Explore E China's Shandong province in six days

Day 3: Penglai in Yantai

Penglai, a county-level city in Yantai, is renowned as a "fairyland on Earth" and is considered the cradle of China's fairy culture. It boasts more than 100 historic sites, including Penglai Pavilion, as well as numerous scenic spots, such as Penglai Ba Xian Guo Hai (The Eight Immortals Cross the Sea) scenic spot.

The existence of Penglai Pavilion provides strong support for Penglai being the cradle of China's fairy culture. It is said that Emperor Qingshihuang (259 BC-210 BC), the first person to unify China, even sought an elixir of life in the area.

The pavilion, situated on a cliff in the northwest of Penglai, is an ancient architectural complex that covers a total area of 32,800 sq m. Its main building was first constructed in 1061 during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Renovations and expansions were made in the following dynasties, with several temples, palaces, attics and pavilions added.

One marvelous spectacle of Penglai Pavilion is the mirage, which attracts countless tourists every year. It and three other buildings: Tengwang Pavilion, Huanghe Tower and Yueyang Tower, are called the Four Great Towers of Ancient China.

The scenic spot Penglai Ba Xian Guo Hai, facing Penglai Pavilion across the sea, was built with the theme of the legendary story in Taoist culture of the eight immortals crossing the sea.

With the sea on three sides, the place is a comprehensive historical and natural tourist area. Occupying an area of 55,000 sq m, it has more than 40 main scenic spots, including ancient-style architecture and stunning sea views.

When you finish touring the two scenic areas, you can take a high-speed train from Yantai Railway Station or Yantai South Railway Station to Jinan, the capital of Shandong province, which will take three hours and 40 minutes.