Yantai: an immersive Eight Immortals escape

Our China Story reported that Kongtong Wonderland (Kongtong Shengjing), which opened this July on Kongtong Island north of downtown Yantai and is reachable only by ferry, offers all-day immersive live performances with costumed characters staging scenes inspired by the Eight Immortals and Chinese mythology — visitors wandering through the pavilions may encounter Zhang Guolao, Lü Dongbin or mythical beasts; the island's pavilions, rock gardens and coastal walkways have earned it the nickname "an Eight Immortals' paradise at sea."[1]

The report added that Eight Immortals Street serves local snacks, seafood, souvenirs and costume rentals — from simple hanfu to elaborate fantasy robes — while a spectacle at Eastward Journey Palace combines drone formations, light projections and traditional molten-iron fireworks to retell the Eight Immortals' best-known adventures at sea.[1]

For a slower pace, the report recommended the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Scenic Area in Penglai, long associated with the idea of a mythical mountain-island rising from the sea: traditional pavilions, gardens and inscriptions reveal details from the classic tale, with the landmark Eight Immortals Bridge looking out across the waves.[1]

Kongtong Wonderland operates from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm during its trial period, with adult tickets costing about CN¥199 (≈US$28) including return ferry transfers; the Penglai scenic area charges around CN¥70–80 (≈US$10–11). With All Wishes Come True! opening in Hong Kong on August 13, the report suggested extending the magic beyond the cinema in Yantai.[1]