Located on Binhai Road, Penglai District, Yantai City, Shandong Province, the Three Fairy Mountains Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering approximately 38,000 square meters. Based on the three mythical mountains of Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou from ancient Chinese legends, it integrates classical gardens, pavilions, and Buddhist culture, earning the reputation as a "Fairyland on Earth with Marvelous Mountain and Sea Views".
History and Culture
The Three Fairy Mountains originate from ancient Chinese mythology, first recorded in the "Classic of Mountains and Seas". Legend says there were three fairy mountains in the East Sea - Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou - where immortals lived and elixirs of immortality grew. Emperors Qin Shi Huang and Wu of Han both sent expeditions to find these mountains.
The modern scenic area opened in 2008. Though with a short history, it perfectly recreates the fairyland scenery from Chinese mythology. The architecture combines the grandeur of northern imperial gardens with the delicacy of southern Chinese gardens, embodying the essence of traditional Chinese garden art.
The area houses numerous precious cultural relics and artworks, including Buddhist statues, calligraphy, paintings, and porcelain from various dynasties, many of which are national-level artifacts with significant artistic and historical value.
Main Attractions
Penglai Fairy Island
The most representative site in Three Fairy Mountains, Penglai Fairy Island features structures like Penglai Fairy Pavilion and Immortal Bridge. The 51.8-meter-high, seven-story pavilion offers panoramic views of the entire area and Yellow Sea. Rare plants throughout the island create an ethereal fairyland atmosphere.
Fangzhang Fairy Mountain
Centered on Buddhist culture, Fangzhang Mountain hosts structures like Ten Thousand Buddha Hall and Guanyin Pavilion. The hall contains tens of thousands of golden Buddha statues in magnificent display. Inside the mountain is a Buddhist art museum exhibiting numerous religious artifacts.
Yingzhou Fairyland
Highlighting Taoist culture, Yingzhou features structures like Jade Emperor Pavilion and Three Pure Ones Hall. With elegantly arranged pavilions and bridges over flowing water, it perfectly recreates the Taoist ideal of fairyland, especially breathtaking when illuminated at night.
Treasure Museum
Displaying nearly 10,000 precious cultural relics and artworks including Buddhist statues, bronzeware, porcelain, jade, and paintings from various dynasties. Many are national-level artifacts like stone Buddha statues from Northern Wei Dynasty and cloisonné from Ming Dynasty.
Wood Carving Art Museum
Exhibiting exquisite wood carvings including the large-scale "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" and various Buddha statues. These works demonstrate superb craftsmanship and represent the pinnacle of traditional Chinese wood carving art.
Cuisine
Penglai Seafood Banquet
Restaurants in the area serve authentic Penglai seafood feasts using fresh local seafood like abalone, sea cucumber, prawns, and scallops prepared in diverse methods that highlight the freshness of Jiaodong Peninsula seafood.
Fairy Mountain Vegetarian Cuisine
Fangzhang Mountain offers refined Buddhist vegetarian dishes featuring bean products, mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables, emphasizing color, aroma, and taste while adhering to Buddhist dietary principles.
Eight-Treasure Fairy Tea
A special health tea blend using eight precious Chinese herbs with nourishing properties, ideal for refreshing visitors during tours.
Ticket Information
Admission: ¥120/person; combo ticket with Eight Immortals Crossing Sea Spot: ¥200/person. Seniors over 60 and students enjoy half-price with valid ID; children under 1.4m enter free. Opening hours: peak season (Apr 1-Oct 31) 7:00-18:00; off-season (Nov 1-Mar 31) 8:00-17:00.
Recommended Routes
Classic half-day route: Main Gate → Penglai Fairy Island → Fangzhang Mountain → Yingzhou Fairyland → Treasure Museum → Exit. Covers main highlights for time-limited visitors.
In-depth full-day route: Main Gate → Penglai Fairy Island (ascend pavilion) → Fangzhang Mountain (visit Ten Thousand Buddha Hall) → Yingzhou Fairyland → Wood Carving Museum → Treasure Museum → Restaurant → Free time → Exit. Offers comprehensive cultural experience.
Transportation
- Air: Penglai International Airport about 25km away (~30 minutes by taxi)
- High-speed rail: Penglai Station (~15 minutes by taxi)
- Bus: Take city buses No.3 or 5 to "Three Fairy Mountains" stop
- Drive: Exit at Penglai on Rongwu Expressway, ~10 minutes along Binhai Road
Must-See Attractions
- Penglai Fairy Island: Ascend pavilion for panoramic fairyland views
- Ten Thousand Buddha Hall: Marvel at tens of thousands golden Buddhas
- Yingzhou Fairyland at night: Magical illuminated scenery
- Treasure Museum: View precious cultural relics and artworks
- Wood Carving Museum: Appreciate traditional Chinese wood carving art
Travel Tips
- Best visiting seasons are spring and autumn with pleasant weather
- Morning visits recommended for best photo lighting and fewer crowds
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the area is extensive
- Consider hiring a guide for better cultural understanding
- Night light shows are spectacular - evening visits if possible
Important Notes
- Many steps in some areas - caution for elderly and children
- Maintain quiet in Buddhist areas respecting religious customs
- Protect cultural relics - no touching exhibits or structures
- Seaside can be windy - bring windproof clothing
- Secure personal belongings especially in crowded areas