Longkou, Shandong

Chinese Name: 龙口 (lóng kǒu)
Population: 635,000
Area: 901 square kilometers (348 square miles)
Location: in the northwest of Yantai City, Shandong Province, east China
Area Code: 0535
Zip Code: 265700
GDP (2018): CNY 123.88 billion (USD 18.72 billion)

Longkou City is a county-level city managed by Yantai City, adjacent to Penglai on the east, Qixia and Zhaoyuan on the south, and Bohai Sea on the west and north. Longkou is famous for the Longkou Vermicelli which contains various trace elements, protein and vegetable fat needed by the human body. Originated in Zhaoyuan with a history of more than 300 years, the Longkou Vermicelli got the name because it was exported from Longkou Port in ancient times. Today, only the vermicelli produced in Longkou, Zhaoyuan, Penglai, and Laiyang can be named as Longkou Vermicelli. Longkou has also become an important fruit storage place and processing distribution center in Shandong Peninsula for it is rich in apples, raspberries, grapes and other fruits.

The Nanshan Scenic Area includes the Religious Cultural Park, Chinese Historical and Cultural Park and East Sea Tourist Resort.

Religious Cultural Park
The Nanshan Temple, Xiangshui Nunnery, Nanshan Taoist Temple and Lingyuan Temple inside the park are all ancient ruins. The biggest highlights are the world's largest bronze seated Buddha and the largest indoor Jade Buddha in China.

Chinese Historical and Cultural Park
In the Chinese Historical and Cultural Park, different styles of ancient buildings and garden arts are perfectly integrated. It aims to convey Chinese historical culture, auspicious culture and national culture.

East Sea Tourist Resort
With a long coastline, the East Sea Tourist Resort enjoys a pleasant coastal scenery. Nanshan Yacht Club, Yantai's first yacht club, is located here. The club is now equipped with several luxurious yachts sightseeing boats and speedboats that can meet the needs of different tourists.

The Sang Island Village is the only island village in Longkou with a soft beach and beautiful sea views. There is unique volcanic landform on the east side of the island. Strange and grotesque rocks are scattered on the north side of the island. Apart from the spectacular natural scenery, you can experience all kinds of activities such as diving, playing beach volleyball, sea bathing and taking fish boats. The fresh seafood is worthy to try.

With a history of more than 200 years, the Ding's Former Residence is a building complex with more than 2,000 rooms built in the Qing Dynasty (1636 - 1912) by a rich businessman. It is divided into several yards, each of which is composed of several quadrangles. The house is covered with blue tiles and decorated with carved beams and painted rafters. The stone carvings, brick carvings and wood carvings in the courtyard are exquisite, which has a strong charm of Beijing mansion and traditional Jiaodong residence.

The best time to visit Longkou is in summer. The summer time of Longkou Shandong is from June to August and the average temperature is about 26℃ (79℉). It is a good time to have the different beach and maritime activities and taste fresh seafood. The climate in Longkou Shandong is pleasant with four distinctive seasons. There is no extremely cold weather in Longkou and the lowest temperature of Longkou is about -7℃ (19℉). In autumn, from September to November, it is less rainy and becomes colder while the temperature and rainy days will increase in spring.

Visitors can take a flight to Yantai Penglai International Airport and then take a shuttle bus to Longkou, taking about 80 minutes. The shuttle bus leaves to Longkou every hour from 8:30 to 20:30. The distance between Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province and Longkou is about 380 km (236 mi). It is also easy to get to Longkou by bullet train and coach from Jinan and Qingdao.   

Buses and taxis are important inner-city transportation means. It costs CNY250-260 from the downtown area of Longkou to Yantai Railway Station and CNY140-150 to Yantai Penglai International Airport.

Longkou Vermicelli, Pork Pocket Pie, Baked Wheaten Cake, Steamed Spareribs Stuffed Bun and Malt Candy with Sesame are famous local snacks.

 Longkou Vermicelli
The crystal and thin Longkou Vermicelli uses green beans as the raw material. When eat it, soften the vermicelli in boiling water to soak for 3-5 minutes until tender and then cook with ingredients. It can also be stir-fried, steamed and dressed with a variety of vegetables, fish, meat and eggs.

 Huangxian Rouhe (Pork Pocket Pie)
Mix the processed pork with seasonings, soup, dried shrimps and vegetables. Roll the dough into thin sheets and wrap the stuffing. Pan-fry the Pie until its six sides are golden. The cooked cake has golden and crispy skin and the stuffing is juicy and tasty.

 Steamed Spareribs Stuffed Bun
The Steamed Spareribs Stuffed Bun is a traditional snack in Longkou, featuring the thin skin and delicious and plentiful stuffing. Pickle the pork ribs with scallion, ginger and salted and fermented soya paste for 20 minutes and then add oil, Chinese cabbage, salt, aginomoto and sesame oil. Roll skin and wrap the stuffing. Steam the Spareribs Stuffed Bun for 25 minutes.  

Longkou Vermicelli, Sea cucumbers, and Weilong Red Wine.