How to get to Yantai

Yantai is a picturesque coastal city in Shandong Province, often called the "city of wine" and the home of the sweetest Chinese apples. When planning a trip to Yantai, travellers can choose any convenient mode of transport, as this resort hub boasts developed infrastructure and is excellently connected to other regions of the country. Whether you choose a quick flight or a scenic train journey, the route to the shores of the Yellow Sea promises to be comfortable.

Contrary to outdated information, reaching the resort by air is very convenient: the city is served by the modern international airport Yantai Penglai (YNT). It receives regular flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, and other major metropolises, ensuring rapid connections with the world.

If a direct flight is not suitable, you can utilise airports in neighbouring cities. For example, you can fly into Weihai (about 60 km away) or the major hub of Qingdao, and then continue your journey by land. However, Yantai's own airport remains the most preferred option for saving time.

Rail travel is one of the most popular ways to get to Yantai, as the city is integrated into China's high-speed railway network. High-speed trains of categories G and D from Beijing, Jinan, and Shanghai arrive daily at local stations (including Yantai South).

The route from the neighbouring city of Qingdao is particularly convenient: the express trip takes only about 1.5–2 hours. Regular connections are also established with the city of Weihai, making it easy to combine visits to several coastal cities in a single trip.

Bus services connect Yantai with numerous settlements in Shandong Province, offering a budget-friendly alternative to trains. Modern intercity buses run regularly between neighbouring districts, allowing you to reach the city centre with relative comfort.

Travel time depends on the departure point, but a bus journey provides an opportunity to see the authentic landscapes of the Chinese countryside. It is recommended to check schedules and purchase tickets directly at bus stations, as online services may only be available in Chinese.

Travelling by car is an excellent way to enjoy the coastal views. The fastest route runs from the city of Weihai: the distance of 70 km can be comfortably covered in approximately 1.3 hours. The drive from Qingdao will take about 2.6 hours, during which you will cover around 220 km on high-quality highways.

The journey from the city of Dalian has its own unique features: although the distance is about 186 km, the route involves using a car ferry across the Bohai Sea, increasing the travel time to 9.4 hours. This is worth considering when planning logistics, though the sea crossing can become a separate adventure.

To ensure your trip to Yantai goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant memories, we have prepared a list of important recommendations considering local specifics.

1. Clothing and Climate. Since the city is located on the coast, it is often windy. Even in summer, it is worth carrying a light windbreaker, and in winter, warm windproof clothing is essential.
2. Payment Methods. International cards (Visa/Mastercard) are rarely accepted. Be sure to install Alipay or WeChat Pay apps and link your card to them for paying for purchases and transport.
3. Language Barrier. English is not widely spoken. Download an offline translator to your smartphone with voice input and photo translation features for characters.
4. Transport Apps. Hailing a taxi on the street can be difficult. Use the DiDi app (the Chinese equivalent of Uber), which features an English interface.
5. Water and Hygiene. Tap water is not suitable for drinking. Purchase bottled water in supermarkets and convenience stores.
6. Local Delicacies. Do not miss the chance to taste the famous Yantai apples and local wine — the region is a winemaking centre in China.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid everyday inconveniences and fully focus on relaxing and exploring the culture of this amazing region.