Penglai Pavilion

Historical Overview

Penglai Pavilion’s origins trace back to the 11th century, when Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty constructed temples to honor the Eight Immortals of Daoism. The site’s reputation as a "gateway to the gods" grew after poets like Li Bai and Su Shi immortalized its ethereal beauty. Over the centuries, it was rebuilt and renovated by the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, with each ruler adding pavilions, gardens, and stone inscriptions. During the Opium Wars, it faced destruction but was restored in 1984, reclaiming its status as a symbol of Chinese spiritual and cultural heritage.

Structural Layout

The pavilion complex spans 32,800 square meters and features three main sections:

Penglai Pavilion Proper: A two-story wooden structure with upturned eaves, resting on granite blocks. Its red pillars and golden glazed tiles contrast with the azure sea.

Tianhou Palace: Dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea, this temple features intricate carvings and a Bell Tower.

Submarine Dragon Palace: A network of caves and grottos said to connect to the mythical underwater realm of the Dragon King.

Key supporting structures include the Sunrise Pavilion, Lying-Wave Platform, and Penglai Water City, a fortified harbor built in the Ming Dynasty.

Major Attractions

Penglai Pavilion: The centerpiece, offering 360-degree views of the Bohai Sea. Its second-floor balcony is ideal for watching "sea mirages"—a rare optical phenomenon where distant islands appear to float above the water.

Tianhou Palace: Home to a 4-meter-tall Mazu statue and 108 ancient stele inscriptions documenting maritime history.

Precious Stone Scripture Pavilion: Houses the "Cloud-Inscribing Stele," a 7-meter-tall monument carved with calligraphy by Emperor Qianlong.

Three-Mountain Pavilion: A replica of the mythical Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou islands, featuring Daoist sculptures and incense burners.

Binlou Gallery: Displays 200+ artifacts, including Ming-era Porcelain, naval maps, and poems by Su Shi.

Dragon King Temple: A subterranean shrine with a dragon-shaped altar and murals depicting sea deities.

Lying-Wave Platform: A stone jetty where visitors can "walk on water" during low tide, framed by cliffs and waves.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Route (2–3 hours):

Entrance → Penglai Pavilion → Tianhou Palace → Precious Stone Scripture Pavilion → Lying-Wave Platform → Exit

Highlights: Iconic pavilion, sea mirages, and Mazu temple.

Cultural Route (4–5 hours):

Entrance → Three-Mountain Pavilion → Binlou Gallery → Dragon King Temple → Submarine Dragon Palace → Sunrise Pavilion → Exit

Highlights: Daoist mythology, naval history, and coastal fortifications.

Mythology Route (Full Day):

Entrance → Penglai Water City → Precious Stone Scripture Pavilion → Tianhou Palace → Penglai Pavilion (sunrise view) → Lying-Wave Platform (sunset walk) → Exit

Highlights: Immersive experience of ancient legends and natural wonders.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via the official WeChat mini-program or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).

On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance, but queues are long during peak seasons.

Prices:

Peak Season (April–October): ¥100 (adults), ¥50 (students/seniors).

Off-Season (November–March): ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (students/seniors).

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Transportation

Bus: Take Route 3 or 6 from Yantai Railway Station to Penglai Pavilion Stop (40-minute ride).

Taxi: Direct ride from Yantai downtown (~¥80) or Penglai Airport (~¥120).

Ferry: From Dalian (Liaoning Province) to Penglai Port, then a 15-minute taxi to the pavilion.

Departure: Exit via the north gate to reach Penglai Ancient City or the coastal promenade.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (7:30 AM opening) or for sunset (5–6 PM).

Crowds: Weekends and Chinese holidays (e.g., National Day) are busiest; weekdays are ideal.

Weather: spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer clear skies and mild temperatures.

Essentials:

Wear waterproof shoes (tides can flood the Lying-Wave Platform).

Bring binoculars for birdwatching (gulls and cormorants nest nearby).

Photography allowed (no drones).

Prohibited items: Outside food, lighters, and large backpacks.