Yantai history

The history of Yantai is closely linked to its strategic location on the coast of the Yellow Sea in China. The city, whose name translates as "Smoke Tower," has evolved from a military outpost into a major international trade port.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city received its name thanks to a watchtower built on Mount Qi in 1398 during the Ming Dynasty. This tower was used to send smoke signals warning of approaching pirates. Gradually, a settlement grew around this defensive structure, known as "Yantai."

Key Factors of Formation

The main factor in Yantai's development has always been its geographical location on the Shandong Peninsula, making it a key point for maritime defence and trade. A turning point in the city's history was its opening to international trade in 1861 under the name Chefoo, in accordance with the Treaty of Tianjin. This attracted foreign consulates and companies to the city, transforming it into a bustling port visited by merchant vessels from 17 nations.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Until the 19th century, Yantai's economy was focused on fishing and agriculture. After obtaining the status of a treaty port, the city became a hub for the export of silk, peanuts, and fruit. It was during this period, in 1892, that the Changyu Winery was founded here — the first and oldest winery in the country, marking the beginning of modern viticulture in China and becoming one of the city's cultural icons.

Key Milestones in Yantai's History

The history of Yantai is a rich journey from an ancient defensive post to one of China's most important international ports and economic centres. Below are the key events that have shaped the appearance of the modern city.

• 219 BC — During the Qin Dynasty, Emperor Qin Shi Huang visits these lands, then known as Zhifu, and dispatches a maritime expedition from here in search of the elixir of immortality.
• 1398 — To protect against pirate raids, a signal tower is built on a coastal hill to send smoke signals (in Chinese "Yan"); this structure on a platform ("Tai") gave the city its modern name — Yantai.
• 1858 — Following the Second Opium War, the Treaty of Tianjin is signed, stipulating that the port of Chefoo (the European name for Yantai) must open to international trade.
• 1861 — Yantai officially becomes a "treaty port," attracting foreign companies and consulates from 17 countries and providing a powerful boost to its economic development.
• 1876 — The Chefoo Convention is signed in the city between China and Great Britain, another of the "unequal treaties" of that time.
• 1892 — Patriotic Chinese diplomat Zhang Bishi founds the "Changyu" winemaking company, laying the foundations for Yantai's reputation as the viticulture capital of China.
• 1911 — During the Xinhai Revolution, which led to the fall of the last imperial dynasty, one of the revolutionary military governments of Shandong Province is established in Yantai.
• 1949 — After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Yantai officially receives city status and becomes an important administrative centre of the region.
• 1984 — Yantai is included among the first 14 coastal cities in China opened to foreign investment and international trade, launching a new stage of rapid modernisation.
• Early 21st Century — The city establishes itself as a major industrial, logistics, and tourism hub with one of the busiest ports in Northern China and a developed economy.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The development of Yantai is the story of a small fishing settlement transforming into one of the most dynamic and liveable metropolises in eastern China. The city's economic and urban transformations occurred in several key stages, each radically changing its appearance and status.

• Opening of the Treaty Port (1861)
  Becoming one of the first ports opened to foreign trade gave the city a powerful impulse towards urbanisation. This event not only integrated the local economy into the global trading system but also formed a unique architectural look with European influence, laying the foundation for the city's multicultural character.
• Birth of the Viticulture Industry (1892)
  The founding of the first industrial winery, "Changyu," became a turning point in cultural and economic life. This event launched an entirely new industry for the country and eventually earned the city the title of "International City of Vine and Wine," making it the only holder of this status in Asia.
• Open Coastal City Status (1984)
  Inclusion in the list of 14 open cities became a catalyst for modern industrialisation. This decision attracted large-scale foreign investment and technology, allowing for the creation of a powerful industrial cluster and accelerating the region's economic growth.
• Creation of the Economic and Technological Development Zone
  The formation of special zones (YEDA) allowed for the concentration of high-tech manufacturing, including automotive engineering and electronics. This transformed the city from a trading port into a modern production hub.
• Expansion of Port Infrastructure
  Modernisation of the port and deepening of the harbour secured the city's role as a key logistics node in Northeast Asia, ensuring close trade ties with South Korea and Japan.
• Urban Reform of the Coastline
  Large-scale reconstruction of embankments and the creation of a scenic coastal road transformed the coastline from a purely functional zone into a tourist attraction and a leisure spot for residents, significantly improving the quality of the urban environment.
• Ecological Transformation and "Green City"
  In recent decades, the focus has shifted to sustainable development. Receiving the prestigious UN-Habitat award confirmed successes in greening and improving living conditions, cementing the city's reputation as one of the most environmentally clean and liveable in the country.

The architectural appearance of Yantai represents a unique combination of eras and styles, reflecting its rich history. The city has journeyed from a traditional Chinese settlement to an important international port, leaving a distinct mark on its urban structure. Here, historical buildings, colonial mansions, and ultra-modern skyscrapers coexist harmoniously.

European Heritage and Colonial Style

A key stage in forming the city's architectural face began in 1861, when Yantai became one of the first ports in China opened to international trade. This attracted consulates and trading companies from 17 countries, leading to the appearance of buildings in the style of 19th-century European colonial architecture. The historic Zhifu district and the waterfront still preserve the atmosphere of that time: here one can see elegant mansions, former consulate buildings, and banks built in various European styles. A walk along these cobbled streets allows one to feel the contrast between Eastern and Western cultures.

Traditional Chinese Architecture

Despite strong foreign influence, examples of classical Chinese architecture have been preserved in Yantai and its surroundings. One of the brightest examples is the Penglai Pavilion (Penglai Ge) temple complex in the neighbouring city of Penglai, the history of which spans over a thousand years. This ensemble, located on a scenic cliff, is considered one of the places where, according to legends, immortals resided. Traditional temples and structures from the Ming and Qing dynasties, reminding of its military past, have also been preserved in the city.

Modern Development and Futurism

Since the 1980s, after receiving the status of an "open coastal city," Yantai has experienced rapid economic growth, which is reflected in its modern architecture. Skyscrapers, modern residential complexes, and large-scale industrial zones are actively being erected in the city. A striking symbol of the new era is the Sun Tower — a futuristic 50-metre structure on the coast, designed by the OPEN Architecture studio. This multifunctional cultural space with a conical shape, referencing ancient sun worship rituals and Ming Dynasty signal towers, combines a theatre, library, and observation deck.

Distinguished Figures Connected to Yantai

Yantai, with its rich history and dynamic development, has been the birthplace or centre of activity for many outstanding individuals who have left a mark on the history, culture, and science of China. Here are some of them:

• Qiu Chuji (1148–1227) — A famous Daoist master, thinker, and traveller. Born in Qixia, which is today part of the Yantai municipal area. He was the founder of the Dragon Gate Daoist sect and a spiritual advisor to Genghis Khan, which brought him widespread fame and influence in the 13th century.
• Qi Jiguang (1528–1588) — An outstanding military strategist and national hero of China during the Ming Dynasty. Although born in another part of Shandong, his activities were closely linked to Yantai. He oversaw the strengthening of the region's coastal defences, including the area of modern Yantai, to protect against Japanese pirates, which was of immense importance for the future city's security.
• Zhang Bishi (1841–1916) — An influential entrepreneur, diplomat, and pioneer of Chinese winemaking. In 1892, he founded China's first industrial winery, "Changyu," in Yantai. This step not only initiated the country's wine industry but also forever secured Yantai's status as its capital.
• Wang Yue (born 1987) — A Chinese chess Grandmaster. Although born in Taiyuan, he became the first Chinese chess player to enter the top 10 of the FIDE world rankings and is one of the most famous representatives of this intellectual sport in the country.
• Wang Yaping (born 1980) — A female Chinese astronaut (taikonaut). Born in the Muping district of Yantai. She became the second Chinese woman in space and the first to perform a spacewalk.
• Liu Shiying (born 1993) — A Chinese track and field athlete specialising in the javelin throw. Born in Yantai. She is the 2020 Olympic champion and one of the world's leading athletes in her discipline.