Laishan District Tourism

Laishan District, Yantai, Shandong — the new administrative and cultural center of Yantai, boasting the golden coastline of the Yellow Sea, home to Yantai University and other higher education institutions, blending youthful vitality, coastal scenery and ecological woodlands. Unlock the modern port city charm of 'mountains embracing the sea, culture and scenery intertwined' in 3 days and 2 nights.

5+
Higher Education Institutions
15km+
Golden Coastline
8+
Core Attractions
20+
Instagrammable Spots
Yantai University, Laishan District, Yantai City
Yantai University Coastal Campus - Youth Landmark
Yantai University is built along the coast, with the 'Sanyuan Lake' on campus connecting to the Yellow Sea. The iconic bell tower stands by the lake. The cherry blossom avenue and coastal promenade are shared leisure spaces for citizens and students, acclaimed as one of 'China's Most Beautiful Coastal Universities'.

Laishan District Three-Day Youthful Energy Tour

Stroll university campuses to feel youthful pulse, chase waves along the coast for seaside fun, climb green mountains overlooking city and sea fusion, explore the wharf for European-style charm, unlocking Laishan's diverse appeal of 'youth + nature + humanity'

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Yantai University, Yanta Sea Bathing Area, Huanghai Amusement City, Fenghuangshan Park, Yantai Fisherman's Wharf, Jiaodong Cultural Plaza
Suitable For
Students, families, couples, photography enthusiasts, leisure travelers
Budget per person
¥700 - ¥1400
01
Youthful Coast
Yantai University · Yanta Sea Bathing Area · Huanghai Amusement City · Wanxiangcheng Pedestrian Street
Highlights

In the morning, stroll Yantai University campus to soak up youthful atmosphere. In the afternoon, splash and play at Yanta Sea Bathing Area. In the evening, explore Huanghai Amusement City to enjoy the sea and waves. At night, hit Wanxiangcheng Pedestrian Street to sample trendy snacks.

Attractions
Yantai University
Key university in Shandong province, featuring the 'campus-sea integration' characteristic. The campus has a north-south coastal promenade, with distinctive landmarks such as Sanyuan Lake, Bell Tower, and Library. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, becoming a popular check-in spot. Open to the public for free visits.
Yanta Sea Bathing Area
A natural seaside bathing area adjacent to Yantai University, with gently sloping sandy beach and clear seawater. Equipped with changing rooms and showers. In summer, it is the top choice for citizens to cool off and play in the water. Beach volleyball and musical performances are often held in the evening.
Huanghai Amusement City
A comprehensive seaside entertainment complex integrating recreation, dining and leisure. Features the Huanghai Pearl Observation Tower (49m high, 360° sea views), seawater pool, and antique building clusters. An excellent spot to watch the sunset over the Yellow Sea.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Sea-view homestay near Yantai University
  • Budget hotel near Huanghai Amusement City
  • Boutique hotel in Wanxiangcheng commercial area
Food Recommendations
  • Yanta Night Market Grilled Squid
  • Seafood Platter
  • Jiaodong Big Steamed Bun
  • Honey Fried Dough Twist
Travel Tips
  • Yantai University campus is large; suggest cycling (shared bikes available on campus)
  • Strong UV rays at the beach in summer; sun protection is necessary
  • Huanghai Pearl Tower entry fee 10 yuan/person; best for sunset viewing in the evening
02
Mountain & Sea Splendor
Fenghuangshan Park · Yantai Fisherman's Wharf · Guangdanghe Park · Shangshili Commercial Area
Highlights

In the morning, climb Fenghuangshan for a panoramic view of Laishan and the Yellow Sea. In the afternoon, explore Fisherman's Wharf's European-style architecture. In the evening, stroll Guangdanghe Park to enjoy riverside night scenery. At night, experience Yantai nightlife in the Shangshili commercial area.

Attractions
Fenghuangshan Park
Landmark mountain park in Laishan District, main peak 199m above sea level. Winding hiking trails lead to the summit 'Fenghuang Pavilion' observation deck, offering distant views of Yantai University, the Yellow Sea and Laishan city area. Dense vegetation makes it an urban natural oxygen bar.
Yantai Fisherman's Wharf
Core coastal scenic area in Laishan, dominated by European-style architecture, gathering seafood restaurants, hot spring hotels, yacht marina and other facilities. The landmark 'Haichang Whale Shark Aquarium' is China's first whale shark-themed ocean park. Seagulls often gather in winter.
Guangdanghe Park
A linear park running through Laishan city, built along the Guangdang River, featuring waterfront platforms, musical fountains, and cultural corridors. Brilliantly lit at night, the riverside paths are popular for walking and jogging.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Fenghuangshan Park: take bus routes 5, 33 to Fenghuangshan Park Station
  • Fisherman's Wharf: accessible by bus routes 10, 17
  • Guangdanghe Park: distributed along Gangcheng East Street, multiple bus routes stop nearby
Ticket Info
  • Yantai University: free
  • Huanghai Amusement City: free (Huanghai Pearl Tower 10 yuan)
  • Fenghuangshan Park: free
  • Haichang Whale Shark Aquarium: 150 yuan/person
Travel Tips
  • Wear sports shoes for climbing Fenghuangshan; full hike takes about 1 hour
  • Fisherman's Wharf is great for photos; best lighting before 10am
  • Musical fountain at Guangdanghe Park operates weekends 19:30-20:00
03
Culture & Leisure
Jiaodong Cultural Plaza · Zhuqueshan Forest Park · Jusco Shopping Center · Departure
Highlights

In the morning, experience intangible cultural heritage charm at Jiaodong Cultural Plaza. In the afternoon, explore woodland adventures at Zhuqueshan. In the evening, shop for Yantai specialties at Jusco before departing with满载收获.

Attractions
Jiaodong Cultural Plaza
A comprehensive plaza integrating cultural display and leisure entertainment, featuring Jiaodong Theater, intangible cultural heritage exhibition halls, and cultural corridors. Regularly hosts intangible heritage activities such as Jiaodong Drum and paper-cutting exhibitions, serving as a window to understand Jiaodong culture.
Zhuqueshan Forest Park
Ecological woodland in southern Laishan, main peak 640m above sea level, forest coverage rate of 90%. Features Azalea Valley, Strange Stone Forest, waterfalls and other landscapes. Hiking trails are moderately difficult, suitable for family outings. Azaleas bloom across the mountains in spring.
Jusco Shopping Center
Core commercial complex in Laishan, covering dining, shopping, supermarket and more. Basement level features a Yantai specialty zone for purchasing dried seafood, wine, fruits and other products, meeting one-stop shopping needs.
Practical Info
Experience Activities
  • Intangible heritage experience at Jiaodong Cultural Plaza (paper-cutting, dough figurines, 30 yuan/item)
  • Haichang Whale Shark Aquarium underwater tunnel photos
  • Zhuqueshan forest hike (one way about 2 hours)
  • Yanta Night Market trendy snack crawl
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Yantai Apples (Laishan产区)
  • Dried Seafood (dried shrimp, scallop columns)
  • Changyu Wine
  • Jiaodong Paper-cutting Crafts
Departure Guide
  • Laishan District is about 8 km from Yantai South Station, 15 min by taxi
  • About 40 km from Yantai Penglai International Airport, airport bus direct
  • Jusco supermarket offers direct shipping for specialties, convenient for carrying

Must-Try Foods in Laishan District

Yanta Night Market Grilled Squid

Representative trendy snack in Laishan. Fresh Yellow Sea squid charcoal-grilled and brushed with secret sauce, crispy outside and tender inside, aromatic. The 'Old Place Grilled Squid' stall at Yanta Night Market has been operating for 15 years, a collective memory for students.

Seafood Platter

Laishan coastal specialty dish, combining squid, scallops, shrimp, clams and other seafood, seasoned with garlic and chili, served in a large platter. A visual and taste sensation, featured at many restaurants in Fisherman's Wharf.

Jiaodong Big Steamed Bun

Laishan traditional pastry, leavened dough wrapper with seafood (mackerel, seaweed) or meat (pork and cabbage) fillings. Generous in size, half a catty each. Juicy when bitten into, a 'hardcore choice' for Yantai breakfast.

Mackerel Dumplings

Jiaodong classic delicacy. Laishan fisherman's recipe emphasizes 'three parts fish, seven parts meat', mixing fresh mackerel with pork and chives. Thin wrapper, generous filling, pure white when cooked, tender and delicious, known as 'water treasure'.

Laishan District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Summer (Jul-Aug): Bathing area open, ideal for coastal vacation
  • Spring (Apr-May): Yantai University cherry blossoms, Zhuqueshan azaleas in bloom
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Cool climate, plump seafood, perfect for hiking
Must-Try Foods
  • Yanta Night Market Grilled Squid
  • Fisherman's Wharf Seafood Platter
  • Jiaodong Big Steamed Bun (recommended 'Laishan Big Bun' old brand)
  • Mackerel Dumplings
  • Honey Fried Dough Twist (Wanxiangcheng branch)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 160 yuan (including Whale Shark Aquarium)
  • Accommodation: 200-380 yuan/night
  • Dining: 80-180 yuan/day
  • Transport: about 50 yuan
  • Total: 700-1400 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Can I set up a tent at Yanta Sea Bathing Area? → Yes in designated areas, subject to 20 yuan site fee
  • Best time to see seagulls at Fisherman's Wharf? → November to March next year
  • Is Zhuqueshan suitable for children? → The first half of the trail is gentle, suitable for family experience
  • Best cherry blossom viewing period at Yantai University? → Mid to late April

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