Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area is located in Penglai District, Yantai City, Shandong Province. As a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a key cultural relic protection unit of China, it covers an area of 5.8 square kilometers with the ancient Penglai Pavilion complex at its core. Including famous sites like Penglai Pavilion, Three Fairy Mountains, and Eight Immortals Crossing Sea Spot, it's one of China's Four Great Towers and is renowned as a "Fairyland on Earth".
History and Culture
Originally built in 1061 during the Northern Song Dynasty, Penglai Pavilion has nearly a thousand years of history. Since ancient times, this area has been regarded as the legendary fairy mountain in the sea. Emperor Qin Shi Huang repeatedly sent people to search for elixirs of immortality here, and Emperor Wu of Han also built a city to gaze at the sea, seeking the Penglai fairyland.
As one of China's Four Great Towers alongside Yellow Crane Tower, Yueyang Tower, and Tengwang Pavilion, Penglai Pavilion has inspired numerous poems and literary works throughout history. Famous scholars like Su Shi and Lu You visited and composed poems here, making it an important cultural landmark in Chinese history.
The legend of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea made Penglai Pavilion world-famous. It's said that the eight immortals including Iron-Crutch Li, Han Zhongli, and He Xiangu displayed their magical powers here to cross the sea, leaving behind the timeless saying "Like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each showing their divine powers".
Main Attractions
Penglai Pavilion
The centerpiece of the scenic area, Penglai Pavilion stands 15 meters tall with double-layer wooden structure and upturned eaves, presenting magnificent grandeur. Inside are displayed historical inscriptions by famous figures. Climbing the pavilion offers panoramic views of the Yellow Sea and is the best spot to observe the "Fata Morgana" mirage phenomenon.
Three Fairy Mountains
This area consists of three artificial islands - Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou - covering 38,000 square meters. Featuring numerous antique-style buildings and garden landscapes, it recreates the fairy mountain scenery from Chinese mythology.
Eight Immortals Crossing Sea Spot
Built to commemorate the Eight Immortals legend, this attraction includes Eight Immortals Bridge, Wangying Tower, and Huixian Pavilion. The lifelike sculptures of the eight immortals vividly recreate the scene of "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea".
Ancient Ship Museum
Exhibiting several ancient shipwrecks and unearthed artifacts, the museum's most famous exhibit is the Yuan Dynasty shipwreck "Penglai No.1", providing precious material for studying China's ancient maritime history.
Tianheng Mountain
Facing Penglai Pavilion across the sea, Tianheng Mountain is named after Qi King Tian Heng who martyred himself here with 500 warriors during the late Qin Dynasty. Featuring Tianheng Plank Road and the Yellow-Bohai Sea Boundary Marker, it's an excellent location to observe the natural wonder of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea dividing line.
Cuisine
Penglai Noodles
A local specialty, Penglai Noodles features hair-thin noodles served with seafood broth and various seafood toppings, offering delicious flavors that visitors must try.
Seafood Banquet
Penglai's coastal location provides abundant seafood. Local seafood banquets feature abalone, sea cucumber, prawns, scallops and more, prepared in diverse cooking methods that fully showcase the freshness of Jiaodong Peninsula seafood.
Eight Immortals Cake
A traditional Penglai pastry made with eight ingredients and exquisitely shaped, symbolizing the "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea", it's a distinctive local souvenir.
Ticket Information
Penglai Pavilion ticket prices: peak season (Apr 1-Oct 31) ¥140/person, off-season (Nov 1-Mar 31) ¥120/person. Three Fairy Mountains & Eight Immortals combo ticket ¥200/person. Discounts available for seniors over 60 and students, while children under 1.4m enter free.
Recommended Routes
Classic one-day route: Penglai Pavilion → Ancient Ship Museum → Tianheng Mountain → Eight Immortals Crossing Sea Spot → Three Fairy Mountains. Suggested to visit Penglai Pavilion and Tianheng Mountain in the morning, then Eight Immortals and Three Fairy Mountains in the afternoon.
In-depth two-day route: Day 1 visit Penglai Pavilion, Ancient Ship Museum, and Qi Jiguang's Former Residence; Day 2 explore Three Fairy Mountains, Eight Immortals Crossing Sea Spot, and Polar Ocean World.
Transportation
- Air: Penglai International Airport about 30km away, with airport shuttle buses available
- High-speed rail: Penglai Station, then about 15 minutes by taxi
- Bus: Take city buses No.3, 5, or 8 from downtown Penglai
- Drive: Exit at Penglai on Rongwu Expressway, then about 10 minutes along Zhonglou North Road
Must-See Attractions
- Penglai Pavilion: One of China's Four Great Towers, climb to enjoy sea views and fairyland beauty
- Three Fairy Mountains: Artificially created fairyland with exquisite architecture and gardens
- Eight Immortals Crossing Sea Spot: Learn about Eight Immortals culture and admire sculpture groups
- Tianheng Mountain: Observe the natural wonder of Yellow-Bohai Sea dividing line
- Ancient Ship Museum: Explore China's ancient maritime history
Travel Tips
- Best visiting season is May-October, summer for escaping heat and autumn for clear weather
- Check weather forecast in advance as clear weather increases chances of seeing "Fata Morgana"
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the area is extensive
- Consider combo tickets for multiple attractions for better value
- Allow sufficient time for photography, especially at Penglai Pavilion and Tianheng Mountain viewing platforms
Important Notes
- Some areas have many steps - elderly and children should be cautious
- Seaside can be windy - prepare windproof clothing
- Protect cultural relics - no carving or marking on structures
- Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds in peak seasons
- Be aware of tidal changes when by the sea and follow safety rules