4 Days Qingdao Tour with Laoshan Mountain: Beer, Seafood & Coastal View

Welcome to Qingdao! Upon arrival in Qingdao by air or high-speed train, you’ll be greeted by our local guide and driver at the airport or train station. They’ll transfer you to your downtown hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring this captivating seaside city at your own pace.

Why Qingdao? Located in Shandong Province, Qingdao is a charming coastal city blending modern leisure with European heritage. Known as “China’s Little Europe,” Qingdao boasts well-preserved German architecture and vibrant beer culture, home to the globally celebrated Tsingtao Beer. Here, you’ll enjoy “Leisure + Seafood + Beer” life to the most. The best time to visit Qingdao is during the Qingdao Beer Festival, which runs from mid-July to mid-August. You'll get to enjoy "Asia's largest beer festival"!

Qingdao Arrival Options (Choose Your Way):

• By Air: Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport is 61.6 km from downtown (1-1.5 hours' drive), with direct flights linking major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Chengdu.
• By Train: Qingdao is easily accessible via high-speed rail: Beijing (3 hrs), Shanghai (4-5 hrs), Tai’an (2-3 hrs), and Jinan (1.5 hrs). You’d choose Qingdao Railway Station for first choice which is close to the downtown area.

After breakfast, you will have enjoyable tour in Qingdao! First, explore Zhanqiao Pier (栈桥). Look afar, it look like rainbow across the waves. Step on this 440-meter-long pier, you will enjoy vast sea view, embrace the gentle breeze, listen to rhythmic sounds of the waves. Walk to the Huilancan Pavilion with red-tiled roof, and look back for beautiful view of "red tiles, green trees, blue sea, and blue sky". And Xiao Qingdao Island also in your sight. (Tip: if you come in winter, numerous seagulls are flying freely on the calm emerald water. Great for photos.)

Later, move to the Museum of the Former German Governor’s House (青岛德国总督官邸旧址). First built in 1905, it has witnessed Qingdao’s centennial history. It was originally the residence of the governor of Jiaozhou Bay during the German occupation. Appreciate its striking outlook - the Stone Building, which blends German Wilhelminian Era New Romanesque architecture.

In this afternoon, you will reach Xiaoyushan Park (小鱼山). This is the best spot in Qingdao to take breathtaking panoramic photos of the city, coastline and sea. Enjoy short walk up to the hill, and the "Yu" (Fish) Emblem (the Chinese character "Yu," meaning fish) will catch your eyes. Climb up the main highlight of the park - Lanchao Pavilion. You will have peaceful time to enjoy 360-degree views. From here, the nearby scenery unfolds: Huiquan Bay, Zhaoqiao Pier, and the Golden Sandy Beaches. As you take in the surroundings, a poetic scene will unfold before your eyes: "red tiles, green trees, blue sea, and blue sky" - a harmonious landscape with charming houses scattered across it. Very romantic!

Later, dive deeper to explore Qingdao city. You will take a look at the iconic and beautiful St. Michael's Cathedral (天主教堂). Yellow granite, red-tiled conical spires, Neo-Romanesque architecture, and rose window - it's truly elegant! Take some photos here.

After enjoying the beautiful view, let's experience Qingdao life! Have great time at Dabaodao Cultural Block (大鲍岛文化街区). This trending spot in Qingdao is perfect for experiencing local life and taking photos. It's an open-air architectural museum, centered around 187 "Li-yuan" building complexes that blend Chinese and Western architectural styles. Stroll leisurely on the streets, and you can feel the vibrant, trendy youth culture as you shop for unique crafts, discover art galleries, enjoy live music venues, and find authentic local Qingdao dishes.

After the tour, be escorted back to your hotel in Qingdao.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Today, you will visit the Laoshan Scenic Area (崂山风景区). This mountain, a great place favored by immortals with its "grotto-heavens and blessed lands" in ancient times, offers unique "mountain in the sea, sea in the mountain" scenery. You'll also explore one of the birthplaces and cradles of Taoism.

Laoshan Mountain Visiting Route: Tourist Center - Bashui River - Longtan Waterfall - Shangqing Palace - Mingxia Cave - Cable Car down - Taiqing Palace

Drive 30km northeast of Qingdao city to Laoshan Mountain and its Taiqing Scenic Area. Upon arrival, you will first be impressed by the giant statue of Laozi, the founder of Taoism. This 36-meter-tall statue depicts Laozi with his left index finger pointing to the sky and his right pointing to the ground, symbolizing "creating heaven and earth, with the Dao as supreme." As you view this statue, you can ponder the wisdom of Laozi's Tao Te Ching and contemplate the state of "harmony between man and nature."

Your sightseeing journey starts with a nice hike from Bashui River to Longtan Waterfall. Bashui River is named after the eight streams converging into it, and Longtan Waterfall is one of these streams. During your hike, you'll enjoy views of waterfalls, peaks, rocks, and various plants, as well as the Yellow Sea from different perspectives. Then, you will continue your hike to Shangqing Palace and Mingxia Cave, two featured Taoist temples. From Mingxia Cave, you'll get a breathtaking view of the mountain and sea from above. After this amazing sightseeing trip, you will take a cable car down to Taiqing Palace, the largest Taoist temple and the Taoism communication center in Qingdao.

After enjoying the coast view and mountain hike, let's get back to Qingdao city. You'll fully stroll and enjoy your time at Taidong Pedestrian Street (台东步行街夜市). This is ood paradise where you can experience the "Seafood + Beer" lifestyle. Be sure to try Qingdao flavors like Grilled Squid, Pork Ribs with Rice, and Seafood BBQ.

After the happy time, be transferred back to your hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy your last day in Qingdao to experience its beer culture and coastal views.

Your first stop is the Qingdao Beer Museum (啤酒博物馆). Cool experience for beer lovers! Dive into the history and production of Tsingtao Beer, one of China's most famous brews. On this site, you'll first see the iconic beer bottles dotted around the factory and learn about Tsingtao Beer's century-old history. Visit the Production Process Area to see the actual brewing equipment and workshops from 100 years ago, alongside modern production lines. This section vividly explains the brewing process, from ingredients like barley and hops to fermentation and bottling. Besides watching, you'll also get to taste! Sample fresh Tsingtao beer straight from the production line.

Later, move to Badaguan Scenic Area (八大关), known as the "Museum of International Architecture." Here, you'll enjoy a diverse collection of European-style villas, with each one telling a story of Qingdao's colonial past.

Explore from north to south, strolling through tree-lined streets and admiring over 200 villas built in the architectural styles of more than 20 different countries, including German, Russian, French, British, American, and Danish. You won't want to miss the Princess House, a delicate Danish-style villa that looks straight out of a fairy tale, famous for having hosted Princess Margrethe of Denmark. Also, see the Huashi Building (Flower Stone House), a European-style castle built with granite and cobblestones.

Your trip will be followed by a visit to Qingdao Second Bathing Beach (青岛第二海水浴场), located just south of Badaguan. It's often considered one of Qingdao's most charming and tranquil bathing spots. Its less crowded, more peaceful, and relaxed environment will truly attract you. Take a leisurely stroll on the soft sand, or simply lay out, soak up the sun, and listen to the gentle waves. This is also a great spot for taking photos.

After the tour, it's time to end your 4-day Qingdao tour. Our guide and driver will escort you to the airport or train station for your departure to your next destination!

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Shandong tour. See you next time!