days, the distinct sea boundary is visible). Visit Tianheng Mountain Cultural Park, which features statues of anti-Japanese hero Qi Jiguang and other sights. • [RoundNails] Noon: Have local specialties near Tianheng Mountain or back in the city, such as seafood steamed jelly (a Penglai snack, pan-fried to golden brown and topped with sesame sauce and shrimp oil) and seaweed buns, continuing to explore local flavors. • Afternoon: ◦ Visit Penglai Seaside Bathing Beach (such as Baxian Guohai Beach). In summer, you can swim and play in the sand to enjoy the coolness of the sea; in other seasons, take a walk along the coastline, watch the waves crash, and admire the seaside sunset (Penglai’s sea sunsets are stunning, don’t miss them). ◦ Explore the Baxian Guohai Scenic Area (optional depending on time and interest, not far from Penglai Pavilion), see the Eight Immortals statues, and learn about the legend of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea. The scenic area is an artificial island with unique architectural styles. • Evening: Have dinner at a seaside restaurant, then take a stroll along the beach, enjoy the sea breeze, watch the night view, and relax. (3) Day 3: [RoundNails][Pushpin] Surrounding Extensions (Optional, such as a day trip to Changdao) If time permits, take a ferry from Penglai Pier to Changdao (about 40 minutes, ticket around 45 RMB per person) to start an island adventure: • Morning: Upon arrival at Changdao, visit Jiuzhang Cliff to see unique sea erosion landforms, steep cliffs, and reef caves, perfect for photos. You can also enjoy the sunrise here (requires early rising). • Noon: Have a seafood feast in the fishing village of Changdao, featuring freshly caught seafood such as steamed sea urchin egg custard and braised sea fish. • Afternoon: Visit Crescent Bay to collect colorful pebbles (please protect the environment and do not take large amounts), enjoy water activities; or go to Linhai Park to see the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea convergence line, stroll along wooden boardwalks, and appreciate the island’s forest scenery. • Evening: Return to Penglai city to end the trip; or stay overnight on Changdao to experience the tranquility of island nights. 3. Ticket Information • Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area combined ticket (includes Penglai Pavilion ancient architectural complex, Penglai Water City, Tianheng Mountain, Ancient Ship Museum, etc.): about 100 RMB per adult; students, seniors, and others may enjoy half-price or free admission (subject to official scenic area policy). • Baxian Guohai Scenic Area ticket: about 80 RMB per person; Changdao attractions charge separately, Jiuzhang Cliff + Crescent Bay combined ticket about 80 RMB per person, Linhai Park + Fengshan Park combined ticket about 50 RMB per person. 4. Transportation Guide • External Transportation: ◦ Airplane: Fly to Yantai Penglai International Airport, about 30 km from Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area. Take the airport shuttle bus (about 25 RMB per person) to Penglai city, then taxi or bus to the scenic area; or take a direct taxi (about 80 - 100 RMB). ◦ Train: Arrive at Yantai Station or Penglai City Station (Penglai City Station is farther from the scenic area; from Yantai Station, transfer by bus or taxi). From Yantai Station to Penglai Pavilion, take the Yantong Tourism Express Line (about 16 RMB per person) or taxi (about 70 - 80 RMB). ◦ Bus: Take a long-distance bus to Penglai Bus Station, then take bus routes (such as No. 3, No. 6) or taxi to the scenic area. • Internal Transportation: Penglai city is small; you can walk, take taxis (starting fare about 7 RMB), or use buses (routes cover main attractions). To go to Changdao, take a ferry from Penglai Pier. 5. Travel Tips 1. The Penglai Pavilion scenic area has many stairs and slopes; wear comfortable sports shoes or flat shoes for easy touring. 2. To see the "mirage" phenomenon, it is recommended to visit after summer rain or under specific weather conditions, but the phenomenon is unpredictable, so keep a calm mind. 3. When taking a boat to Changdao or playing on the sea, bring seasickness medicine to prevent discomfort; check the weather forecast as sailing may be suspended in bad weather. 4. Respect local customs and culture, especially in religious sites (such as Tianhou Palace, Dragon King Palace), and follow visiting etiquette. 5. When buying seafood specialties, pay attention to quality and purchase from reputable shops or markets to avoid disputes. This guide covers Penglai Pavilion and surrounding activities. May you start your "Fairyland Journey" at Penglai Pavilion and create wonderful memories!