Back from Yantai, never thought I'd be so reluctant to leave...

🌟 Yantai 3-Day 2-Night Ultimate Guide | Personally Tested & Zero Regrets‼️

💙【Itinerary】
📍DAY1: Yangma Island (crystal-clear waters) → Libeng Island (zebra crossing hotspot) → Yanda Snack Street (feast for ¥30/person) → Binhai Middle Road (comic-like coastline) → Fisherman's Wharf (European architecture + Spirited Away train tracks)
📍DAY2: Dongshan Pier (perfect sunrise spot) → Hongkou 1920 (artsy district) → Yantai Mountain (panoramic views from lighthouse) → Chaoyang Street (retro-chic alley) → Suochengli (Ming-Qing architecture + viral signboards)
📍DAY3: Changyu Wine Museum (wine-tasting) → Love Yantai Chapel (seaside white chapel) → Golden Beach Park (pristine sands) → The Lonely Whale (Instagrammable sculpture) → Tianma Pier (sunset over "tangerine sea")

🚌【Transport Tips】
✔️ Buses cost just ¥1! Must-try ✨Route 17 double-decker (covers Chaoyang Street → Fisherman's Wharf → Moon Bay)
✔️ Downtown attractions are walkable; e-scooters 🛵 + taxis (¥9 starting fare) recommended
✔️ Train station guide:
Yantai Station → city center/Yantai Mountain
Muping Station → direct to Yangma Island
Yantai South Station → best if staying near Yanda University

🎒【Luggage Storage】
Convenience stores near Yantai Station offer storage (non-valuables only). Locals are super friendly!

🏠【Accommodation】
🔸 Budget pick: Near Yanda Uni – ¥100+/person, steps from snacks + beach
🔸 Romantic/photogenic: Golden Beach sea-view B&Bs (ocean-facing windows), but slightly remote
🔸 Efficient travelers: Near Yantai Station – walkable to Chaoyang Street

🦞【Must-Eat】
✅ Dongchen Wanghai Seafood: Sea intestine rice – umami explosion! Palm-sized mackerel dumplings
✅ Jinhai Restaurant: Local favorite – scallion-oil seafood rice worth licking the plate
✅ Chulechuan: Sichuan cuisine lovers – pine mushroom fish soup rice is divine

⚠️【Pro Tips】
1️⃣ Yangma Island: Bargain e-bike rentals to ¥30/day, skip overpriced tour buses
2️⃣ Buy Chang Island ferry tickets early – canceled in high winds! Bring bread to feed seagulls onboard
3️⃣ Yantai Mountain lighthouse closes at 5pm – arrive early for sunset queues
4️⃣ Wear grippy shoes on rocky shores – bare feet risk cuts, watch for slippery seaweed at low tide
5️⃣ Suochengli at night (lantern-lit) is 10x more magical than daytime

💌【Local Secrets】
🔹 Front seat on Route 17 double-decker = moving observatory
🔹 Find the giant "Yantai" sign on Binhai Road – ultimate Instagram backdrop
🔹 Visit The Lonely Whale at 7am for crowd-free photos
🔹 Hongkou 1920's Strawberry Bear Wall + Island Diary Café = photo gold

📸 Outfit tip: White/light blue dresses + straw bags for beachy vibes! Pack a jacket – nights get chilly with sea breeze.