양마도

Yangma Island, sometimes called Horse Breeding Island, is a large coastal island in the northern part of Yantai's Muping district, linked to the mainland by a bridge and causeway. According to local legend, the Qin emperor Qin Shi Huang stopped here during his eastern travels and chose the island as a place to breed his imperial horses, giving the island both its name and its place in Chinese folklore. Today it is one of the most popular easy day trips from the city of Yantai, prized for its mild climate and quiet beaches.

The island is sizeable, with a mix of sea cliffs, sandy coves, cycling paths, and forested headlands that make it pleasant for slow exploration rather than a single landmark hunt. The eastern and northern shores are the most scenic, with rocky outcrops dropping into clear water, small inlets that are perfect for paddling, and hilltop viewpoints with wide views across the sea. Old stone walls and the occasional pavilion nod to the imperial legend, while fishing boats and seafood restaurants along the shore keep the atmosphere local and unhurried.

Most visitors come for a half-day or full-day loop, often combining walking with rental bicycles or scooters to cover the perimeter road, since the island rewards a slow circuit rather than a stop at one viewpoint. Seafood restaurants near the bridge serve the day's catch, and small guesthouses on the island offer the option of an overnight stay for travelers who want to enjoy the quieter evening and morning light. Summer weekends draw bigger crowds from Yantai and beyond, so a weekday or an early start gives a calmer experience.

Yangma Island is easy to reach from downtown Yantai and makes a relaxed counterpoint to the historic sites around Penglai, sitting at the opposite end of the city's coastline. Spring, summer, and early autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with sea breezes keeping the heat manageable even at the height of summer. For travelers looking for an easygoing coastal escape within the Yantai area, the island is a convenient and refreshing stop on any northern Shandong itinerary.