Changdao Island, Yantai – An Ideal Summer Resort

Jiuzhangya Cliff is situated at the northwest corner of Beichangshan Island, approximately 11 kilometers from Changdao County’s downtown area. The cliff extends over 400 meters and is renowned for its unique rock formations and dramatic height. Key attractions at Jiuzhangya include:

• Steep Cliff Swallows: This cliff, known as Jiuzhangya, stands 69.7 meters high and stretches for several hundred meters. It is notable for its sheer drop and impressive geological features.
• Nine-Layer Stone Tower: Composed of nine distinct layers of quartzite, this formation and the Jiuzhangya Cliff together are referred to as the “Mother and Son Cliffs.”
• Eight Immortals Stone Caves: These are two large sea erosion caves. The larger cave is over 30 meters deep and 5 meters wide, with an arched roof. Adjacent to it is a smaller cave, over 20 meters deep and 1 meter wide, featuring stone tables and beds inside, along with two skylights.
• Fishing Spots: Natural formations such as the Dragon’s Tongue, Threshold Reef, Whip Pole Reef, Spider Reef, and Monkey Reef create excellent fishing locations.

Also known as Half-Moon Bay, Crescent Bay is located at the northernmost point of Beichangshan Island. Spanning about 2 kilometers, the bay is named for its crescent-like shape. Highlights of Crescent Bay include:

• Crescent Beach: The most striking feature is the pebbled shore, stretching for hundreds of meters. The stones are white as jade and translucent, making each one a treasure to behold.
• Seal Sanctuary: A dedicated area where visitors can observe seals in their natural habitat.
• Zhang Jian Bohai Strait Crossing Exhibition Hall: This exhibition showcases the historic swim across the Bohai Strait by Zhang Jian.
• Statue of Su Dongpo: A tribute to the famous Chinese poet and writer Su Dongpo, adding cultural significance to the natural beauty of the bay.

Located in the northeast of Changdao, Xianying Palace (显应宫), also known as Mazu Temple, is the oldest and most renowned Mazu temple in northern China. It is situated 2.5 nautical miles from Changdao County, occupying an area of 90 acres. The temple was originally built in the fourth year of the Xuanhe period of the Song Dynasty (1122 AD). It is affectionately referred to by local fishermen as the “Sea Goddess Temple.”

In the first year of the Chongzhen Emperor’s reign, the emperor conferred the name “Xianying Palace” upon the temple. The temple was strategically built on Miaodao Island because of its phoenix-like shape, with nearby Shaobing Island resembling the sun, forming an auspicious “Phoenix facing the sun” layout, which is considered highly favorable in feng shui.

The main hall of Xianying Palace is the largest structure, built in the traditional Chinese architectural style known as the gable and hip roof. Inside the hall, the statue of Mazu sits in the central shrine. On either side of Mazu are 14 standing statues, including four generals: Thousand Mile Eye, Wind Following Ear, Yellow Peak General, and White Horse General. There are also eight civil officials representing the Dragon Kings of the Nine Rivers, Eight Rivers, Five Lakes, and Four Seas, along with two additional standing attendants.

The temple’s outer rooms house over 200 plaques and steles, as well as more than 300 historical ship models. The rear palace retains the Ming Dynasty architectural style, with a copper-cast gilded statue of the Heavenly Mother, a 2-meter-tall bronze mirror, and various other artifacts. In October 2002, a black-faced Mazu statue from Taiwan was enshrined here, enhancing the temple’s cultural significance. The temple is a site of continuous worship, attracting thousands of pilgrims during festivals such as the Lantern Festival and Mazu’s birthday.

Wangfu Reef Park, under construction since May 1995, spans 3 square kilometers and features five major scenic areas and 36 attractions. The park integrates mountains, water, forests, islands, reefs, and beaches, all enriched with captivating legends. Notably, it boasts the world’s largest “Fu” character on the slopes of Wangfu Reef, measuring 21.9 meters in height and 16.3 meters in width, surpassing the famous “Shou” character of Qingzhou Yunmen Mountain.

Located at the foot of Nanchangshan Island, the park is home to the renowned “Wangfu Reef,” a rock formation resembling a woman with a headscarf holding a baby. According to legend, on the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, a fisherman was forced to go out to sea and never returned due to a sudden storm. His wife, heartbroken and holding their newborn, waited by the shore every day, hoping for his safe return. Over time, she turned into a stone statue, eternally gazing out to sea.

Penglai Water City – An Ancient Navel Base

Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Scenic Area

Penglai Pavilion – One of the Four Great Towers