Yantai Produces One-Third of China’s Wine and Draws Up to 4 Million Visitors Annually

Along China’s eastern coast, the city of Yantai has become the country’s leading center for wine production and tourism. Over the past several decades, Yantai has developed a network of more than 60 vineyards and estate wineries, many of which now offer not only wine but also cultural and tourism experiences. The city’s growth as a wine destination is drawing attention from both domestic and international visitors.

Recently, American video creator Jack spent 48 hours in Yantai to document the region’s wine industry. His visit highlighted how local producers are combining traditional winemaking with new approaches to tourism and hospitality. At Longting Vineyard, a boutique estate located near the sea, guests are encouraged to slow down and enjoy wine alongside wellness activities rooted in local traditions. Emma Wang, Director of Operations at Longting Vineyard, explained that their goal is to connect visitors with both the land and the culture of Yantai.

Yantai’s natural environment plays a significant role in shaping its wines. The city’s coastal location provides abundant sunshine, a mild maritime climate, and mineral-rich soils. These conditions allow grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, resulting in wines that are often described as fresh and balanced. Zheng Anyu, Tasting and Sales Manager at Longting Vineyard, noted that Chardonnay from the region stands out for its clean acidity and subtle flavors influenced by sea breezes.

Beyond boutique estates, Yantai is also home to large-scale wine producers. The city hosts more than 200 wineries and accounts for about one-third of China’s total wine output. Changyu, founded over 130 years ago, is recognized as China’s first modern winery. Today, its automated production lines demonstrate the scale and efficiency that have become hallmarks of Yantai’s wine industry.

Quality remains central to Yantai’s reputation. In the past three years alone, wines from the region have received more than 700 international awards. Ruan Shili, Chief Winemaker at Changyu Cabernet, emphasized that success in winemaking depends largely on grape quality and careful control during production. He estimates that grapes account for about 70 percent of a wine’s success, with technique making up the remaining 30 percent.

Yantai’s transformation into a center for wine culture is also reflected in its growing tourism sector. Each year, three to four million visitors travel to the city for wine-related experiences. With a winemaking history that spans more than a century, Yantai continues to build its global reputation as both a producer of quality wines and a destination for wine enthusiasts seeking to explore Chinese viticulture firsthand.