Changdao is located between the Liaodong Peninsula and the Shandong Peninsula, north of Penglai City, and is famously known as the ‘Sea Fairyland’. It is composed of 32 islands, with the main attractions concentrated on North Changshan Island (North Line) and South Changshan Island (South Line). Changdao is a natural maritime garden with no island lacking in beauty or uniqueness. The area is dotted with reefs, cliffs, beaches, and forests.
The well-known attractions include Yueya Bay Park, Jiuzhang Cliff, Miaodao Tianhou Temple, Longzhua Mountain, Baota Reef, Wanbird Island, the Yellow and Bohai Sea Boundary, and Linhai Park. Visitors to Changdao must first take a boat from Penglai Wharf to the island. Although it is possible to visit the main attractions in one day, staying overnight is recommended to truly experience the charm of Changdao. Changdao’s tourism mainly involves hopping between islands. The South Line features attractions such as Linhai Park, the Yellow and Bohai Sea Confluence Line, Fuyunting, Fengshan Park, Geological Museum, and Xianjingyuan, while the North Line includes Jiuzhang Cliff, Yueya Bay Park, Wangfu Cliff, and the Geological Museum. Additionally, no matter where you are in Changdao, you can see the huge white wind turbines, which have become an integrated part of the scenery and a new landscape feature. For a two-day tour, one can choose to stay on North Changshan Island and South Changshan Island, which are not far apart, making it convenient to visit the attractions on the islands. A guide for the day’s visit can start with Jiuzhang Cliff on the North Line, where you can witness the towering cliffs rising from the sea. As you approach and stand under the cliffs, looking up at the sheer walls, you will marvel at the wonders of nature and feel a sense of awe. After Jiuzhang Cliff, head to Yueya Bay. Entering Yueya Bay Park, you will see the colorful pebbles on the beach, which are as translucent as pearls, with intricate patterns and colors, making them quite magical. At Yueya Bay, you can also look out to the Wangfu Reef on top of South Changshan Island. In the afternoon, visit Xianjingyuan on the South Line and climb Fengshan. In the evening, visit Linhai Park, famous for its sunset views. As the sun sets, the sea presents a scene of ‘blood-red sun’, with Penglai and the islands of Da and Xiao Heishan gradually becoming silhouettes, like ink paintings, a sight to behold. The next morning, take a boat from Changdao to Wanbird Island, a journey of about half an hour. Since Wanbird Island is uninhabited, landing is not allowed, and visitors can only get close to the island by boat to observe the seagulls, but do not disturb them excessively, especially during the egg-laying and hatching season in May. After watching the seabirds, head to Da Heishan Island to see the Shi Fan Reef and Longzhua Mountain. In the afternoon, visit Xiao Heishan Island to see the Baota Reef and Miaodao to see the Tianhou Palace, which houses the statue of the Sea Goddess. Although there are many Tianhou Palaces, the one on Changdao is said to be one of the oldest temples, worth a visit.When it comes to dining in Changdao, seafood is a must-try. The island boasts a comprehensive variety of seafood with flexible prices. Be it jellyfish, scallops, prawns, or mackerel dumplings, all are exceptionally delicious.
Accommodation options in Changdao include hotels or fisherman’s homes. If choosing to stay in a fisherman’s home, it is recommended to book in advance and confirm the details with multiple phone calls before arrival. They can also prepare transportation and meals for you.
