Penglai
Penglai (蓬莱) is a coastal resort and city in Shandong. Penglai (previously Tengchow) is a historically important city, port and resort located in Shandong not far from Yantai. Penglai is famous for the Penglai Pavillion, one of the 'Four Great Towers of China', a large collection of historical temples and fortifications. The site is famous around China as being the landing site of the mythological Eight Immortals as well as beaches, entertainment and wine. Penglai is a famous historical and cultural city, known as the "fairyland on earth".
Understand
[edit]History
[edit]Penglai has a long history and rich cultural heritage. It is one of the key sites in Taoist mythology, famously associated with the legend of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea. During the Qin Dynasty, Emperor Qin Shi Huang sent expeditions to Penglai in search of an elixir of life.
The Penglai Pavilion, built during the Song Dynasty, is a landmark of the city. It is one of China's Four Great Towers, alongside Tengwang Pavilion, Yellow Crane Tower, and Yueyang Tower. Penglai Pavilion not only represents architectural excellence but is also deeply tied to the mythological tales of Taoism.
Historically, Penglai was a significant port on the Maritime Silk Road and a key coastal defense site. Many ancient fortifications and cultural relics remain to this day. In 2020, Penglai was reorganized as part of Yantai City and continues to be a popular cultural and tourist destination.
Climate
[edit]Penglai is located in the middle latitudes and has a warm temperate monsoon continental climate. The annual average temperature is 12.5℃, the annual average daily maximum temperature is 28.8℃, the annual average daily minimum temperature is -2.3℃, the extreme maximum temperature is 38.8℃, the extreme minimum temperature is -14.9℃, the annual average precipitation is 664mm, the annual average sunshine is 2826 hours, the frost-free period is an average of 206 days, the relative humidity is 65%, the annual average wind speed is 5.2 meters per second, there are no floods, and it is not affected by typhoons.
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Get in
[edit]Highway G18 passes just south of the city, and allows for frequent bus connections to Yantai, Qingdao and other cities.
By plane
[edit]- 1 Yantai Penglai International Airport (烟台蓬莱国际机场), Intersection of Konggang 2nd Road and Yingbin 8th Road, Chaoshui Town (the airport shuttle bus costs ¥25 and takes 60 minutes to reach Penglai Bus Station), ☏ +86 535 6299999. The airport is 45 minutes drive away and is relatively well connected to other Chinese cities.
By train
[edit]Penglai City (Penglaishi) railway station was opened in 2018. You can take a train from Yantai, Qingdao or Jinan.
- 2 Penglai Railway Station (formerly Penglai City Station) (200 m south of Nanwang Central Primary School, Nanwang Street).
By bus
[edit]- 3 Penglai qichezhan. This bus station is a long-distance bus station, which allows you to reach the cities around Penglai, but it takes longer. It is also possible to reach the countryside near the towns by bus.
Get around
[edit]
Buses and taxis abound, however there are few foreign tourists here, so a little Chinese will go a long way.
See
[edit]- 1 Penglai Pavillion, ☏ +86 5355643012. 07:30—17:00. A large collection of temples, lighthouses, and fortifications situated on a cliff overlooking the Bohai and Yellow sea. The pavilion has some excellent quality Chinese architecture and is an interesting blend of religion and history. Some of the key buildings include the Temple of the Dragon King, the lighthouse, Sanqing Temple (Sanqing refers to the three immortals worshiped by Taoism), and high walls and canons from the opium war. A cable car can take you down the cliffs and offers nice panoramas. ¥140 for whole site ticket, ¥50 for cable car.
- 2 Ocean Aquarium of Penglai, No 88, Haigang Road, ☏ +86 535-5664777, +86 535 5927999. A modern, large aquarium very popular with local Chinese tourists. The exhibitions and fish are interesting, and there is a see-through tunnel where you can walk amongst the creatures. This aquarium does however keep dolphins and beluga whales, and while they seem to well looked after, this may upset some. ¥150.
- 3 Sanxianshan/Three mountains. 07:30-16:30. Sanxianshan/Three mountains enormous modern reconstruction of a temple complex, surrounded by lakes. While this place may seem a bit tacky, it is certainly impressive and monumental. There is also a very large pagoda jutting out into the sea allowing for fantastic views. ¥120.
- 4 Penglai Baxian Sea Scenic Area. Penglai Baxian Sea Crossing Scenic Area is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction. In myth and legend, Baxian Sea Crossing Area is like a treasure gourd lying on the sea.
- 5 Castle of Ponlevin (蓬莱文成城堡), ☏ +86 535-3543766. Wencheng Castle is beside Yanpeng Tourist Avenue. The castle is a clever combination of European architectural elements, with a Baroque style as the main building material. The building materials, mainly precious travertine, carry the essence of European architecture and decorative art, reflecting its aristocratic atmosphere. Surrounded by a moat filled with seawater, it can be used to raise sea cucumbers and abalone, and can also be used for people to play in the water and row boats, which is full of fun. Coupled with the design of concave front and convex back, the castle presents unique variability whether looking forward or backward, whether in plane or three-dimensional. Although it is only 4 stories high, its incomparable diversity of other buildings brings unlimited imagination space. The shape is elegant and generous, with a round roof pointing directly to the blue sky, and the trapezoidal and conical roofs on both sides interspersed and overlapped, with fireplace chimneys dotted in between, fully demonstrating the romanticism and heroic spirit unique to European technology. 72.
- 6 Penglai Ocean Park Fantasy World (蓬莱欧乐堡梦幻世界), No. 8, Mazhikou Road, Penglaige Subdistrict, ☏ +86 535-5629111. It is a modern large-scale amusement park full of "dynamic, fashionable, happy and dreamy". It can not only meet the entertainment needs of children and teenagers, but also meet the needs of family travel, so that middle-aged and elderly people can also participate and experience the joy brought by the amusement culture together with young people. 150.
- 7 Penglai Changdao Tourist attractions (蓬莱长岛旅游景区), 海滨路与海港街交叉口西50米, ☏ +86 535-3099789. Changdao is a 4A-level scenic spot and national nature reserve in the northern waters of Penglai, known as the "Fairy Mountain on the Sea". It is divided into two islands, the South and North, with six famous attractions, but considering the convenience of tourists, it is recommended to choose a ¥100 ticket, including Wangfu Cliff on the South Island, Crescent Bay and Jiuzhang Cliff on the North Island. Changdao is not only beautiful, but also a must-go place for migratory birds, warm in winter and cool in summer, and known as the "Migratory Bird Station". In addition, the East China Sea Fairy Mountain mentioned in "Classic of Mountains and Seas" is also closely related to Changdao.
- 8 Jiuzhang Cliff (九丈崖), Dianzi Village, Beichangshan Township, ☏ 4006182088. Jiuzhang Cliff is located in the northwest corner of Beichangshan Island. It is a natural landscape famous for its towering and steep cliffs. There are not only mountains, cliffs, rocks, reefs and caves in various shapes and forms, but also a place where people can feel the greatness of nature. Standing at the foot of Jiuzhang Cliff and looking up at the cliffs, one can't help but sigh at the magical creation of nature. In addition, Jiuzhang Cliff is also a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset. It is a comprehensive tourist area integrating mountains, seas, bays, reefs, cliffs, caves and historical sites.
- 9 Dengzhou Ancient Ship Museum (登州古船博物馆), No. 59, Yingbin Road, Penglai Pavilion Subdistrict, Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area (south side), ☏ +86 535-5621111. Dengzhou Ancient Ship Museum is a commemorative attraction in Penglai, which is dedicated to displaying the history and culture of the ancient Dengzhou Port and unearthed ancient ships. The museum houses four ancient Chinese and foreign ships from the Yuan and Ming dynasties, red sandalwood rudders, huanghuali shipbuilding wood, wooden anchors and other precious national cultural relics. These exhibits not only provide valuable physical historical materials for the study of ancient Chinese military ports and traditional shipbuilding technology, but also serve as an important window for understanding the Eastern Maritime Silk Road. For tourists who like history and culture, this is definitely a must-see attraction.
Do
[edit]- 1 Penglai Speedboat Terminal (蓬莱快艇码头), 100 meters west of West Haibin Road. At the base of the pavilion, short speedboat trips around the bay and cliffs, tickets ¥100. Some services also go all the way out to nearby islands.
Penglai has several docks that offer speedboat services for island visits and coastal exploration:
- East Dock: The main hub for boats heading to the Changdao Islands.
- West Dock: Primarily serves fishing tours and small group trips.
- South Dock: Offers private charters for customized tours.
- Tourist Dock: A popular destination for scenic cruises along Penglai's coastline.
- Fishing Village Dock: Focused on eco-tourism and cultural experiences.
Each dock is equipped with ticket counters, rest areas, and seafood restaurants, making them convenient starting points for travelers.
Penglai's beaches are sandy, and they attract many Chinese tourists during sunny days. However, the beaches are not particularly impressive or exceptionally clean. Still, the shoreline features interesting statues of the Eight Immortals, and the shallow waters make it suitable for wading and exploration. Chinese tourists pack it out when there is sun, but the beach is not particularly impressive or especially clean. However, there are interesting statues of the Eight Immortals on the shore, and the water is shallow.
Local festivals
[edit]Penglai hosts vibrant festivals throughout the year that showcase its rich culture and traditions. Here are some of the key festivals:
- Penglai Folk Art Festival: Held every spring, this festival celebrates traditional Chinese arts, including shadow puppetry, dragon dances, and folk music performances. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience Penglai’s cultural heritage.
- Sea God Worship Festival: A centuries-old tradition where fishermen honor the sea god. The event includes ceremonies, boat parades, and seafood feasts.
- Lantern Festival: Celebrated during the Lunar New Year, the festival features stunning lantern displays, fireworks, and traditional snacks.
- Penglai Beach Festival: A summer event featuring sandcastle competitions, water sports, and live music by the sea.
- Wine Festival: Held in autumn, the festival highlights Penglai’s winemaking culture with wine tastings, vineyard tours, and workshops on wine production.
Buy
[edit]There are plenty of tourist shops selling the full range of novelty gifts and trinkets. Haggling is possible
- Wine The Yantai region is famous around China for its wine. There are a number of wine shops with a wide selection. While they may not compare to French Bordeaux, not all brands are terrible, and are well worth a try.
- 1 Wine of Penglai (蓬莱葡萄酒), toll-free: +86 5353541234. Yantai Taoniuling is located in Mulangou Village, Daxindian Town. It has a modern and simple environment, which is very suitable for taking pictures. The natural environment is comfortable and the view is wide. The restaurant offers exquisite Cantonese set meals with full texture. It has the "3S" characteristics suitable for grape growth: sun, sand, and sea, and is known as one of the "seven major grape coasts in the world". Penglai City has focused on cultivating the grape and wine industry as a city-based industry, insisting on the development path of clustering, quality and internationalization. It has attracted a number of well-known wine companies such as COFCO Great Wall, Tianjin Dynasty, Huadong Baili, and Shangri-La. 1411.
Penglai's beaches are sandy, and they attract many Chinese tourists during sunny days. However, the beaches are not particularly impressive or exceptionally clean. Still, the shoreline features interesting statues of the Eight Immortals, and the shallow waters make it suitable for wading and exploration. There is sand in Penglai, and Chinese tourists pack it out when there is sun, but the beach is not particularly impressive or especially clean. However, there are interesting statues of the Eight Immortals on the shore, and the water is shallow.
- 2 Castle of Ponlevin (蓬莱文成城堡) (beside Yanpeng Tourist Avenue), ☏ +86 535-3543766. The castle is a clever combination of European architectural elements, with a Baroque style as the main building material. The building materials, mainly precious travertine, carry the essence of European architecture and decorative art, reflecting its aristocratic atmosphere. Surrounded by a moat filled with seawater, it can be used to raise sea cucumbers and abalone, and can also be used for people to play in the water and row boats, which is full of fun. Coupled with the design of concave front and convex back, the castle presents unique variability whether looking forward or backward, whether in plane or three-dimensional. Although it is only 4 stories high, its incomparable diversity of other buildings brings unlimited imagination space. The shape is elegant and generous, with a round roof pointing directly to the blue sky, and the trapezoidal and conical roofs on both sides interspersed and overlapped, with fireplace chimneys dotted in between, fully demonstrating the romanticism and heroic spirit unique to European technology. 72.
- 3 Penglai Speedboat Terminal (蓬莱快艇码头), 100 meters west of West Haibin Road.
- 4 Penglai Speedboat Terminal (蓬莱快艇码头), 100 meters west of Haibin West Road. Penglai Speedboat Terminal is an important transportation and tourism hub in Penglai, providing speedboat services to Changdao and surrounding islands. The terminal has frequent flights, and some speedboats also provide coastal tour services, allowing tourists to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Penglai's "sea wonderland". The facilities around the terminal are complete, including a visitor center, rest area and many restaurants, which are convenient for tourists to rest and replenish supplies.
- 2 Penglai Farmers' Trade Plaza (蓬莱农贸广场), New Farmers Market. The market is very large and neat. On the left side of the entrance, there are seasonings, cooked food, dry goods, and seafood. On the right side, there are vegetables, fruits, meat, and seafood. From 5 am to 12 noon, there are many people and the most goods. In the afternoon, there are fewer people in the vegetable and seafood areas. The seafood area is good, and the seafood you buy is fresh and cheap. You can process and eat it here. You can bring gifts back from the dry goods area.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 City 118 Select Hotel (about 40 meters west of the Zhonglou South Road), ☏ +86 535-3351855, toll-free: +86 535-3351855. There are many bus stops nearby, including Zijingshan Office, Qi Jiguang's Hometown, Zijing Commercial Building, Changyu Community, etc., where you can transfer to Penglai No. 7, Penglai No. 11, Penglai No. 6, Penglai No. 5 [Hanwang Section] and other bus lines.
- 2 Penglai Marriott Hotel (蓬莱仙境万豪酒店), No. 133 Beiguan Road, ☏ +86 535-5824999. Fairyland Marriott Hotel is located near Penglai Pavilion, not far from the river. The front desk service attitude is very good. The hotel looks good and the hygiene is OK. There are many restaurants nearby, the price is not too expensive, and the food is affordable. After dinner, you can go to the beach to watch. 80.
- 3 Penglai Yijun Hotel (蓬莱艺珺酒店), No. 2 Xianjing Road, ☏ +86 535-5655999. Very good, especially during holidays, everything is very good! The waiter is very considerate, the hotel is clean and comfortable, the breakfast is also great, it is close to the scenic spot, and the surrounding life is convenient, especially there is Laosi Seafood nearby, the quality and taste are very good
Connect
[edit]Go next
[edit]- Yantai - Major city to the east of Penglai, 1 hour by bus.
- Longkou - A coastal town to the west of Penglai. Longkou is famous for its Longkou vermicelli, scenic spots like Nanshan Tourist Area, and vibrant seafood culture. It offers a mix of traditional and modern attractions.