Beijiushui

Historic Villas and Mansions Tour

3-5 hours

Laoshan Mountain

A must-visit in Qingdao. The Jiushui on the upper reaches of the Baisha River winds around the foot of the mountain in nine bends, so anyone walking the riverside path must wade across the water nine times. Each crossing counts as one “shui” (water), hence the name Jiushui, or “Nine Waters.” Jiushui is divided into three sections: Inner Jiushui, Outer Jiushui (Beijiushui, or North Jiushui) and South Jiushui. Huayan Temple is the only Buddhist temple still standing in Laoshan. Taiping Palace, also known as Shangyuan, was a Taoist sanctuary built by imperial decree of Emperor Taizu of the Song dynasty for the Taoist master Liu Ruozhuo, who was titled Huagai Zhenren. It was rebuilt during the Mingchang era of the Jin dynasty and is famed for the scene “Lion Ridge Crossed by Clouds.”

1. South Route Scenic Area (including Jufeng Peak): peak season ¥90, off-season ¥60; Jiushui Scenic Area: peak season ¥90, off-season ¥40; combined ticket: peak season ¥140, off-season ¥90 2. Jufeng cable car one way ¥40; Yangkou cable car one way ¥35; Taiqing cable car one way ¥45 3. Taiqing Palace is a paid Taoist temple; ticket ¥27 · 1–2 days

Langya Terrace

Langya Terrace is famous for Qin Shi Huang's three visits. Here you can walk the imperial road Qin Shi Huang once travelled up to the terrace and feel the sense of a fairy mountain by the sea. From the top, you can take in the sea all around, making it an excellent spot for watching the sunrise over the ocean. After coming down, stroll over to Longwan Beach, where the water is deep blue and the sands are broad, ideal for photos.

¥50 · 3–4 hours

Qingdao Polar Ocean World

This is the venue in China with the most complete variety and largest number of polar marine animals. It is ideal for families with children: the simulated polar environment features ice caves, Inuit snow houses and more, along with exciting animal shows. It is a great place for kids to broaden their horizons.

¥280 (Ocean Park + Ice and Snow World) · 3–4 hours

Golden Sand Beach

Golden Sand Beach has clear seawater and fine sand, and it is one of Qingdao's most beautiful beaches, with its waves. The beach is especially magical under the moonlight. The local seafood is exceptionally nutritious, most famously sea cucumber, abalone and crab, so be sure to try them while you are here.

Free · 2–3 hours

Badaguan

The scenic area that best captures Qingdao's character of "red roofs, green trees, blue sea and blue sky." It is called "Badaguan" (Eight Great Passes) because it originally had 8 roads (now 10) named after eight mountain passes, such as Shaoguan Road, Jiayuguan Road and Hanguguan Road. These ten roads cross each other to form a scenic area several square li across. The buildings here draw on the architectural styles of more than 20 European and American countries, earning it the nickname "Exhibition of Architecture from Around the World."

All-access pass ¥50 · 1–3 hours