Golden Beach, known as Jinshatan, lies in Laishan District near the Yantai International Expo Center, south of the city centre in Yantai, Shandong. True to its name, it is a wide, open stretch of fine golden sand along the Bohai Sea coast, considerably broader than the older city beaches, with water that runs clear and pale turquoise close to shore before deepening further out. The bay is fairly exposed, catching more wind and a gentler swell than the sheltered coves further north, which makes it popular for beach sports as well as swimming. Resort hotels and apartment towers line the shore, giving the area a more developed, holiday feel than downtown Yantai's public beaches, and it attracts a mix of families, young couples, and groups on weekend trips from the city rather than a rowdy nightlife crowd. Amenities include a landscaped beachfront promenade, rental umbrellas and loungers in season, and water-sports operators offering jet skis, banana boats, and paddleboards through the summer, alongside cafes and restaurants across the road from the sand. Lifeguard coverage is concentrated in the main swimming section during July and August. The beach sits roughly 8-10 km south of central Zhifu District, reached by bus or a 20-30 minute taxi or Didi ride; there is no rail link, and parking near the busiest stretch of hotels can be tight on peak summer weekends. Facilities scale down noticeably outside the July-August peak, when many of the water-sports concessions close for the season.
| Distance | About 8-10 km south of central Zhifu District |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Bus or taxi/Didi from downtown Yantai, about 20-30 minutes |
| Best season | July-August for full water-sports operation |
| Address | Near the Yantai International Expo Center, Laishan District, Yantai, Shandong |
Amenities
- Wide stretch of fine golden sand
- resort hotels along the shore
- water sports rentals in summer
- beachfront promenade
Good to know
- Best for
- families, couples, swimmers, photographers
Location
Near the Yantai International Expo Center, Laishan District, Yantai, Shandong
37.4581, 121.3689 View on map
Highlights
- Wide stretch of fine golden sand, among the largest in Yantai
- Water-sports rentals including jet skis and paddleboards
- Beachfront promenade lined with resort hotels
- More open, exposed bay favouring wind and beach sports
- Cafes and restaurants directly across from the sand
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday or early morning in July-August to beat the resort-crowd rush
- Book water-sports rentals directly at the beachfront stalls rather than through hotel concierges for better rates
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen as shade structures are limited on the open sand
- Use a taxi or Didi rather than driving if visiting on a summer weekend, since hotel parking fills fast
- Facilities and rentals thin out sharply outside July-August, so check ahead in the shoulder season
When to visit
July and August for full water-sports operation and the liveliest atmosphere; June and September are quieter but still warm enough to swim.
Frequently asked questions
Is Golden Beach good for water sports?
Yes, its wider, more exposed bay and summer rental operators make it the main spot in Yantai for jet skis, banana boats, and paddleboarding.
Are there hotels right on the beach?
Yes, a line of resort hotels and apartment towers sits along the shore in Laishan District, within easy walking distance of the sand.
How far is it from downtown Yantai?
About 8-10 km, roughly a 20-30 minute bus or taxi/Didi ride from central Zhifu District.
When is it busiest?
July and August weekends, when the water-sports operators and beach hotels are in full swing; it is much quieter in June and September.