Mt. Laoshan
» Qingdao, Shan Dong

崂山,鳌山 山海相连,山光海色

Located to the east of Qingdao, the tall and majestic Mt. Laoshan is famous for its marvelous mountainous scenery and coastal landscape. It also holds significant importance in Taoism and is the most recognized mountain of all mountains on the coast of China. Overlooking the sea, the mountain is characterized by the imposing canyon and undulating peaks and mystery mist. Thus it is a must to see when traveling in Qingdao.

Have a look

With its highest peak rising 1,133 meters above sea level, Mt. Laoshan is situated on the southeastern Shangdong peninsula. It has a coastline of 87.3 kilometers, with 13 bays and 18 islets nearby. The entire mountain covers 446 square kilometers.

A mysterious mountain

The mountain also holds significant importance in Taoism. Legend has it that some 2,500 years ago, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C. - 206 B.C.) came here hoping to meet immortals, and later so did Emperor Wudi of the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.), giving a mysterious air to Mt. Laoshan.

A famous ghost story teller

The Western Memorial Temple for Guan Yu and Yue Fei in the Sanqing Palace is a must for visitors to Mt. Laoshan, because it was formerly a residence of Mr. Pu Songling(1644 - 1911). The famous ghost story teller based the background of his legends on this mountain for those supernatural spirits' activities.

Crystal-clear springs

Mt. Laoshan is known for its oddly shaped rocks, ancient trees, and crystal-clear springs. Among the most famous springs are the Tianyi Spring on the mountaintop, the Shenshui (Immortal Water) Spring in the Taiqing Palace, and the Shengshuiyang (Ocean of Holy Water) Spring in the Shangqing Palace. And Laoshan mineral water is a specialty of Mt. Laoshan. People say the mineral water produced here can cure chronic diseases.

Getting around

Rambling along a stone-planked path on the mountainside, you will be touched by both huge tides on the sea and lush pine trees and misshaped rocks on the shore, and will thus feel broad-minded and relaxed. As the most famous mountain on the coast Mt. Laoshan caters well for tourists. Three lines lead the visitors to so many scenic spots including historical and natural points of interest.

The Southern Line

On the first line there are not only marvelous landscapes but also sacred Taoist Palaces. Significant points of interest include the Taiqing Palace, Xufu Islet and Longtan Waterfall (Dragon Pond Waterfall). The Taoist culture and temples of Mt. Laoshan are very famous.

The Taiqing Palace

At the peak of Taoism, it was said that there were nine palaces, eight temples and seventy-two nunneries. The number of Taoist had reached above one thousand. While later many buildings were destroyed, amongst those still remaining the Taiqing Palace is the largest and oldest among the preserved Taoist establishments. First built in the early Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127), the palace has a history of nearly 1,000 years and features a simple architectural style, which is quite rare in religious architectures in China. It is surrounded by countless scenic spots and is the center of the entire tourist area.

Getting there

By Bus: No. 304 at the railway station and at the ferry; No. 106 at Licun (a village).

The Central Line-Beijiushui

The second line mainly focuses on Beijiushui. The name Beijiushui derives its meaning from the mountain that has nine crooks, thus making the river turn nine times. The river starts from the north side of the Ju Peak (the highest peak of Mt. Laoshan) and flows into the valley. So many beautiful things are on this line that it is called "the Jiushui Gallery."

At every corner, totally different sights can be found. The current here is rather swift while further on the river flows very slowly. The flowers, trees and odd rocks on both sides of the river emphasize the elegant beauty of the water. The most famous sight of Beijiushui is Chaoyin Waterfall. During the rainy season the waterfall is quite majestic. The water crashes against the rocks, producing a huge sound similar to waves crashing against the seashore.

Getting there

By Bus: No. 311 at the railway station and at the ferry; No. 107 at Licun (a village); the tour bus at Huaneng Square.

The Eastern Line

The third line includes the Taiping Palace, the Lion Peak, Huayan Temple, Naluoyan Cavern and other sights.

Naluoyan Buddha Cavern

Naluoyan Buddha Cavern is one such scene. It is located in the Naluoyan Hill to the east of Mt. Laoshan. It is a natural granite cavern 7 meters (about 23 feet) wide and 15 meters (about 49 feet) high. More than 100 people can stand inside at one time. Its structure is quite unique. The smooth walls and flat ground are just as they were pared. On the wall of the cavern protrudes a thin stone, like a Buddha niche. At the top of the cavern is a round and smooth hole. It was said that the hole was made by the supernatural power of Naluoyan Buddha. Through this hole sunlight can enter thus lightening the whole cavern.

Getting there

By bus: No. 312 at the railway station and at the ferry; No. 123 at Licun (a village) from; the tour bus at Huaneng Square.

Something to suggest

The best time to travel the mountain is from June to September. The average temperature of Mt. Laoshan is about 20 centigrade to 28 centigrade and there are few clouds around it. This time is suitable for tourists to climb the main peak of the mountain.

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

  Weather

  1. How about the climate of Qingdao?
  2. When is the best time to visit Qingdao?

  Transportation

  1. If you drive, here are some tips

  Travel

  1. What happened to the street names?

  Customs

  1. Something about Qingdao International Beer Festival

  Other Hints

  1. Notice this when you ask for directions
  2. Check this out: tips for packing
  3. Important inquiry numbers
  • How about the climate of Qingdao?

    All four seasons in Qingdao are mild without extreme cold or hot temperatures. Qingdao air is temperate and humid with abundant rainfall, and the temperature differences during a day are slight.

    The hottest season is in August with the average temperature of 25.1C (77.2F) and the coldest in January with the average temperature of 0.9C below zero (30.4F). Autumn and winter in Qingdao are windy; in winter the temperature drops below zero centigrade, although the sea does not freeze. Winter swimming challenges the courageous.


  • When is the best time to visit Qingdao?

    Generally the golden travel period is from the end of March to early November. The last ten days of August are the best times for seaside traveling due to the mild seawater temperature.


  • If you drive, here are some tips

    Qingdao is an island city with special street layouts; many roads are one-way to reduce transportation pressures.


  • What happened to the street names?

    Streets and lanes are named with the names of Chinese cities or provinces -- Beijing Road, Shanghai Road, Hunan Road, Guangxi Road, and so on.


  • Something about Qingdao International Beer Festival

    Qingdao International Beer Festival

    Established in 1991, the Qingdao International Beer Festival has been held 15 times, beginning the second weekend of August and lasting 16 days.

    During the festival, the whole city is in great revelry. Beer drinking competitions, parties, entertainment and trade exhibitions stimulate interest. Dozens of beer companies from all over the world join the festival. Beer products and cultures from Germany and Korea are introduced into China, and interaction which enriches the Chinese beer market and enhances the cooperation of Chinese and foreign beer companies.


  • Notice this when you ask for directions

    People in Qingdao do not describe directions as east, west, south or north but as front, behind, left and right. If you ask the way in Qingdao, the answer goes like this: 'Go forward, via the slope, turn right and it is at the left of the road.'


  • Check this out: tips for packing

    1. A portable cup, skin care products, a multiple-use knife and common medicines such as medicines for colds, diarrhea, wounds, carsickness, and mosquito bites, etc.

    2. Clothes: even during summer, take long-sleeved clothes for the cool climate here and also a swimsuit and shorts for swimming in the sea.

    3. Shoes: Boots are convenient for mountain climbing or hiking a long distance. Slipper sandals are also necessary.

    4. Suntan items: suntan oil and sunglasses


  • Important inquiry numbers:

    Mayor's public telephone number: 12345
    Tourists' complaint: 0532-85912000
    Taxi complaint: 0532-82817777


Facing the Yellow Sea, boasting both mountainous and coastal scenery, Mt. Laoshan is one of China's major scenic resorts and has long held the reputation as the No. 1 Famous Mountain on the Sea.

Tour Highlights

» 1 tourCity Tours

»»For exploration of Mt. Laoshan, check out 1 tour ...

Related Guides



phone U.S.A. +1 (310) 997-0051 / +1 (310) 878-2934
Canada +1 (604) 998-6945
China +86 (10) 8409-8570 / +86 (10) 8409-8571
email info@yeschinatour.commsn: help@yeschinatour.com