Shandong Province Travel

Shandong, the birthplace of Qilu culture, is renowned as the "Land of Confucius and Mencius" and the "State of Etiquette". From Baotu Spring in Jinan to Badaguan in Qingdao, from Mount Tai in Tai'an to the Three Confucian Sites in Qufu, from Penglai Pavilion in Yantai to Liugong Island in Weihai, every place carries five thousand years of Chinese historical civilization and splendid culture.

16
Prefecture-level Divisions
137
County-level Divisions
13
5A Scenic Spots
700+
Cultural Heritage Sites

Explore Cities of Shandong Province for Travel

Jinan City
Qingdao City
Zibo City
Zaozhuang City
Dongying City
Yantai City
Weifang City
Jining City
Tai'an City
Weihai City
Rizhao City
Linyi City
Dezhou City
Liaocheng City
Binzhou City
Heze City

Shandong 5-Day Essence Tour

Explore Shandong's Qilu culture, coastal scenery and famous mountains, from the springs of Jinan to the seaside of Qingdao, from Mount Tai in Tai'an to the Three Confucian Sites in Qufu, experiencing the perfect fusion of Shandong's rich historical culture and natural landscapes

Duration
5 Days 4 Nights
Main Destinations
Jinan, Tai'an, Qufu, Qingdao
Suitable For
History & Culture Enthusiasts, Nature Explorers
Budget Per Person
¥3000-¥4000
01
Jinan Spring Culture
Baotu Spring · Daming Lake · Thousand Buddha Mountain
Highlights

Arrive at Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province. Check into the hotel and then visit Baotu Spring Park to enjoy the spectacular sight of the "Number One Spring under Heaven". Then tour Daming Lake, experiencing the spring city scenery of "lotuses on three sides and willows on four sides, one city with mountain views and half a city lake". In the afternoon, climb Thousand Buddha Mountain to overlook the panoramic view of Jinan and learn about the spread of Buddhist culture in Shandong.

Attractions
Baotu Spring
One of the three major scenic spots in Jinan, located in Lixia District, Jinan City. It leans against Thousand Buddha Mountain to the south, faces Quancheng Square to the east, and overlooks Daming Lake and Wulongtan to the north. Baotu Spring covers an area of 158 mu and is a characteristic garden centered around springs. Baotu Spring is the symbol and landmark of Jinan, known as the "City of Springs", together with Thousand Buddha Mountain and Daming Lake.
Daming Lake
One of the three major scenic spots in Jinan, it is an important scenic attraction, open window and world-renowned tourist destination of Jinan, known as the "Pearl of the Spring City". Located in the northern part of the old city area of Lixia District, Jinan, Daming Lake is formed by many springs converging. The lake water flows into Xiaoqing River through Luoshui River. The lake covers an area of 46 hectares with an average depth of 2-3 meters.
Thousand Buddha Mountain
One of the three major scenic spots in Jinan, formerly called Li Mountain. Because ancient history says Emperor Shun farmed here, it was also named Shun Mountain and Shungeng Mountain. During the Kaihuang reign of the Sui Dynasty (581-600 AD), due to the prevalence of Buddhism, thousands of Buddha statues were carved along the mountain, hence the name Thousand Buddha Mountain. It is the remnant of Mount Tai, with an altitude of 285 meters, covering an area of 166.1 hectares, 2.5 kilometers from downtown Jinan.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Jinan Luneng Hilton Hotel
  • Shangri-La Jinan
  • Sofitel Jinan Silver Plaza
Food
  • Jinan Braised Pork
  • Sweet and Sour Carp
  • Braised Intestines in Brown Sauce
Tips
  • Best time to view Baotu Spring is spring
  • Boat rides available at Daming Lake
  • Cable car recommended for Thousand Buddha Mountain
02
Mount Tai Hiking Tour
Dai Temple · Middle Heaven Gate · South Heaven Gate · Jade Emperor Peak
Itinerary Highlights

Travel to Tai'an City and start climbing Mount Tai, the head of the Five Great Mountains of China. First, visit Dai Temple to learn about the Mount Tai Fengshan (imperial pilgrimage) culture. Then take the scenic area shuttle bus to Middle Heaven Gate and begin the hike. Enjoy the magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural landscapes along the way, and finally reach the summit at Jade Emperor Peak to admire the spectacular view of "When you reach the top, all other mountains appear small".

Attraction Arrangement
Dai Temple
Located at the southern foot of Mount Tai in Tai'an City, Shandong Province, it is commonly known as the "East Yue Temple". First built in the Han Dynasty, it was the place where emperors of successive dynasties held Fengshan ceremonies and worshipped the God of Mount Tai. Altar and temple architecture is a type of building for the Han nationality to worship heaven, earth, sun, moon, mountains, rivers, ancestors and state gods, reflecting the cultural characteristics of the Han nationality as an agricultural people.
Middle Heaven Gate
The intersection of the east and west routes for climbing Mount Tai. It is the halfway point to the summit and a must-pass place for both ascending and descending. The Middle Heaven Gate was built in the Qing Dynasty, a stone memorial archway with two pillars and a single gate. There were many tigers in Mount Tai in ancient times, so people built a temple north of the archway to worship the Black Tiger God. Now the temple houses a statue of the God of Wealth Zhao Gongming holding a whip and riding a tiger. To the east is a retro tea house, to the southwest is Zhongxi Hotel, and to the northwest is the Middle Heaven Gate Cableway Station.
South Heaven Gate
Located at the end of the 18 Bends of Mount Tai, at an altitude of 1460 meters, it was historically known as "Tianmen Pass". It is built in a low col between Feilong Rock and Xiangfeng Ridge, with twin peaks standing on either side, as if the heavenly gate opens naturally. The gate is a pavilion-style building with a stone archway, inscribed with "South Heaven Gate". Adorned with red walls and topped with yellow glazed tiles, it is magnificent in momentum.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Mount Tai Top Hotel (for sunrise viewing)
  • Wanda Realm Tai'an
  • Four Points by Sheraton Tai'an Taolong
Food Recommendations
  • Mount Tai Tofu Banquet
  • Mount Tai Red Scale Fish
  • Tai'an Pancake
Travel Tips
  • Prepare plenty of water and food before hiking
  • It is recommended to take the cable car to save energy
  • The temperature at the top of the mountain is low, keep warm
03
Qufu Confucian Culture
Confucius Temple · Confucius Mansion · Confucius Cemetery
Itinerary Highlights

Travel to Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, and visit the "Three Confucian Sites", a World Cultural Heritage: Confucius Temple, Confucius Mansion and Confucius Cemetery. Feel the solemnity and grandeur of Confucian culture in Confucius Temple, learn about the living scenes of Confucius' descendants in Confucius Mansion, and pay homage to the cemetery of Confucius and his family in Confucius Cemetery. In the afternoon, you can experience traditional Confucian cultural courses such as calligraphy, guqin (seven-stringed zither) or tea ceremony.

Attraction Arrangement
Confucius Temple
Located 300 meters west of Gulou in the center of Qufu City, it is a temple dedicated to Confucius, a famous ancient Chinese thinker and educator. First built in the 17th year of Duke Ai of Lu (478 BC), it has been expanded and renovated in successive dynasties. Together with the adjacent Confucius Mansion and the Confucius Cemetery in the north of the city, it is known as the "Three Confucian Sites". It is a group of ancient buildings with oriental architectural characteristics, large scale and magnificent momentum.
Confucius Mansion
Also known as the Yansheng Duke Mansion, it is located to the east of Confucius Temple and is the residence of Confucius' direct descendants. First built in the 10th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1377), renovated and expanded in the 16th year of Hongzhi (1503), and further expanded in the 18th year of Daoguang (1838). The seven buildings in the inner residence that were destroyed by fire were rebuilt in the 11th year of Guangxu (1885). After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the government has allocated funds for renovation many times, and it is now well preserved as a key national cultural relic protection unit.
Confucius Cemetery
Originally known as the Zhisheng Forest, it is located 1.5 kilometers north of Qufu City, Shandong Province. It is the family cemetery of Confucius and his descendants, and the longest continuously existing family cemetery in the world. Confucius died on the day of Yichou in the fourth month of the 16th year of Duke Ai of Lu (479 BC) and was buried on the north bank of the Si River in the north of Lu City. His descendants were buried next to his tomb, forming today's Confucius Cemetery. Since Zigong planted trees for Confucius' mausoleum, there have been more than 10,000 ancient trees in Confucius Cemetery.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Shangri-La Hotel Qufu
  • Qufu Queli Hotel
  • Mingzuo Xingtan Hotel Qufu
Food Recommendations
  • Confucius Mansion Banquet
  • Qufu Smoked Tofu
  • Confucius Mansion Pastries
Travel Tips
  • It is recommended to hire a tour guide to explain Confucian culture
  • Confucius Cemetery is large, you can take an electric cart
  • Respect Confucian culture and pay attention to words and deeds
04
Qingdao Coastal Scenery
Zhanqiao Pier · Badaguan Scenic Area · Laoshan Mountain
Itinerary Highlights

Travel to the beautiful coastal city of Qingdao. First, visit Zhanqiao Pier, the symbol of Qingdao, and feel the comfort of the sea breeze blowing on your face. Then tour the Badaguan Scenic Area to admire the buildings of various national styles and the beautiful environment. In the afternoon, go to Laoshan Mountain to experience the unique charm of the "No.1 Mountain on the Sea", visit Taiqing Palace and learn about Taoist culture.

Attraction Arrangement
Zhanqiao Pier
One of the scenic spots in Qingdao Coastal Scenic Area, it is a national key scenic spot announced by the State Council in 1982, and also one of the first batch of national AAAA-level tourist attractions. Zhanqiao Pier is located at the southern end of the bustling Zhongshan Road in Qingdao, with its body extending into the crescent-shaped Qingdao Bay like a curved moon. The pier is open to visitors and berths for tourist boats, from which you can take a boat to see Qingdao on the sea.
Badaguan Scenic Area
Located in the east of Huiquan, Shinan District, Qingdao City, at the southern foot of Taiping Mountain, it was first built in the 1930s and is a famous scenic sanatorium in China, covering an area of more than 70 hectares. Badaguan is the scenic area that best embodies Qingdao's characteristics of "red tiles, green trees, blue sea and blue sky". The so-called "Badaguan" (Eight Great Passes) is because there are eight roads here (now increased to ten), named after the famous passes of the ancient Great Wall of China.
Laoshan Mountain
Located in the east of Qingdao City, it was also known as Laoshan, Laoshan and Aoshan in ancient times. It is the main mountain range of the Shandong Peninsula. The highest peak of Laoshan Mountain is called Jufeng (Laoshan Top), located at 36°10′N and 120°37′E, with an altitude of 1132.7 meters and a peak area of about 1.5 square kilometers, which is the main peak of Laoshan Mountain. Laoshan Mountain is the highest peak on the Chinese coastline, known as the "No.1 Mountain on the Sea".
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • InterContinental Qingdao
  • Shangri-La Hotel Qingdao
  • Qingdao Seaview Garden Hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Qingdao Beer with Seafood
  • Spanish Mackerel Dumplings
  • Spicy Stir-Fried Clams
Travel Tips
  • The wind is strong on the Qingdao coast, pay attention to windproof and warm-keeping
  • Pay attention to the freshness when tasting seafood
  • Laoshan Scenic Area is large, it is recommended to arrange sufficient time
05
Qingdao City Exploration
May Fourth Square · Beer Museum · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, visit May Fourth Square, the iconic square of Qingdao, admire the "Wind of May Fourth" sculpture, and learn about the historical culture of Qingdao. Then go to the Tsingtao Beer Museum to learn about the century-old history and brewing process of Tsingtao Beer, and taste fresh draft beer. In the afternoon, go to the airport or railway station according to the flight or train schedule to end the pleasant Shandong trip.

Attraction Arrangement
May Fourth Square
May Fourth Square is located on West Donghai Road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, leaning against the office building of the Qingdao Municipal People's Government in the north and facing Fushan Bay in the south, with a total area of 10 hectares. May Fourth Square is named after Qingdao being the trigger of the great May Fourth Movement in modern Chinese history, intended to carry forward the patriotic spirit of the May Fourth Movement, encourage people to work hard and welcome the arrival of the new century.
Tsingtao Beer Museum
The Tsingtao Beer Museum is the only beer museum in China invested 28 million yuan by Tsingtao Brewery Co., Ltd., with an exhibition area of more than 6,000 square meters. The museum is set up in the century-old old factory buildings and equipment of Tsingtao Beer, taking the century-old history and technological process of Tsingtao Beer as the main line, condensing the development history of China's beer industry and Tsingtao Beer.
Seafood Market
Qingdao's seafood markets are a great place to experience local life. Here you can buy a variety of fresh seafood products, such as clams, scallops, conches, crabs, shrimps, etc. There are also processing restaurants in the market where you can process and taste on site to experience the most authentic Qingdao seafood cuisine. It is recommended to visit Tuandao Farmers' Market or Nanshan Market.
Practical Information
Shopping Recommendations
  • Tsingtao Beer Souvenirs
  • Dried Seafood
  • Laoshan Green Tea
Food Recommendations
  • Qingdao Pot Stickers
  • Seafood Feast
  • Grilled Skewers with Beer
Travel Tips
  • Allow plenty of time to go to the airport/station
  • Pay attention to the shelf life when buying souvenirs
  • Sort out travel photos and souvenirs
Budget Reference
  • Transportation: ¥800-¥1200
  • Accommodation: ¥1000-¥1500
  • Catering: ¥600-¥800
  • Ticket Fees: ¥400-¥600
  • Other Expenses: ¥200-¥400
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (Mar-May): Pleasant climate, flowers blooming all over the city
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Cool coastal area, suitable for summer vacation
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Clear sky and fresh air, pleasant scenery
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Fewer tourists, lower costs
Pre-trip Preparation
  • Valid documents such as ID card and student ID
  • Comfortable hiking shoes and sportswear
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat
  • Common medicines and personal care products
  • Electronic devices such as camera and power bank