Yantai Bus 17 Guide 2026: Ride to Fishermen's Wharf
Discover how to ride Yantai's scenic Bus 17 to Fishermen's Wharf, walk the coastal path to No. 2 Beach, and find the famous Spirited Away railway spot.
Yantai remains one of those beautifully untouched coastal gems in China, which made my trip there in 2026 feel incredibly special and authentic.
If you are staying at the Bright Radiance Hotel Yantai or hanging out near the historic Hongkou 1920 district, here is a complete guide on how to take the local $0.14 (1 RMB) bus to Haichang Fishermen's Wharf.
I will also share my favorite spots along the way, including the scenic coastal boardwalk, the viral 'Spirited Away' railway photo spot, and No. 2 Bathing Beach.
When exploring China, having a reliable internet connection for WeChat and real-time navigation is absolutely essential.
Thanks to the Trip.com eSIM I used for this trip, I was able to search for routes and navigate without any connection drops!
On my last trip, I almost ran out of data with a 1GB/day plan, so this time I booked the 2GB/day + unlimited low-speed plan. It cost less than $6 and kept me connected effortlessly throughout the entire journey. 👍
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Taking the Local Bus to Fishermen's Wharf
* If you are staying at the Pullman Hotel (a popular spot for international travelers), you can take Bus 10 from the Xiaoqingli North Gate stop and ride for 10 stops to reach Fishermen's Wharf.
From the Bright Radiance Hotel and Hongkou 1920 area, you can easily catch Bus 17 or the Bus 17 Express right from the '虹口 (Hongkou) 1920' stop to head straight to Fishermen's Wharf.
Although the real-time bus arrival QR codes at the stops aren't always 100% accurate, the buses run frequently enough that you won't have to wait long!
The ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes across 9 stops, and the fare is a mind-blowing $0.14 (1 RMB)!
How to Pay for Buses in Yantai
1. Open WeChat -> Tap 'Me' -> 'Cards & Offers' -> Generate your Yantai Public Transit QR code, then scan it upon boarding to pay the $0.14 (1 RMB).
2. If that's too complicated, you can also scan the physical WeChat Pay QR code posted near the driver to pay.
(Simply scan when boarding; there is no need to scan when getting off.)
Bus 17 is a double-decker bus that passes many of Yantai's major tourist attractions.
Cruising along the scenic coastline at a leisurely pace, it is an absolute favorite for travelers who want to enjoy the views.
On the way, you can catch a glimpse of Moon Bay (月亮弯) from the window! It has a wonderfully quirky, whimsical look.
Enjoying the ocean views makes the ride fly by, and before you know it, you will arrive at Haichang Fishermen’s Wharf!
Get off at the '渔人码头 (Yuren Matou)' stop.
The area around the wharf feels like a modern development, while the wharf itself boasts charming European-style architecture.
Since it was winter, many of the food trucks and shops were closed, but the exotic brick buildings and coastal atmosphere still make it well worth a visit.
I skipped the dolphin show as it is not really my style, but the weather was mild (around 45°F), making it perfect for a walk. This spot would be absolutely spectacular at sunset!
There are plenty of cute photo spots scattered throughout the area.
Be sure to snap a quick photo with the giant turtle statue before you start your walk!
Fishermen's Wharf to No. 2 Bathing Beach Trail
Total Walking Time: ~25 minutes (approx. 1 mile)
Starting right from the turtle statue at Fishermen's Wharf, there is a beautifully maintained wooden boardwalk that stretches all the way to No. 2 Bathing Beach.
I expected nothing but open ocean, so seeing the modern buildings rising along the distant shoreline was a really cool surprise.
The deck path is very flat and easy to traverse. As long as the weather isn't freezing or scorching, I highly recommend taking this scenic stroll!
The 'Spirited Away' Railway Spot
About a 15-minute walk from the turtle statue
About halfway along the boardwalk, you will find the famous railway track leading into the sea, reminiscent of the iconic train scene in Spirited Away.
There was a small queue of travelers waiting to snap photos here, so of course, I had to join in and grab my own shot! 📸
I was curious about the building floating out on the water, and I later found out it is actually a working sea cucumber farm.
The surrounding Western-style buildings serve various functions, from local shops and hotels to private residences. A few look a bit abandoned, adding a rustic, mysterious charm to the overall beautiful atmosphere.
After taking plenty of photos, I continued along the coastal path.
There are a few stairs along this section, but they aren't steep at all, and there are several rest areas along the way. Honestly, the coastal views gave me major Bondi-to-Bronte walk vibes!
Before long, the sandy shores of No. 2 Bathing Beach came into view!
Heading Back to the City
To head back to the downtown area, you can take Bus 61, Bus 17, or the Bus 17 Express. All of these will drop you off near Hongkou 1920 and the Bright Radiance Hotel, so just jump on whichever arrives first!
The payment and boarding process is exactly the same, and the bus stop is located right near the main Fishermen's Wharf parking lot.
If taking Bus 61: Get off at the '二马路 (Ermalu)' stop.
If taking Bus 17 (or Express): Get off at the 'Beishanlu Beikou' stop.
Either way, you will end up within a short walk of Hongkou 1920 and the hotel.
We boarded Bus 61 right at the 'No. 2 Bathing Beach' stop and got off at Ermalu.
While Bus 17 hugs the coastline for a more scenic view, Bus 61 takes a slightly more inland route, which gave us a nice look at local life in the city.
While Didi taxis are incredibly cheap and easy to hail in Yantai, riding the local $0.14 (1 RMB) bus has a unique charm that you shouldn't miss. Definitely give it a try!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Brigh Radiance Hotel to Haichang Fisherman's Wharf by city bus?
You can take bus No. 17 or express bus No. 17 from the 'Hongkou 1920' stop and get off at the '渔人码头 (Fisherman's Wharf)' stop. It passes 9 stops in total and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
How much is the city bus fare in Yantai and how do I pay?
The bus fare is 1 yuan. You can pay by generating a Yantai public transit QR code on the WeChat app and scanning it, or by scanning the WeChat QR code attached to the bus. You only need to scan the QR code when boarding and do not need to scan it when getting off.
How long does it take to walk along the promenade from Haichang Fisherman's Wharf to No. 2 Bathing Beach?
It takes about 25 minutes in total to walk along the coastal path from the turtle statue at Fisherman's Wharf to No. 2 Bathing Beach. After walking for about 15 minutes along the trail, you will come across a railroad photo spot with a Spirited Away vibe.
Which bus should I take to return from No. 2 Bathing Beach to the vicinity of Brigh Radiance Hotel?
You can take bus No. 61 from the No. 2 Bathing Beach stop and get off at the 'Ermalu (二马路)' stop. Alternatively, you can take bus No. 17 and get off at the 'Beishanlu Beikou' stop.
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