See: Yantai, China

Hello friends! Is it just me or does anyone else feel so lazy at this point of the year, when the sun is out and work is the last thing on your mind? I hope I'm not alone!

Today I'm showing you small bits of my hometown: Yantai, China. Since the primary purpose is to visit family and friends, I didn't do much sight-seeing. I'll be sharing with you street views as well as interesting decor.

My hometown Yantai, 烟台 (outlined in red) is part of Shandong Province (where Confucius was from!), on the coast of Bohai Sea (渤海). It's right across from Seoul in South Korea, where we used to have layovers. Beijing is an hour away by plane. To the north across the Bohai Sea is Dailian and some of our distant relatives live there. Yantai also borders Qingdao. You might have heard of Tsingdao Beer and that's where it is! In Yantai, we produce and eat a lot of seafood and you'll see some below.

Interesting Fact: Yantai, which literally translates to "Smoke Tower", got its name from the smoke towers that send light and smoke signals back in the days. Learn more about Yantai on Wikipedia.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

One of the busiest streets in Yantai: Nan Da Jie (南大街), South Street

Walking along Nan Da Jie 

Overlooking the traffic at the pedestrians bridge

The largest bookstore chain: Xinhua Bookstore (新华书店)

Art Displays at Xinhua Bookstore

In terms of shopping, there were trendy brands such as H&M, Zara, along with China's own brands. I was even surprised to find a Sephora! There were also luxury brands such as Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, MaxMara, Burberry, Hugo Boss, and Salvatore Ferragamo at Zhenhua Shopping Center (振华商厦). Prices are obviously much higher.

Love the gold details of the door from a different angle

This is how I look at the city: the old with a glimpse of the new.

Speaking of the new, these concrete residential buildings range from 10 floors to over 30 floors (yikes!).

There were many street markets that sell fresh seafood, veggies and pretty much everything you can think of. 

Here's 100 RMB with Chairman Mao, which equals to $14.52.

The street of Suo Cheng Li (所城里大街) has preserved houses from the Qing Dynasty. Some have also been renovated and became popular bars. Unfortunately, I did't get the chance to go in.  

My favorite (besides the shops) has to be Yantai Fisherman Pier (渔人马头). 

Minature Terracotta Army displays

Traditional Chinese decor at my cousin's restaurant:
Top Left: Register decorated with Chinese lanterns and Chinese abacus (Suanpan 算盘)
Bottom Left: Old carriage wheel gets a new light/life!

Tea is a big part of Chinese culture. People drink tea at the restaurant and at home. In US, people normally "grab a coffee" to chat and catch up; in China, people grab tea. Most people have some kind of setup at home. Below is a very elaborate and beautiful setup from my cousin's. 

In terms of furniture, Chinese people love wood, especially Rosewood (紅木, literally translates to red wood). This is another piece at my cousin's. Read more about Chinese furniture on Wikipedia.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my city. Thank you for stopping by and have a nice day! :)