Laoshan Scenic Area
Laoshan District, Qingdao, Shandong, 266102
Laoshan Scenic Area, one of China’s first national parks, has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. The hills and slopes surrounding the 3,280-foot (1,000-meter) peak of Mount Lao are home to the Taoist Taiqing Palace, built in 140 BC, as well as waterfalls, precipitous gorges, and views across the Yellow Sea.
The basics
Three tourist routes lead through the scenic area, offering access to some 220 scenic spots and historical points of interest. Visitors can see most of the important sights in the park on a day trip from Qingdao, which might include a hike along the Bashui River to the Longtan (Dragon Pond) Waterfall, and a tour of the Taiqing Temple complex to learn more about Chinese Taoism. Thirsty travelers can combine a visit to the scenic area with an afternoon visit to the Tsingtao Beer Museum for a tasting of beer made from the mineral waters originating within the scenic area.
Things to know before you go
Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially if you’re visiting during the hot summer months.
Not all day trips to Laoshan Scenic Area include lunch; check ahead of time and be ready to pack your own.
Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, and dress in layers; it can be cooler at higher altitudes than it is in town.
The south entrance offers the best access point for day-trippers.
How to get there
Several public buses, including Tourist Bus 6 and Sightseeing Bus 4, stop near the scenic area entrance at Yangkou Station. It’s faster and more convenient to take a taxi or join a guided tour with transportation from Qingdao.
When to get there
Laoshan Scenic Area remains beautiful throughout the year, though it can get quite crowded on summer weekends and Chinese national holidays. To explore the park with barely any visitors, come during the winter months.
Outdoor attractions in Qingdao
The Laoshan Scenic Area is Qingdao’s most popular outdoor attraction, but it’s not the only place to get a breath of fresh air. For a leisurely stroll and excellent people watching, spend some time in Qingdao Zhongshan Park (also one of the best places for cherry blossom viewing in the spring). The pagoda within Qingdao XiaoYushan Park offers 360-degree views over the city, while Golden Beach is one of the city’s top sandy expanses to soak up some sun or go for a swim.
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