Yantai Jellyfish Sea Secret Spot: An In-Depth Guide to a Self-Driving Tour of Yangma Island

Yangma Island is a hidden gem for self-driving tours in the Jiaodong Peninsula! With its glass-like jellyfish sea, cliffside boardwalk, white-house aesthetic spaces, and antique coastline, this is a completely free scenic spot. It's super convenient to stop and explore as you please on your self-driving tour! 🚗 Self-Driving Island Loop Route (Counterclockwise) Yangma Island Bridge ➡ Tianma Square ➡ Seaside Bathing Beach ➡ [Zhang Island] ➡ [Yubiyuan Scenic Area] ➡ [Qinfeng Cliff] ➡ [Seaside Diary] ➡ Lotus Sunset 📷 Four Must-Visit Attractions 1️⃣ [Zhang Island] p2-4 ▪️ 360° visual enjoyment of the jellyfish sea: Stand at the highest point of the central reef on Zhang Island for a complementary beauty of the soft, transparent jellyfish sea and the sharp, jagged reefs. ▪️ Legendary Allusion: Legend has it that Emperor Qin Shi Huang captured sika deer on Zhang Island during his eastern inspection tour. ▪️ Photo Tips: The most crowded area on the island ⚠️ Fewer people at sunrise, making it easier to take photos. Wear non-slip shoes and watch out for the sharp reefs! ️ 2️⃣ [Yubiyuan Scenic Area] p5-7 ▪️ Zero distance to the sea: Step on the broken shell beach at low tide to reach the jellyfish coastline. ▪️ Fun experience: Small sea snails are hidden in the reef crevices at low tide (it is recommended to bring a small bucket & clip). ▪️ Unique landform: There are several cave check-in spots in Yubiyuan Scenic Area. The light shines through the cave entrance, making for great photos. The large photo frame check-in spot is in the Yubiyuan Scenic Area building, with window frames of different shapes that can be framed with the glass sea. 3️⃣ [Seaside Diary] p10-12 ▪️ Pure white building complex: Internet-famous ins-style love photo background wall ▪️ Limited delicacies: Freshly squeezed apple juice 38 RMB (better with ice) + Yangma Island-shaped ice cream (a must-try) ▪️ Must-buy cultural and creative products: Refrigerator magnets with a collection of all Yantai attractions (exclusive style of Seaside Diary 48 RMB) ▪️ Hidden service: The staff can help take photos of the love internet-famous wall~ 4️⃣ [Qinfeng Cliff] p8-10 ▪️ Imitation Qin Dynasty City Wall: An ancient-style check-in spot framed by the jellyfish sea. The imitation antique corridor walls hide Qin Dynasty totems, and the sea breeze instantly transports you through thousands of years. ▪️ Best view: Overlook the unfiltered blue-green seawater from the top of the cliff (I personally think this is the most beautiful view of the jellyfish sea on Yangma Island) ▪️ Cultural Heritage: "Historical Records" records "The First Emperor patrolled the east and built stables to raise horses." In 219 BC, Emperor Qin Shi Huang visited Yangma Island three times. Yangma Island was once a berthing point for the Royal Navy. ⚠️ Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 🚗 Transportation Options ▫️ It is recommended to rent a four-wheeled electric car (80–120 RMB/day) for longer battery life. ▫️ Remember to drive counterclockwise around the island! You can stop on the right side at any time. ▫️ One-way traffic control is implemented during holidays. Try to avoid going to the island during holidays. It is best to go to the island before 9:00 am during holidays. 🍴 Dining Tips p13 ▫️ The restaurants on the island are not very cost-effective. It is highly recommended to go to "Pingyang Restaurant" in Yantai on the way back to eat authentic seafood (Muping County is known as the "sea worm nest" by the locals. Stir-fried sea worms with chives 188 RMB is a highly recommended must-order dish‼️) 🏡 Recommended Homestay｜Secluded Yangma Island Homestay p14 ✅ 90㎡ detached villa: No pressure for a family of 5 to stay ✅ Parent-child elements: Indoor tent + hopscotch game area ✅ Special features: Bathtub + open kitchen + super beautiful courtyard view ✅ Environmental advantages: Very close to Yangma Island, the homestay can directly rent electric cars to the island 🛵 💡 Itinerary Tips The entire island loop is about 18 km. It is recommended to reserve 5 hours to play. In the morning, you can also take your baby to dig sand on the seaside bathing beach, and in the evening, you can watch the orange sea sunset at Lotus Sunset for an even more amazing experience! 🌅