Yantai – A small coastal city in Shandong Province, known for its world famous apple.

International flights to Seoul, Osaka and Hong Kong are available. Domestic flights connect Yantai with more than 20 major cities in China, such as Beijing (1 hour),  Shanghai (1.5 hours), Guangzhou (3 hours), Shenzhen (3 hours), Chengdu (4 hours). The airport is 15 kilometers (9 mi) south of the city. An airport shuttle bus (¥10) is available at No.6, Dahaiyang Lu. A taxi ride to Laishan or downtown costs you about ¥40.

Although located in North China, monsoons regulate the climate, keeping the area warm and humid. The average annual temperature is 11.8°C (53.24°F). Fruits and vegetables are plentiful, and the long coastline and over 60 islands make the area ideal for any seafood connoisseur--sea-cucumbers, abalones, scallops, crabs and prawns, are all easily available. The earth here is rich with resources as well-- its gold reserve, in particular, has the highest output in China.

Menzi , also referred to as "fried bean jelly" in Chinese, is a special snack of Yantai, a coastal city in Shandong province. Making menzi is simple. Cut the bean jelly into small pieces; fry the pieces; and pour the shrimp oil, sesame paste and mashed garlic on top. The crispy and tender taste, along with the mixed flavor of sesame, garlic and shrimp, will bring you an unforgettable experience.

Yantai, a coastal city in Shandong and a birthplace of Shandong cuisine, is famous for fish dumplings thanks to the city's abundant sea resources, especially aquatic products. Many fishes can be used for dumpling stuffing, including flatfish and yellow croakers. However,the Spanish mackerel dumplings are the most popular since mackerel has more meat and fewer bones. Compared with other dumplings, mackerel dumplings feature thin wrappers and big size. In addition to fish dumplings, there are also shrimp and scallop dumplings, offering different flavors.

Fushan big noodles were originally known as Fushan noodles. They were called big noodles because the bowls to hold the noodles were big. As early as the mid-19th century, Fushan noodle restaurants prevailed in Yantai, winning wide acclaim from foodies around the country. Fushan noodles take major forms in fried sauce( 炸酱面 zha jiang mian ), gravy ( 打卤面 da lu mian ) and seafood noodles.

Yantai Hill, in the north of the city proper and surrounded by sea on three sides, houses a large collection of colonial-era Western architecture. After they took over Yantai, the British took advantage of the beautiful settings of Yantai Hill and built their consulate, churches and post offices there. Several other nations, including the U.S., France and Japan, followed the British and built their consulates and other facilities in the mountain, turning it into a foreign settlement. The buildings have been well preserved, so much so that the park is renowned as a living museum of Western treaty port architecture.

Kunyu Mountain is a high and vast mountain towering over areas of Yantai and neighboring Weihai. Mount Kunyu is famous for its religious and cultural heritage, since it was revered by both Taoist monks and Chinese emperors, the latter often arriving to Mount Kunyu in search of the elixir of life. Kunyu Mountain makes up a nice tourist destination all year round. In spring, the sight of greenery dotted with wild flowers makes a feast for your eyes. In summer, it is cool with plentiful shade, and is thus a good place to avoid the summer heat.  In autumn, flaming colors of maple trees and dark green pine needles mingle over the mountain, with nature making such a colorful carpet to walk through. In winter, it takes another appearance. The ground is a blanket of white with a capping of snow-laden trees.