Of all Yantai’s coastal defences (and a port with a history as turbulent as Yantai’s has a few) the Eastern Battery is the most scenic. Located a short journey to the north of central Yantai and well-known to local travelers for years, its stock is rising on the international stage with the World Travel Organization declaring it ‘comparable in beauty to any of the Mediterranean’s highlights.’

The battery’s lack of active service is the sight-seer’s gain, with it being the only emplacement on the north coast which escaped the ravages of war entirely. Founded in the 19^th century, it now stands as bears testament to the darker side of China’s interaction with foreign powers.