For Samar Kerkeni from Monastir, a coastal city in Tunisia, the trip marked her first close-up encounter with China's coastline.
"It's so beautiful. I love the scenery, the breeze and the smell of the sea here. Walking along the shore and running through the water makes me feel refreshed," she said while exploring Yantai, a coastal city in East China's Shandong province.
Boasting a coastline stretching over 1,070 kilometers, Yantai is known for its picturesque seascapes, island destinations and rich maritime heritage.
In recent years, the city has continued to diversify its tourism offerings, attracting visitors with experiences that blend seaside scenery, island ecology and centuries-old culture.
One of the highlights of Kerkeni's journey was Changdao Island, located at the junction of the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea.
Having grown up by the Mediterranean coast, Kerkeni found a familiar sense of tranquility on the island. "It feels like home," she said.
Known for its well-preserved marine ecosystem, the island is home to spectacular attractions including Jiuzhang Cliff, Crescent Bay and the scenic spot known as "One Step Across Two Seas", where visitors can view the natural boundary between the Bohai and Yellow seas.
Tourism has become a key driver in the development of the Changdao Marine Ecological Civilization Comprehensive Experiment Area. As travelers increasingly seek personalized experiences, traditional family-run inns have gradually evolved into boutique homestays.
Today, over 700 fishing-village-style guesthouses and homestays are in operation across Changdao, creating jobs for nearly 10,000 local residents — about one quarter of the island's population.
From eco-tourism on its islands to cultural tourism along its historic coastline, Yantai has continued to enrich visitors' experiences. One of its best-known destinations is Penglai district, nestled between the mountains and the sea, and also known as the birthplace of the legend of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea.
Home to the iconic Penglai Pavilion, and renowned for showcasing the rare natural phenomenon of mirages, Penglai combines breathtaking seaside scenery with a rich cultural legacy.
In recent years, the district has expanded its tourism offerings beyond traditional sightseeing. Creative products inspired by local coastal culture, along with souvenir stamps and immersive cultural experiences, have become increasingly popular among visitors. In 2025, Penglai received 15.14 million tourist visits and generated 12 billion yuan ($1.77 billion) in tourism revenue.
