Longkou Tourism

Longkou City, Yantai, Shandong — the departure point of Xu Fu's eastward voyage, China's Vermicelli Capital, boasting mountain-sea wonders such as Nanshan Giant Buddha and Qimu Island, integrating Buddhist culture, island customs and Jiaodong merchant history. Unlock the unique charm of 'Buddha, Sea, Commerce, History' intertwined in 3 days and 2 nights.

2200+
Years of History (since Qin dynasty)
1
5A Scenic Area (Nanshan Tourist Area)
10+
Core Attractions
15+
Specialty Foods
Nanshan Giant Buddha, Longkou City, Yantai City
Nanshan Giant Buddha - Pilgrimage Landmark
A 38.66-meter tall bronze seated Buddha, one of the world's largest tin-bronze seated Buddhas, situated on the main peak of Nanshan Scenic Area. The Buddha is solemn and dignified, overlooking all beings, serving as an important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Jiaodong region, acclaimed as the 'First Buddha of Donglai'.

Longkou Three-Day Two-Night Mountain-Sea Culture Tour

Pray at Nanshan Giant Buddha for Zen insight, explore Qimu Island to behold the vast sea, visit Ding Family Mansion to learn merchant wisdom, trace Xu Fu's relics to find origins, unlocking Longkou's unique charm of 'Buddha and Tao coexisting, mountain and sea depending on each other'

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Nanshan Tourist Scenic Area, Qimu Island, Ding Family Mansion, Sang Island, Xu Fu Hometown
Suitable For
Pilgrims, history enthusiasts, island explorers, food lovers, families
Budget per person
¥900 - ¥1800
01
Zen Essence of Nanshan
Nanshan Tourist Scenic Area · Nanshan Zen Temple · Nanshan Jade Buddha Hall · Nanshan Theme Park
Highlights

In the morning, climb Nanshan to pay homage to the world's largest tin-bronze seated Buddha, experiencing the solemnity of Buddhist culture. In the afternoon, explore the Jade Buddha Hall to admire rare jade carvings. In the evening, enjoy leisure activities at the theme park and watch the mountain sunset.

Attractions
Nanshan Tourist Scenic Area
National 5A scenic area, integrating religious culture, historical sites, and leisure entertainment. Core landscapes include the 38.66m Nanshan Giant Buddha, 13.66m Nanshan Jade Buddha, along with Nanshan Zen Temple, Wenfeng Pagoda, and Chinese Historical Culture Park. A religious cultural resort known as 'One Mountain Holds Two Buddhas, One Temple Houses a Thousand Buddhas'.
Nanshan Jade Buddha Hall
One of the core buildings of Nanshan Scenic Area. The jade Buddha enshrined inside is carved from Burmese jade, standing 13.66m tall and weighing 260 tons, the world's largest indoor jade Buddha. Thousands of gems are inlaid on the Buddha body, appearing solemn and magnificent, forming the spectacle of 'Gold Buddha on the Mountain, Jade Buddha in the Hall'.
Chinese Historical Culture Park
A cultural theme park within Nanshan Scenic Area, arranged chronologically, restoring important historical scenes and architecture from ancient times to Ming-Qing dynasties, such as the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, and a miniature Forbidden City. Accompanied by sculptures and murals, it systematically displays China's 5,000-year civilization history.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Zen-themed homestay near Nanshan Scenic Area
  • Nanshan International Conference Center
  • Four-star hotel in Longkou city center
Food Recommendations
  • Vegetarian Feast
  • Longkou Vermicelli Pot
  • Jiaodong Big Steamed Bun
  • Huangxian Meat Pie
Travel Tips
  • Nanshan Scenic Area is large; suggest taking the sightseeing bus (25 yuan/person)
  • Dress neatly when entering temples; loud noise is prohibited
  • Vegetarian feast requires 2-hour advance reservation (Zen Dining Hall in the scenic area)
02
Island Quest
Qimu Island Tourism Resort · Sang Island · Longkou Port · Coastal Sightseeing Belt
Highlights

In the morning, climb Qimu Island to view the convergence of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea, visit the lighthouse and ancient fort. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Sang Island to explore volcanic rock formations. In the evening, experience fishing port charm at Longkou Port and taste freshly caught seafood.

Attractions
Qimu Island Tourism Resort
Longkou's only land-connected island, crescent-shaped, guarding the throat of Bohai Bay. Features Ming dynasty ancient fort, Qimu Lighthouse, Eagle Beak Rock and other landscapes. The northern cliff offers views of the 'clear distinction' wonder where the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea meet. A prime location for sea viewing, beachcombing, and fishing.
Sang Island
A volcanic island in Longkou waters, named for its abundance of mulberries. Covering 2.5 square kilometers, residents mainly rely on fishing. The island retains original fishing village features, with volcanic rock beaches, sea erosion caves, and ginseng breeding ponds. Visitors can experience fisherman's meals, sea fishing and other activities.
Qimu Island Lighthouse
First built in 1876 (Qing dynasty), one of the earliest lighthouses in Yantai area. 15 meters high, light range 15 nautical miles, an important navigation mark in Bohai Bay. Climbing to the top offers a 360° panoramic view of the island and sea.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Qimu Island: self-drive or take bus route 7 to Qimu Island Station
  • Sang Island: take ferry from Longkou Port (one-way 20 yuan/person, 15 minutes)
  • Some island sections are steep; wear non-slip shoes
Ticket Info
  • Nanshan Tourist Scenic Area: 120 yuan
  • Qimu Island: free (lighthouse 10 yuan)
  • Sang Island: free (ferry fee self-paid)
  • Ding Family Mansion: 50 yuan
Travel Tips
  • Sang Island accommodation is basic; suggest same-day round trip
  • Best time for beachcombing at Qimu Island is 1 hour before low tide (check tide table)
  • UV rays are strong on the island; sun and wind protection needed
03
Commerce & History Tracing
Ding Family Mansion · Xu Fu Hometown · Longkou Museum · Vermicelli Cultural Industrial Park · Departure
Highlights

In the morning, explore Ding Family Mansion to experience the merchant wisdom of Jiaodong's richest family. In the afternoon, visit Xu Fu's hometown to trace the eastward voyage legend, tour the museum to learn Longkou history. In the evening, purchase specialties at the vermicelli industrial park before departure.

Attractions
Ding Family Mansion
The family mansion of Ding Million, the 'richest man of Jiaodong' in the Qing dynasty. Built during the Qianlong reign, covering 3.1 hectares, known as the 'Little Forbidden City of Jiaodong'. Architecture blends Jiaodong residential and official styles, featuring restored living rooms, studies, and accounting rooms, showcasing the Ding family's business journey and life scenes.
Xu Fu Hometown
The hometown of Xu Fu, a Qin dynasty alchemist. Existing relics include Xu Fu Temple, Xu Fu Square, and Xu Fu's Eastward Voyage Departure Point. Inside the temple, a statue of Xu Fu is enshrined, displaying the historical background and sailing route of his eastward voyage to Japan. An important site for studying Sino-Japanese cultural exchange.
Longkou Vermicelli Cultural Industrial Park
An industrial tourism park themed 'China's Vermicelli Capital', showcasing over 300 years of Longkou vermicelli production history. Visitors can observe traditional vermicelli-making techniques, modern production lines, experience vermicelli DIY, and purchase authentic Longkou vermicelli and derivative products.
Practical Info
Experience Activities
  • Nanshan Scenic Area prayer ceremony (free)
  • Ding Family Mansion costume photography (30 yuan/set)
  • Vermicelli Industrial Park vermicelli-making experience (20 yuan/person)
  • Sang Island fisherman sea fishing (100 yuan/rod/day)
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Longkou Vermicelli (premium pure bean vermicelli)
  • Sang Island Sea Cucumber (wild)
  • Huangxian Meat Pie (vacuum packed)
  • Xu Fu Liquor (local specialty)
Departure Guide
  • Longkou Bus Station has coaches to downtown Yantai (about 1.5 hours)
  • About 70 km from Yantai Penglai International Airport, 1 hour by taxi
  • Vermicelli and other specialties can be shipped directly from the industrial park

Must-Try Foods in Longkou

Longkou Vermicelli

Longkou geographical indication product, originating in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. Made from mung beans through 18 processes, the strands are as thin as hair, white and transparent, resistant to prolonged cooking. Can be served cold, in soups, or in vermicelli pots. Known as 'glass noodles', exported worldwide.

Huangxian Meat Pie

Longkou traditional snack (Huangxian is the old name for Longkou). Made with flour as wrapper, pork and chives as filling, deep-fried until golden and crispy outside, tender and juicy inside, shaped like a gold ingot. A festive essential for locals, selected in Yantai's intangible cultural heritage list.

Jiaodong Big Steamed Bun

Longkou fisherman's specialty pasta, large in size with diverse fillings. Seafood fillings (mackerel, seaweed) and meat fillings (pork and cabbage) are most popular. The wrapper is soft and chewy, fragrant when steamed, embodying the 'generous' food culture of Jiaodong.

Sang Island Sea Cucumber

Specialty of Sang Island, Longkou. Grown in volcanic rock waters with pure quality, the sea cucumber is thick and nutritious, known as 'ginseng of the sea'. Island fishermen typically prepare it steamed or braised with scallion, a premium nourishing delicacy.

Longkou Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Apr-May: Nanshan spring flowers in bloom, pleasant island climate
  • Jul-Aug: Ideal for island summer escape and beachcombing, plump seafood
  • Sep-Oct: Clear autumn skies, perfect for mountain pilgrimages and tasting new grains
Must-Try Foods
  • Longkou Vermicelli Pot (recommended 'Old Huangxian Restaurant')
  • Huangxian Meat Pie (time-honored 'Li's Meat Pie')
  • Jiaodong Big Steamed Bun (Qimu Island fisherman's inn)
  • Sang Island Sea Cucumber (caught and cooked fresh)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 200 yuan
  • Accommodation: 260-450 yuan/night
  • Dining: 120-200 yuan/day
  • Transport: about 80 yuan (including ferry)
  • Total: 900-1800 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Can I photograph the Nanshan Giant Buddha? → Photos allowed outside the hall, prohibited inside
  • Is there accommodation on Sang Island? → A few fisherman's inns available, basic conditions (150 yuan/night)
  • How to distinguish authentic Longkou vermicelli? → Genuine products bear the 'Longkou Vermicelli' geographical indication label, uniform fine strands
  • Is guided tour at Ding Family Mansion charged? → Human guide 50 yuan/tour, audio guide rental available (20 yuan)

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