Historical Overview
The legend of the Eight Immortals dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), but the scenic area’s modern iteration began in 1984 as a cultural park. Inspired by the Ming Dynasty novel Journey to the West and Taoist texts, it reimagines the immortals’ mythical crossing. Over decades, it expanded to include the Eight Immortals Pavilion (1989), Immortals’ Grotto (1995), and Crossing-the-Sea Bridge (2000). Today, it hosts annual Taoist Culture Festivals and Immortal-Themed Light Shows, attracting over 2 million visitors annually.
Structural Layout
The park is divided into three zones:
- Mythical Coastal Zone: Features the Crossing-the-Sea Bridge, Eight Immortals Statues, and Immortals’ Grotto with carved depictions of their journey.
- Cultural Experience Zone: Includes the Taoist Temple, Calligraphy Gallery, and Herbal Medicine Garden.
- Entertainment Zone: Offers Immortal-Themed Boat Tours, 4D Cinema simulating the crossing, and a Fantasy Light Show at dusk.
Key structures include the Lü Dongbin Wine Vat (a 3-meter-tall bronze sculpture) and the He Xiangu Lotus Pond.
Major Attractions
- Eight Immortals Crossing-the-Sea Bridge: A 3,000-meter boardwalk with bronze statues of each immortal mid-journey.
- Immortals’ Grotto: A cave with 108 stone carvings of Taoist deities and the Eight Immortals’ pets (e.g., Han Zhongli’s crane).
- Taoist Temple: A Ming Dynasty-style complex hosting daily incense ceremonies and fortune-telling sessions.
- 4D Immortal Journey Cinema: A 15-minute simulation of flying with the immortals over Mount Penglai.
- Herbal Medicine Garden: Showcases plants mentioned in Taoist alchemy texts, like ginseng and reishi mushrooms.
- Fantasy Light Show: Nightly projections of the immortals’ stories onto water screens accompanied by classical music.
Suggested Itineraries
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Classic Route (2 hours):
Main Gate → Crossing-the-Sea Bridge → Eight Immortals Statues → Immortals’ Grotto → Taoist Temple → Herbal Medicine Garden.
Highlights: Core mythology and coastal vistas.
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Cultural Route (3–4 hours):
Main Gate → Calligraphy Gallery → Taoist Temple → 4D Cinema → Immortals’ Grotto → Fantasy Light Show.
Highlights: Taoist culture and multimedia experiences.
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Comprehensive Route (5–6 hours):
Main Gate → Crossing-the-Sea Bridge → Eight Immortals Statues → Immortals’ Grotto → Taoist Temple → Herbal Medicine Garden → 4D Cinema → Boat Tour → Fantasy Light Show.
Highlights: Full immersion with a sunset cruise and night show.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via the official website (www.pxbh.com) or WeChat mini-program (up to 7 days in advance).
- On-Site: Purchase at the Main Gate ticket office.
- Prices:
- Peak Season (April–October): ¥120 (adults), ¥60 (students/seniors).
- Off-Season (November–March): ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (students/seniors).
- Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Transportation
- By Bus: From Penglai Bus Station, take Route 6 or 7 to Eight Immortals Crossing Stop.
- By Taxi: Direct to the Main Gate (address: 18 Haibin Road, Penglai).
- By Cruise: Ferries from Dalian or Yantai dock near the scenic area.
- Self-Drive: Use Yantai-Penglai Expressway and exit at Haibin Road.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–3 PM; visit early (8:00 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
- Crowds: Weekends and July–August (summer vacation) are busiest; weekdays are quieter.
- Weather: spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for coastal walks.
- Essentials:
- Wear windproof jackets (sea breezes can be strong).
- Bring a reusable water bottle (free drinking water stations available).
- Photography allowed (no drones without permission).
- Prohibited items: Outside food, smoking, and flammable items.