Experience Shandong’s Must-See Sights for Every Traveler
Long to delve into something of China that has its history, its geography, and its old-world ways of life? Shandong is heaven for explorers, whether they want to explore ancient thinking, dramatic vistas, or native ways of life. Check out below these Shandong must-see attractions, and where is your vacation headed?
Mount Tai – Most Revered Mountain of China
Mount Tai (Taishan) is first for very good reasons: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classical China most spiritually religious mountain peak. For more than 3,000 years, emperors have trodden its peaceful stone steps for performing rites within its ancient temples. Hiking trekkers are rewarded with magnificent sunrise views and antique curious carvings along the way, or cable cars for an easy lift for those who prefer.
Confucius Temple and Mansions, Qufu
Walk where Confucius walked. See the great Confucius Temple with carved decor and tribute, the Kong Family Mansion, and the peaceful Confucius Cemetery, where the great man and his heirs were buried. These sites in combination give a bright vision of China and its biggest philosopher as well as the dynasty which he created.
Badaguan Scenic Area, Qingdao
Walking along Badaguan, Qingdao, there is an alleyway naturally lined up by over 200 villas designed with world styles, German, Russian, French, etc. Tree-shaded alleys, flowering plants, and sea breeze makes that “World Architecture Museum” the most suitable place for leisure strolling and free photo shoots.
Laoshan Scenic Area
Laoshan also features granite slopes that drop down into the sea, and its scenery is only rivalled by its religious heritage as the origin of Taoism. Hike lush trails down to spring water crystal-clear, explore mythical Taoist temples, and enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery. Sample Laoshan’s mythic mineral water too.
Baotu Spring of Jinan
Also called the “First Spring Under Heaven,” Jinan’s most famous of 72 natural artesian springs is the Baotu Spring. Water surges forth from the ground with marvelous purity under pavilions and melancholy willows within that peaceful park amidst the bustling capital city. It is where folks have their teas and converse, constituting the ideal viewing area for daily life.
Fourth May Square, Qingdao
A traditional people-watching, sea breeze, and sunset panorama of gorgeous nightlight, the vibrant city center is also where you can find statues, murals, and fountains. Towering above the bay, the beautiful red statue, “May Wind,” is held up by city skyline and the Olympic Sailing Center—the perfect place for sunset promenade or photo op.
Weifang Kite Museum
Also called the “Kite Capital of the World,” Weifang is where you can have your eyes widen as you look upon kites of all shapes, colors, and sizes, traditional dragon kites to modern kites from Asia, Europe, and America. See them, of course, in April as part of the International Kite Festival—a rainbow of colors as awe-inspiring across the skies.
Daming Lake of Jinan
A serene escape from the city, Daming Lake is nourished by the numerous springs of Jinan and is lined by lotus flowers, old pavilions, and trees. Boat rides also offer serene city skyline and ancient tower views, for there is dancing, music, and glowing lanterns as festivals come alive for the region.
Zhoucun Ancient City
Step back into history in Zhoucun, the “living museum” of old alleys, ancient courtyards, and antique shops that has been preserved in Zibo. Even on ancient days, merchants swarmed here. You can walk cobble alleys today and look out on intricately ornamented old storehouses of wood, envisioning the busy history of the old spice and silk road.
Qingdao Beer Museum
Here, in an old 1903 Tsingtao Brewery, is an ancient-world museum of antique brewing gear, offbeat souvenirs, and even century-old export documentation. Discover German and local techniques of producing one of China’s most iconic lagers, and sample Qingdao’s boisterous beer heritage.
Rizhao Beaches and Park
Rizhao is also nicknamed the “City of Sunshine” for good reason. The beaches are miles of clear, golden, sand and gentle swimmable waves. The woodland sea parks can be found which consist of the trails in the woods under the shade of the tree to cycle and have picnics as well as the boardwalks that are full of life after the sunset with the sound of music and the food stalls.
