Yantai

Yantai, China

The name of the city, which means "smoke terrace" in Chinese, was inspired by a Ming dynasty fortress which was built to produce columns of smoke pouring into the sky as a warning against pirates from the sea.

Sandy beaches and charming islets are dotted around, making Yantai a popular destination for holidaymakers seeking a respite from the summer heat.

Getting around

• Mount Yantai

  Bingo! This eponymous scenic area is home to the fortress built to produce columns of smoke pouring into the sky as a warning against pirates from the sea in ancient times, which inspired the name of the city.

• Penglaige

  Trek up to the top of the hill overlooking the crashing waves and take in the breathtaking sceneries that unfold before your eyes. The scenic area has gained its reputation as the "never-never land". If luck is on your side, you could see a mirage on the sea.

• Penglai Polar Ocean World

  Asia's largest of the kind, the park brings together nearly 1000 species of marine life. It boasts the world's largest cylindrical tank and Asia's largest tropical rain forest museum.

• Moushi Zhuangyuan

  The 480 - room, 20,000 - square - meter courtyard estate is the biggest of the kind in northern China ever owned by a money - loaded landlord family in the old days.

• Changdao

  This archipelago contains 32 islets with numerous bays, beaches and interesting rock formations. The area has become known as "wonderland on the sea".

  
  
  
• Yantai fruits

  Remember the best seasons for Yantai's different fruits: February strawberries, May cherries, June apricots, July peaches, August grapes, Mid - Autumn Festival pears and October apples.