International flights to Seoul, Osaka and Hong Kong are available. Domestic flights connect Yantai with more than 20 major cities in China, such as Beijing (daily, 1 hour), Harbin (daily, 2 hours), Jinan, (daily, 35 minutes), Shenyang, (daily, 2 hours), Ningbo (daily, 1.5 Hours), Dalian (daily, 45 minutes) Chengdu (4 hours), Guangzhou (3 hours), Kunming (4 hours), Shanghai (daily, 1.5 hours), Shenzhen (3 hours), Wuhan (daily, 2 hours) and Xi'an (2 hours). The airport is 15 kilometers (9 mi) south of the city. An airport shuttle bus (¥10) is available at No.6, Dahaiyang Lu. A taxi ride to Laishan or downtown can cost you about ¥40.

Although located in North China, monsoons regulate the climate, keeping the area warm and humid. The average annual temperature is 11.8°C (53.24°F).  Fruits and vegetables are plentiful, and the long coastline and over 60 islands make the area ideal for any seafood connoisseur - sea-cucumbers, abalones, scallops, crabs and prawns, are all easily available. The earth here is rich with resources as well - its gold reserve, in particular, has the highest output in China.

Adding to the draw of local natural resources, the picturesque scenery in and around the city has earned the area acclaim by the United Nations, which lists it as one of the most inhabitable places in the world. Undulating hills rise above the area's many rivers, and are framed by beaches and neighboring islands.