Major city · China
Yantai烟台
Give Yantai 2 nights as a coast-and-wine stop between Qingdao and Weihai, or 1 night if you only want Yantai Hill and the promenade.
Yantai is a treaty-port harbour on the north Shandong coast, known for Changyu wine, a walkable seaside promenade and the colonial buildings around Yantai Hill. It is a low-key stop rather than a headline city: two nights covers the centre, the wine museum and one island or manor day trip. High-speed rail links it to Qingdao and Jinan, and the airport sits 15 km northwest of town.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CNY
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (humid, heavy rain), Jan–Feb (cold gales)
- Airport
- YNT
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- China ↗Most nationalities need a visa, a unilateral visa-free entry (the list and end dates change) or the transit exemption below. Confirm your route on the official sites before you buy a ticket.
- China ↗Transit stay without a visa: up to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of about 55 listed countries who pass through China to a third country or region, with a confirmed onward ticket and a stay inside the permitted area (Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei count as one area). It replaced the 144-hour rule in December 2024, which some older pages still quote. Use the transit lane at immigration, show the onward ticket, and check the current nationality list. Hong Kong and Macau count as separate regions; check whether your ticket qualifies.
- China ↗Foreign visitors must register their address with the police within 24 hours; hotels do it at check-in with your passport. Carry the original passport at all times: hotels, trains, museums, Tiananmen Square and police checks ask for it.
- China ↗Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card before you fly. QR payment is the default in shops, taxis and many stalls, and some places refuse cash or a foreign card. Carry cash as a backup.
- China ↗Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and many news sites are blocked. Use an eSIM with roaming (it routes through your home network) or install and test a VPN before you fly; VPN sites and app stores are hard to reach inside China, and only government-approved VPNs are officially permitted.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Yantai110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Yantai, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Alipay and WeChat Pay accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Amex cards; single payments over ¥200 (≈ US$30) carry a fee of about 3% on a foreign card (smaller ones…China-wide
- SIM or eSIMA roaming eSIM from outside China routes traffic through its home network, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work without a VPN — the simplest setup.China-wide
- Tap waterNot for drinking from the tap; bottled water ¥2–5 (≈ under US$1), and kettles and free bottles in hotel rooms.China-wide
- TippingRestaurants: No tip; upmarket hotels add 10–15% service.China-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C/I. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.China-wide
- SafetyYantai is a calm, low-crime city; the real risks are coastal weather, worn shared bikes and ferry or flight cancellations in fog and storms.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are frequent and free; squat toilets outside hotels and malls.China-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire · 120 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums and palaces close on Mondays; the Forbidden City too (outside holidays).China-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYNT Yantai Penglai International Airport (About 15 km (9.3 mi) northwest of the city; shuttle buses run to the rail and bus stations…YNT Yantai Penglai International Airport (About 9.3 mi (15 km) northwest of the city; shuttle buses run to the rail and bus stations…
- Getting aroundCity buses cost ¥1 (≈ under US$1) and accept cash or Alipay; lines 10 and 17 link the railway station to the coast.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealNoodle or dumpling mealcheck¥20–50 (≈ US$3–7)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi flagfallSome cars still show ¥7.¥8 (≈ US$2)
- Metro or bus rideCity bus ride¥1 (≈ under US$1)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekcheck¥80–150 (≈ US$12–25)
- Museum or sight ticketChangyu Wine Culture Museum¥80 (≈ US$12)
- Budget bedHostel or budget double, a night, per roomCN¥120 (≈ US$17)
- Mid-range bedHostel or budget double, a night, per roomCN¥220 (≈ US$35)
- High-end bedHostel or budget double, a night, per roomCN¥400 (≈ US$60)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CN¥300 (≈ US$45) · Mid CN¥600 (≈ US$85) · High CN¥1,200 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YNT Yantai Penglai International Airport (About 15 km (9.3 mi) northwest of the city; shuttle buses run to the rail and bus stations, taxis to the centre around ¥40 (check).)YNT Yantai Penglai International Airport (About 9.3 mi (15 km) northwest of the city; shuttle buses run to the rail and bus stations, taxis to the centre around ¥40 (check).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Feb
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Feb (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Yantai: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
6 rd
Feb
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
5 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
6 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
Dec
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
City buses cost ¥1 and accept cash or Alipay; lines 10 and 17 link the railway station to the coast. Taxis flag down at about ¥8 and a 30-minute ride runs near ¥30. Didi and T3 apps work. Shared bikes exist but check tyres and brakes before you ride.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Penglai Pavilion
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Bus or car northwest along the coast, about 1 h 30 min
The old pavilion and harbour are the region's headline sight; go early and pair with the airport side of town.
Changdao (Long Island)
overnightDoor to door: 3–4 h
Bus to Penglai, then ferry across the strait
Islands, forest park and old temples; ferries and weather make a day return tight.
Yangma Island
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Bus or taxi to Muping District, then the causeway bridge
Free to enter, open 24 h; in Jun–Aug the bridge can close to cars 08:00–16:00, so walk or rent a bike.Free to enter, open 24 h; in Jun–Aug the bridge can close to cars 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, so walk or rent a bike.
Qixia Mou Family Manor
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Bus or car southwest to Qixia
Large landlord compound, ¥50 entry; a long half-day with limited English signage.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Zhifu District seafront
Yantai Hill, the promenade and the wine museum on foot; best for a short first visit.
Yantai Railway Station area
Buses and trains at the door; handy for one night with bags, less scenic.
Laishan District
Newer, quieter coast east of the centre; good for beaches and the natural history museum, longer rides into town.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥250–450 (≈ US$35–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥450–900 (≈ US$65–130) excl. bed
- High
- ¥900 (≈ US$130)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double1 × 2 nights × CN¥450 | CN¥900 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × CN¥600 | CN¥2,400 |
| Airport shuttle, both ways2 × CN¥40 · check | CN¥80 |
| Changyu Wine Culture Museum entry2 × CN¥80 | CN¥160 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CN¥100 · check | CN¥200 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CN¥374 |
| Trip total≈ CN¥1,029 per person per day, bed included | CN¥4,114≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in yuan; long-distance rail and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| City bus ride | ¥1 (≈ under US$1) |
| Taxi flagfallSome cars still show ¥7. | ¥8 (≈ US$2) |
| 30-minute taxi ride | About ¥30 (≈ US$5) |
| Noodle or dumpling mealcheck | ¥20–50 (≈ US$3–7) |
| Changyu Wine Culture Museum | ¥80 (≈ US$12) |
| Polaris watch museum | ¥30 (≈ US$5) |
| Yantai Hill lighthousePark entry is free. | ¥10 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a weekcheck | ¥80–150 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Sea fog and strong coastal winds are common in spring and early summer.
- Summer brings typhoon-season rainstorms and thunderstorms, though milder than southern China.
- Winter cold waves, snow and gales can close ferries and delay flights.
- Hailing a taxi around 06:00, 12:00 and 18:00 is hard; use an app instead.Hailing a taxi around 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM is hard; use an app instead.
- Shared bikes are often worn: test the brakes before paying.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire
- 119
- Ambulance
- 120
Pocket card
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Yantai烟台
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
请到这个地址To this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire119
- Ambulance120
Embassy
No US or UK embassy in Yantai; embassies are in Beijing and consulates-general in Shanghai and Qingdao (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → city centre, taxi: about ¥40 (≈ US$6) (check)
- City bus: ¥1 (≈ under US$1), cash or Alipay
- Taxi, 30 min: about ¥30 (≈ US$5)
Say or show
- 你好 — Hello (nǐ hǎo)
- 谢谢 — Thank you (xiè xie)
- 多少钱？ — How much is it? (duō shao qián)
- 可以刷卡吗？ — Can I pay by card? (kě yǐ shuā kǎ ma)
- 洗手间在哪里？ — Where is the toilet? (xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ)
- 请带我去这个地址 — Please take me to this address (qǐng dài wǒ qù zhè ge dì zhǐ)
Tipping is not expected. Carry your passport; hotels register foreign guests on check-in.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Yantai. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (humid, heavy rain), Jan–Feb (cold gales) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YNT: shuttle and taxi cutoffs, last-bus times, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Yantai Hill and the promenade, the wine museum and art museum, the railway-station grid.
- Place pages with verified hours for Yantai Hill, Changyu Wine Culture Museum, Yantai Museum and the Polaris watch museum.
- Ferry and fog fixtures so Penglai and Changdao day trips can go green or be cut.
Sources
- officialYantai municipal government
- officialYantai Penglai International Airport
- officialChangyu Wine Culture Museum
- officialYantai Museum
- secondaryWikivoyage: Yantai, revision 5303495 (CC BY-SA 4.0)