🏛️ 5A National Attractions
Last verified 22 Jul 2025
Yantai counts two national 5A scenic areas: the Penglai Pavilion Tourist Area on the Bohai coast and the Nanshan Tourist Area in Longkou. (In 2012 the Sanxian Mountain · Eight Immortals Crossing-the-Sea zone was approved as a 5A extension of the Penglai Pavilion area—so plan them together.)
1 Quick Metrics
Total 5A sites
2 (Penglai Pavilion; Nanshan Tourist Area)
Official designation
Themes
Sea-myth temples & pavilions • Buddhist cultural park + theme leisure
Coastal heritage blend
Best season
Apr–Jun (sea fog vistas at Penglai) · Sep–Oct (clear skies, harvest light)
Optimal weather conditions
Getting around
Intercity bus / car; no metro—cluster Penglai sights in one day, Longkou Nanshan on another
Transportation planning
2 Why It Matters
Penglai distills the "Eight Immortals cross the sea" legend into cliff-edge pavilions and island views; Nanshan mixes a Buddhist cultural park, giant statues and resort rides—a very Shandong blend of heritage + leisure.
3 Pro Tips
1
Penglai sunrise from the Water-City battlements; sea fog ("mirage" days) happens most in late spring.
2
Fold Sanxian Mountain / 八仙过海 into your Penglai day—it's part of the same 5A area upgrade.
3
Nanshan: allow time for the religious history zone and the family-friendly Happy Valley rides; weekday afternoons are quietest.
4 The Full 5A List
🏛️
Penglai District, Yantai
Penglai Pavilion Tourist Area (incl. Sanxian Mountain · Eight Immortals Crossing-the-Sea) / 蓬莱阁旅游区（含三仙山·八仙过海）
Cliff pavilions over Bohai Strait, island views, sea-myth temples; 2012 expansion approved for Sanxian Mountain & Eight-Immortals zone.
🏯
Longkou, Yantai
Nanshan Tourist Area / 南山旅游景区
Large cultural-religious complex with giant Guanyin, theme attractions and coastal resort facilities; designated national 5A.
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Two coastal heavyweights, one easy plan—Penglai myths one day, Nanshan culture the next. No Tourist Traps. No BS.