A Summer Escape to Yangma Island: A Coastal Retreat‌

Under the blazing July sun, our company embarked on a refreshing two-day trip to Yangma Island in Yantai, a coastal paradise where turquoise waves meet golden sands. The promise of salty breezes and seaside serenity offered a much-needed respite from the urban hustle, and we eagerly set off early Friday morning with laughter echoing through the bus.

By noon, we arrived at the island, greeted by the rhythmic crash of waves and the tangy scent of the sea. After checking into a charming seaside inn adorned with whitewashed walls and blue shutters, we gathered for a seafood feast at a local restaurant. Platters of steamed clams, grilled squid, and buttery scallops were devoured alongside stories and jokes, setting the tone for camaraderie.

The afternoon unfolded with leisurely exploration. Some colleagues strolled along the rocky shoreline, collecting shells and skipping stones, while others waded into the cool shallows, letting waves tickle their ankles. As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of tangerine and lavender, we regrouped for a team photo against the iconic Yangma Island sculpture—a bronze horse galloping toward the horizon, symbolizing the island’s ancient role as an imperial horse-raising ground.

Dinner was a lively barbecue on the beach. The crackle of grilled skewers mingled with the strumming of a coworker’s guitar, and as twilight deepened, a bonfire was lit. We sat circled around the flames, roasting marshmallows and sharing anecdotes, the flickering light reflecting our collective joy. The night ended with a moonlit walk, the sound of waves whispering secrets to the shore.

Day two began at dawn with a sunrise yoga session on the beach. The cool morning air and gentle stretches revitalized us before a hearty breakfast of congee and freshly baked mantou. The highlight of the morning was a bike ride along the island’s coastal trail. Pedaling past fishing villages and emerald-green tidal pools, we marveled at the harmony between nature and local life. A brief stop at a pearl farm offered insights into Yantai’s aquaculture heritage, with some of us leaving with iridescent souvenirs.

By midday, with sun-kissed skin and sandy shoes, we boarded the bus back to the city. Though short, the trip had woven memories of salty breezes, shared laughter, and the timeless beauty of the coast into our summer. Yangma Island wasn’t just a getaway—it was a reminder of the simple joys found in nature and companionship, recharging us for the challenges ahead.