Laoshan Mountain
Table of Contents
Laoshan Mountain is renowned as the “First Mountain on the Sea,” blending majestic coastal landscapes, Taoist heritage, and ecological retreats. As Qingdao’s crown jewel, it features five major scenic zones: Jufeng, Taiqing, Yangkou, Huayan, and Jiushui, each with unique highlights.
In summer 2025, Laoshan Mountain launched two key initiatives: the “1-Yuan City Pass” (unlimited bus/subway transfers after 21:00 daily) and the “Shilaoren Beach Music Festival” (free concerts from July 5 to August 29), offering exceptional value for travelers.
Must-Visit Areas in Qingdao Laoshan Mountain
The five core tourist areas of Laoshan Mountain each have their own charm and are suitable for travelers with different interests:
Jufeng Area 巨峰 (Summit Views)
The main peak of Laoshan Mountain is located at an altitude of 1,133 meters.
From April to May, you can enjoy the red color of the mountains, such as “purple satin wrapped around the valley”; in May, the mallow flowers are in full bloom, and take the sightseeing bus to cross the sea of lilies in “Maple Forest Dandelion Garden” (in full bloom in July).
The core attractions include Lingqifeng Peak, Xiantian Bridge and Star Picking Pavilion(摘星亭), where you can overlook the wonders of the Yellow Sea intertwined with granite peaks and forests.
Taiqing Area 太清 (Taoist Culture)
With the thousand-year-old temple Taiqing Palace as the core, enjoy Qingdao’s city flower Naidong (camellia) in May, and visit the prototype tree of Jiangxue Fairy in Pu Songling’s “Liaozhai”.
Recommended route: Taiqing Square→Laozi Road→Ropeway→Mingxia Cave, along the way, magnolia, plum blossom and the blue sea reflect the picture.
Yangkou Area 仰口 (Sea-Cliff Wonders)
Famous for its dangerous peaks and rocks, Lion Peak, Peach Stone, Shouzhi Peak and Heavenly Cave are not to be missed.
April and May are the best seasons, with peach blossoms, cherry blossoms and magnolias dotting the hiking trails, and the century-old magnolias in Taiping Palace “snow-covered branches”.
This is also an excellent place to watch the sunrise over the Yellow Sea.
Jiushui Area 九水 (Mountain Streams)
The first choice for summer vacation, surrounded by streams and waterfalls.
Enjoy cherry blossoms and apricot blossoms from March to April; the mountain red is everywhere from mid-April to May; mallow and hydrangea bloom along Lengcui Gorge to Chaoyin Waterfall in May.
Huayan Area 华严 (Ancient Trees)
In mid- to late-April, the “May Snowfall” centennial tassel tree (300 years old +) is the core highlight, with white flowers like clouds covering 300 square meters of the canopy; in May, the ancient hydrangea takes over and blooms.
Table: Seasonal Highlights by Zone
| Area | Best Bloom Season | Key Flora | Top Sites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jufeng | Apr–May | Rhododendrons, Weigela | Lingqi Peak, Azalea Slope |
| Taiqing | May | Camellia | Taiqing Temple, Mingxia Cave |
| Yangkou | Apr–May | Magnolias, Peach Blossoms | Lion Peak, Taiping Palace |
| Jiushui | Mar–May | Wild Cherries, Hydrangeas | Chaoyin Waterfall, Weizhu Temple |
| Huayan | Apr–May | Fringe Trees, Hydrangeas | Huayan Temple, Pagoda Courtyard |
Transportation Guide for Qingdao Laoshan Mountain
Laoshan Mountain is seamlessly connected to downtown Qingdao with convenient and low-carbon public transportation:
- Air/High-Speed Rail + Metro:
- Jiaodong Airport → Jufeng/Taiqing: Metro Line 8 → Line 3 → Line 2 to Liaoyang East Road, transfer to Line 4 to Dadonghe Tourist Center.
- Qingdao North Station → Jiushui: Line 3 → Line 2 to Miaoling Road, transfer to Langu Express Line to Beijiushui Station.
- Qingdao Station → Yangkou: Line 3 → Line 2 to Miaoling Road → Langu Express Line to Puli Station, then bus 635/926 (free shuttles on holidays).
- In-Scenic Area Transport:
- Sightseeing Buses: Connect all five zones. Taiqing to Yangkou: ~40 mins.
- Cable Cars: At Jufeng, Taiqing, and Yangkou. Yangkou one-way: $7 (¥35), saving 40% hiking time.
Qingdao Lashan Mountain Itinerary
Tailored routes for different schedules:
- One Day:
- Culture & Nature: Yangkou (cliffs) → Huayan (ancient temples) → Taiqing (Taoism), linked by sightseeing bus.
- Eco-Therapy: Jiushui (stream hike), ending with wild hawthorn coffee at Chaoyin Waterfall.
- Two Days:
- Day 1: Jufeng (summit) → Taiqing (tea at Taiqing Temple). Stay at Liqinghe Beach B&Bs (e.g., Xianju Laoshan Poetry Lodge).
- Day 2: Yangkou (Mitian Cave) → Qingshan Village (fishing hamlet). Dinner: oyster tofu + Wanggezhuang steamed buns.
Accommodation and Food Guide
Unique Stays:
- Luxury: Qingdao Diaoyutai·MGM by Shilaoren Beach ($150+, 52nd-floor sea-view bar).
- Boutique B&Bs: Qishui Shanju at Jiushui (cedar tubs + skylight domes, $60+); Yinlan Yisu at Fanling Village near Yangkou ($55+, ocean-facing).
Must-Try Foods:
- Wanggezhuang steamed buns (century-old recipe), jellyfish feast (cold salad + braised cabbage), mackerel dumplings.
- Local Eateries: Gangdong Fish Market Seafood ($5 spicy clams); Qingshan Village Fisherman’s Banquet ($12 Laoshan mushroom chicken).
2025 New Experiences & Trending Spots
Latest upgrades for immersive travel:
- Shilaoren Beach Music Festival: Free weekly concerts (pop, folk, Qixi Festival themes), paired with the 1-Yuan Night Pass.
- VR Journey: Legend of Jiangxue: At Laoshan Cultural Center, “fly” through virtual landscapes via motion-simulator ($8/¥40).
- Polaris Ocean Light Wheel: 66-meter Ferris wheel near Polar Ocean Park. 13-minute-14-second rides showcase coastlines from Shilaoren to Xiaomaidao ($12/¥60).
Practical Tips: Seasons & Pitfalls
- Best Seasons:
- Apr–May: Peak blossoms (fringe trees, camellias, cherries).
- Jul–Aug: Music festivals + beaches; bring sun protection.
- Avoid Pitfalls:
- Pre-book parking if driving; use metro + shuttles during holidays.
- Taiqing Temple charges separate entry ($4/¥27). Book sightseeing buses via “Laoshan Scenic Area” WeChat.
- Cable cars close at 16:30; plan climbs early.
As Taoist lore says: “I once journeyed east of the sea, dining on Laoshan’s purple mists.” Its beauty thrives across seasons—spring blooms, summer rhythms, autumn forests, winter cloud seas. Let this Qingdao Travel guide inspire your mountain-ocean odyssey!
*Hotline: 0532-96616 (Chinese/English)*
*Transport: Bus 0532-83089999 / Metro 0532-55770000*
