Changdao Tourist Scenic Area

Changdao Tourist Scenic Area

Changdao Tourist Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a science education base.

Changdao, historically known as the Miaodao Archipelago and also called the Changshan Islands, consists of 32 islands, covering a land area of 56 square kilometers and a sea area of 8,700 square kilometers, with a coastline stretching 146 kilometers. It is the only island county in Shandong Province, under the jurisdiction of Yantai City. The county administers 2 towns and 8 townships, with a population of 45,000. The county seat is located on Nanchangshan Island.

Nestled in the Bohai Strait between the Liaodong Peninsula and the Shandong Peninsula are 32 emerald-like pearls—this is the beautiful Changdao Archipelago, hailed by the world as the “Fairy Mountains on the Sea.” Also known as the Miaodao Archipelago, Changdao boasts blue skies, clear waters, sunny beaches, fresh air, and picturesque landscapes where mountains meet the sea, each island with its own unique charm.

Composition of Changdao: Changshan Island (South and North Changshan Islands), Gaoshan Island, Houji Island, Cheyou Island, Dahei Mountain Island, Xiahei Mountain Island, and others.

Changdao has a temperate continental monsoon climate typical of East Asia, characterized by mild winters and cool summers. The annual average temperature is 11.9°C, with a frost-free period of 243 days. The county’s forest coverage rate is 53.2%. Its unique geographical location and superior natural conditions make it a vital stopover for migratory birds, with over 200 species and millions of birds passing through each year. It enjoys the reputation of a “migratory bird station” and has been designated as a national nature reserve.

The Changdao Tourist Scenic Area includes multiple attractions such as Jiuzhangya, Moon Bay, Sea of Forests, Wangfu Reef, and the Convergence Line of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea. With continuous improvements to tourism infrastructure and services, the scenic area has significantly enhanced its quality, popularity, and reputation. It has been successively rated as a National Scenic Area, National Nature Reserve, National Forest Park, and National Geopark.

Featured Attractions: mirage phenomena, sea sparkle, advection fog. Changdao is located at the convergence of the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea.

Transportation

Getting to the Island: To reach Changdao, you must first go to Penglai and take a passenger ferry from Penglai Port. Ferry service at Penglai Port operates from 6:00 to 18:30, with departures approximately every 20–30 minutes. The one-way fare is 30 RMB per person, and the round-trip fare is 60 RMB per person.

Chartered Vehicle: Although taxis are available on the island, chartered vehicles offer better value for money when traveling between scenic spots.

Bicycle: Many local fishermen’s guesthouses rent out bicycles. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can rent one from them.

Ticket Information

1. Land Tour Package: Available as a 3-day Changdao Scenic Area Tour (150 RMB) or a 2-day North and South Route Tour (100 RMB).

2. Sea Tour Package: Mysterious Islands Tour (90 RMB), Mazu Pilgrimage Tour (60 RMB), and Gaoshan Fairyland Tour (190 RMB).

3. Rural Tour Package: Well-off Fishermen’s Tour (60 RMB) and Fishermen’s Sea Tour (45 RMB).

Opening Hours

Changdao is open all day. Passenger ferries to the island operate from 6:00 to 18:30.

Location of Attractions

Changdao Scenic Area, Changdao County, Yantai City, Shandong Province, China