A guide to 'Fairyland': Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area

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Regarded as a "fairyland" from ancient times, the Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area enjoys stunning views as well as the beautiful legend of eight immortals crossing the sea.

Perched on top of Danya Mountain in the north of Penglai City, east China's Shandong Province, the Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area consists of more than 20 tourist attractions including the Penglai Water City, the Penglai Pavilion, the Ancient Ship Museum and the Sanxian Mountain Scenic Area.

An aerial view of the Penglai Pavilion, Shandong Province, China. /VCG Photo

Thanks to its history of more than 1,000 years and the charming natural views, it is a captivating destination for tourists from home and abroad.

The entrance to the Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area. /CGTN Photo

The Penglai Water City and the Penglai Pavilion

Going through the stone walls, we saw many boats on the water, a popular way for visitors to travel around the Penglai Water City. Built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and situated under the Penglai Pavilion, Penglai City used to serve as a ship port. However, after being reconstructed, the city is the most complete ancient military water base in China.

The boats for visitors to travel around the Penglai Water City. /CGTN Photo

The Penglai Pavilion is marked as one of the four great towers of China, together with Yellow Crane Tower, Pavilion of Prince Teng and Yueyang Tower. Located on the Mountaintop and covered by green trees, it looks like a fairy palace from afar.

The view of the Penglai Pavilion. /VCG Photo

Following the road signs, after around a half-hour's walk, we reached the top of the Penglai Pavilion. With the blue sky and the crystal clear sea, the panoramic view is uniquely arranged with many pavilions, terraces and towers.

The top of the Penglai Pavilion is considered an ideal place to take beautiful sunrise photos. If they're lucky, visitors can sometimes see the "mirage" on the Penglai Pavilion.

The panoramic view of the Penglai Water City. /CGTN Photo

The view from the top of the Penglai Pavilion. /CGTN Photo

The gate of the Penglai Fairyland. /CGTN Photo

The eave of the Penglai Pavilion. /CGTN Photo

The sea of the Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area. /CGTN Photo

The pathway to the top of the Penglai Pavilion. /CGTN Photo

Sanxian Mountain Scenic Spot

Two minutes from the scenic area's main gate is the Sanxian Mountain Scenic Spot. Also called the Three Divine Mountains Scenic Sport, this tourist area is a bright pearl of the golden tourist route of Shandong Peninsula, featuring ancient trees, unique stones and many cultural treasure museums.

The view of the Sanxian Mountain Scenic Spot. /CGTN Photo

At Sanxian Mountain Scenic Spot, you can leisurely enjoy the graceful gardens on the tour bus or take a relaxing stroll among beautiful pavilions, terraces, towers and resplendent temples. Just slow down your pace here!

Worth visiting is the the special treasure museum where travelers can appreciate many valuable national cultural relics including a silicified wood, Yangzhou Lacquer ware, mahogany furniture and some authentic paintings.

The view of the Sanxian Mountain Scenic Spot. /CGTN Photo

Eight Immortals Passing Across the Sea Touring Area

Dating back to the ancient times, the city of Penglai has long been closely connected with the legend of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea. The legend goes that the eight immortals crossed the sea by using their unique powers after they got drunk in Penglai Pavilion.

The eight immortals statues. /VCG Photo

Lying on the coast of the Yellow Sea and near the Sanxian Moutian Scenic Spot about five minutes' walk, the Eight Immortals Passing Across the Sea Touring Area is also one of the must-see tourist attractions.

Surrounded by the sea, the eight immortals' statues stand at the center of the spot facing the Sanxian Mountain Scenic Spot. There is a dock on the north end of the spot, where visitors could take boat and look around the whole island.

The view of the Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area. /VCG Photo

Today Penglai Pavilion has developed into a scenic area and holiday resort with a mixture of natural beauty, historical sites, cultural landscapes, as well as leisure and entertainment. People from all over the world flock to this scenic spot and find their inner peace.

In addition, the food offered in Penglai is usually made from the fresh seafood and cooked in the unique local style. Remember to have a taste! I bet you will never forget the amazing experience there.

Travel Information

The best time to travel there is from July to September every year. Temperatures can vary considerably from day to night, so bring clothes you can layer. We suggest visitors to spend 2-3 hours at this place.

Transportation

Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area is serviced by most local bus lines; you could take the bus from the Penglai’s city center to Penglai Pavilion station, and then walk about two minutes to the destination.

Yantai Airport is about 50 minutes' ride (about 20km) from this scenic area. It connects with many major airports across the country, and also with Seoul, Macao and Hong Kong airports. Additionally, it is only 10km to the Penglai Railway Station.

Admission Fee

140 yuan (All-inclusive ticket for the whole scenic area)

50 yuan for the crossing sea cable car (Round-trip)

Address

No. 9, Haibin Road, Penglai City, Shandong Province, China

Opening Hours

7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Apart from the Sanxian Mountain Scenic Area, Chinese Shandong Province offers many other hot spots for tourists throughout the world. After visiting Penglai City, you could also head to Shandong's prosperous capital Jinan and other popular cities for travel like Qingdao and Weihai.