Penglai Wall

Weihai Coastal Reef

Weihai Deep Wall

Yantai Reef

Weihai and Yantai showcase Shandong cuisine at its seafood finest, with cold-water species that are considered among China’s most prized delicacies. The region is famous for Weihai sea cucumber, regarded as the finest in China, along with Yantai cherries, Penglai abalone, and an extraordinary variety of shellfish. Shandong cooking style emphasizes bold flavors with liberal use of garlic, scallions, and soy sauce, applied to braised, roasted, and quick-fried preparations. The cold-water seafood from these pristine waters has an intensity of flavor that warm-water species cannot match. Yantai is also home to China’s oldest winery, Changyu, adding wine pairing to the dining experience.

Weihai Marriott Hotel

Yantai Golden Beach Resort

Weihai Seaview Inn

Penglai Pavilion Hotel

Comfortable water temperatures and excellent visibility.

Cold water requiring thick wetsuits or drysuits.

Good conditions with variable temperatures.

Weihai and Yantai on the northeastern tip of Shandong’s peninsula offer some of northern China’s finest diving, where the convergence of Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea currents creates exceptionally productive temperate marine ecosystems along pristine rocky coastlines. The region benefits from some of China’s cleanest coastal water thanks to limited industrial development and strong marine conservation efforts, with visibility reaching 10-20 meters during optimal autumn conditions. The underwater landscape features dramatic granite reef formations, extensive kelp forests that are among the most productive in China, and purpose-built artificial reef complexes that have created outstanding fish habitats. The region is particularly famous for its sea cucumber and abalone fisheries, and divers can observe these prized species in their natural rocky reef habitat. Weihai’s Liugong Island is a national scenic area with protected marine zones supporting diverse cold-water communities. Yantai’s Penglai area is steeped in Chinese mythology as the legendary home of the Eight Immortals, adding cultural significance to the dramatic coastal scenery. Water temperatures follow a distinctly temperate pattern, making summer and early autumn the prime diving season. The combination of pristine water, productive marine ecosystems, cultural heritage, and Shandong’s renowned seafood cuisine makes this region one of China’s best temperate diving destinations.

Shandong – Weihai & Yantai

Ferry to the historic island with museums, forests, and protected marine zones

Liugong Island national scenic area visit

Visit the legendary Taoist site overlooking the Bohai Strait with mythological heritage

Penglai Pavilion and Eight Immortals site

Cycle the scenic coastal road with ocean views, beaches, and fishing villages

Weihai coastal cycling route

Visit the historic Changyu wine estate and nearby vineyards for tastings

Yantai wine region tour

Explore the large Korean market reflecting Weihai proximity to South Korea

Weihai Korean Market shopping

Dine on ultra-fresh cold-water seafood at traditional fishing communities

Penglai seafood feast at fishing village

Fly into Yantai Penglai International Airport (YNT) or Weihai Dashuibo Airport (WEH). Both cities are connected by high-speed rail to Qingdao (2 hours) and Beijing (5 hours). The two cities are approximately 1 hour apart by car.

Where to Stay in Shandong – Weihai & Yantai

Accommodation Overview

Recommended Areas

Weihai City Center

Weihai Coastal Area

Yantai Golden Beach

Penglai

Featured Hotels & Resorts

Weihai Marriott Hotel

Yantai Golden Beach Resort

Weihai Seaview Inn

Penglai Pavilion Hotel