Laoshan Mountain Scenic Area, Qingdao

崂山景区 （Laoshan Jingqu）

Laoshan Mountain in Qingdao, Shandong province.[Photo/qdlaoshan.cn]

Laoshan Mountain in Qingdao, Shandong province, with its tallest peak rising 1,132.7 meters above the surrounding plateau and bordering Laoshan Bay in the east and close by the Yellow Sea in the south, is known as the "first famous maritime mountain", paying homage to the fact that it is the highest mountain on the coast of China.

A clear stream flows across Laoshan Mountain. [Photo/qdlaoshan.cn]

The mountain has both stunning views and a varied history. It has an abundance of verdant trees, some of which have longer histories than most nations, including cypresses dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), elms from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and gingkoes from the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

Besides, the mountain has rocks that vary in shape so much that they can look like humans or animals, while others are known as "Beauty Rock" or "Fingers Rock". It is also known for its mineral water, which is said to invigorate digestion and circulation – perhaps one of the reasons Tsingtao Beer is so popular.

Laoshan Taoism has a very long history. It exerted a great influence as early as 2,300 years ago, but the Laoshan School of Taoism was formally founded by Zhang Lianfu in 140 BC. Dating back 2,100 years, Taiqing Palace is the oldest and largest Taoist temple on Laoshan Mountain. Built during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), the complex reached its current size – 30,000 square meters with 147 structures – during the Song Dynasty.

Taiqing Palace in autumn [Photo/qdlaoshan.cn]

The famous writer Pu Songling (1640-1715) in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) once visited Laoshan Mountain and was inspired to write two famous novels, Fragrant Jade and The Taoist of Laoshan Mountain.

Fragrant Jade is about flowers changing into girls and falling in love with a young man. The Taoist of Laoshan Mountain describes a Taoist who gained the ability to pass through walls.

Scenic spot level: AAAAA

Ideal sightseeing season: March to November

Opening hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm

Ticket price: 180 yuan ($26.09) from April 1 to Dec 31

                      120 yuan from Jan 1 to March 31

Address: No 29 Meiling Road, Laoshan district, Qingdao, Shandong

Website: http://www.qdlaoshan.cn/Index-index.html (Chinese)

Online booking: http://dp.qdlaoshan.cn/fore/index?code=949418#/  

Note:

1. Wear comfortable and warm clothes when climbing the mountains.

2. Read the detailed information on different traveling routes on the mountains.

3. Buy travel insurance.