About three hours north of Qingdao along the coast lies a city known as Penglai (蓬莱市). In recent years, this region of Shandong has slowly been gaining renown as one of China's up-and-coming wine-producing regions, and enterprising wineries have built high-end accommodations on their vineyards to attract visitors, many with distinct features.

Built into a cliff, Treaty Port features a fully Scottish-imported interior. The wine-processing facilities are available for view and lie in the basement of the castle, and visitors are encourage to walk amongst the vineyards.

Dinner and a complementing wine are usually served, and the castle also offers a selection of scotches. Another accommodation, Chateau State Guest, is built in the style of a Tang dynasty palace, referencing the era when wine became well-known in China.

The resort-like Chateau Junding, also known as "Nava Valley," sits on vast grounds reminiscent of a European chateau. The wine, however, starting at RMB700 per bottle, does not live up to the grandiose impression the grounds and resort make.

An airport is currently being built in Penglai airport, so for now visitors can fly into Yantai or Qingdao (respectively 1.5 and 3.5 hours from Penglai by car). Pickup services can be arranged with Treaty Port in a London taxi from the Yantai airport, and private transport can be arranged with Chateau Junding.

This article was first published in CHENGDOO citylife Magazine, issue 60 ("old school"). Photos by Dan Sandoval.

See state guest, Treaty Port, and Nava for more information on the accommodations.

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