2025 Laiyang Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

The first dinosaur in China and the representative dinosaur of this region, the ‘Qintaosaurus’ This fossil site is strictly speaking located in Laiyang (莱阳), Yantai City (烟台市), not Qingdao. This creature, which was called ‘Secret Qingdao Dragon’ in Chinese, was given the name ‘Secret’ because it had a horn-like crown on its head. It is said that the reason it was named ‘Qintao’ instead of Qingdao Dragon was due to an error in the Romanization method. Also, the regional name seems to be because Qingdao is geographically closer than Yantai, which it belongs to. It is also known that the ‘Qintaosaurus’ lived on the Korean Peninsula. Until the 1950s, when this dinosaur was excavated here, there had never been a dinosaur bone excavated this complete in the history of Chinese excavations, and it was said to be an extremely rare area where dinosaur eggs and dinosaur fossils were found together. However, there are no other auxiliary facilities around, it is a vast plain, and the size of the site is small, so there are few general tourists, and unless you are a paleontologist, it is difficult for ordinary people to feel anything special when they go there. Inside the convexly covered transparent bubble, the fossils that were found in pieces are on display. #China #ChinaTravel #DinosaurFossil #RelicSite #Qintaosaurus #Yantai #Laiyang #QingdaoTravel

Title: Rich Autumn Flavors in Laiyang, Thousand-Year Ginkgo Golden, Pear Orchards Covered in Golden Frost 🍁 Yantai, Shandong · Laiyang City Complete Guide to Autumn Viewing While people chase fiery red leaves, Laiyang’s autumn quietly amazes the North in another way—here there are no noisy crowds, but thousand-year-old ancient ginkgo trees shower golden rain, century-old pear orchards wear autumn frost, rice fields ripple in the countryside, and colorful leaves paint the mountain forests. Known as the "Pear Capital of China" and the hometown of dinosaurs, Laiyang’s autumn is a blend of poetry and wild charm, a feast for both the eyes and the palate. 📅 1. Best Time to Enjoy Autumn Late October to mid-November The peak ginkgo yellow leaf period is in early November, while pear tree leaves change color until mid to late November. The climate is cool and pleasant, perfect for slow, immersive travel. 🍂 2. Six Must-Visit Autumn Spots Jingyang Mountain Ancient Ginkgo Group | Thousand-Year Golden Leaves Dance in the Autumn Breeze Laiyang’s most stunning autumn landmark! Located at the foot of Jingyang Mountain in Fenggezhuang Street, there are more than ten ancient ginkgo trees over 500 years old, including the "Ginkgo King," which is over a thousand years old, more than 30 meters tall, with a canopy like a giant umbrella. In late autumn, the trees turn golden, fallen leaves pile thick like a carpet, and sunlight filtering through the leaves looks like golden rain falling to earth. 📸 Must-shoot: panoramic shots of ancient trees, children running and kicking up leaves, backlit silhouettes 🚗 Transportation: about 20 minutes by car from downtown, navigate to "Jingyang Mountain Ancient Ginkgo Forest" Wulong River Scenic Area | Autumn Waters Blend with the Vast Sky The mother river of Laiyang flows through the city; in autumn, the reeds on both banks turn yellow and sway like snowy waves. The river sparkles, egrets fly low, and the plane and willow trees along the shore gradually turn yellow, creating a peaceful waterfront autumn scene. Evening walks or cycling with a gentle breeze slow down your pace and calm your heart. 🌆 Highlights: sunset silhouettes, family birdwatching, riverside wooden boardwalk strolls 📍 Location: southeast section of the city, free admission Zhuocun Cherry Blossom Avenue (Autumn Edition) | A Gorgeous Transformation from Spring Pink to Autumn Gold Famous for cherry blossoms, this 3-kilometer-long avenue is equally charming in autumn. Tall ginkgo and London plane trees line both sides, forming a golden tunnel in late autumn. Vehicles passing by stir up falling leaves, like a movie scene. Visit early morning or before dusk for dappled light and excellent photo opportunities. 📷 Photo tips: low-angle upward shots + telephoto lens to compress space 🚶 Suitable for: cycling, photography, romantic strolls Xuefang Town Pear Orchard Autumn Scenery | Century-Old Trees with Bare Branches, Quiet and Picturesque One of the core production areas of the "Pear Capital of China." After the October harvest, the pear orchards remain lively. Old pear trees have gnarled branches; as autumn leaves turn yellow and slowly fall, the remaining leaves cling to branches, creating a traditional Chinese painting-like scene against the blue sky. Haystacks line the field ridges, farmers sit chatting leisurely, evoking pastoral poetry. 🍐 Experiences: adopt a pear tree, make dried pears, taste hot pear water 📍 Recommended villages: Xichengyang Village, Nanguanzhuang Village area Chishan Provincial Forest Park | A Hidden Colorful Forest Secret in the Suburbs A little-known ecological treasure with over 85% forest coverage. In autumn, layers of maple, oak, and smoke tree leaves create a palette of colors. From the summit of "Wanghai Peak," you can overlook the Wulong River estuary. The mountain breeze is crisp and refreshing. 🌲 Activities: hiking, forest meditation, wildlife observation 💡 Tips: undeveloped on a large scale, ideal for travelers who love pristine nature Dinosaur Park | An Autumn Adventure Through Time A rare dinosaur-themed city park in the country, featuring numerous dinosaur sculptures hidden among autumn-colored trees. Children wandering here feel like stepping into a prehistoric world. The autumn grass turns yellow, trees are colorful, blending technology and natural beauty wonderfully. 🦖 Highlights: family interaction zone, science exhibition hall, nighttime light show 🎟️ Admission: free, perfect for family weekend outings 🍱 3. Laiyang Autumn Limited Delicacies Laiyang Pear Stewed with Rock Sugar: locally grown Cilin Temple pears are sweet and lung-nourishing, a must-have health dessert in autumn and winter Mutton Offal Soup with Fire-Baked Bread: a street old brand, warming and relieving cold, recommended at "Old Street Mutton Soup Restaurant" Sweet Potato Porridge + Scallion Pancake Roll: a farmhouse breakfast staple, hearty and flavorful Crispy Pot: a traditional Jiaodong New Year dish, also served in autumn and winter, with a perfect balance of sour, sweet, salty, and savory 📸 4. Photo Tips Jingyang Mountain Ginkgo: wear white or red long dresses, capture the moment leaves fall Zhuocun Avenue: use the "golden tunnel" leading lines for composition, shoot backlit portraits Pear Orchards: use a wide-angle lens to highlight the contrast between the gnarled old branches and the sky Dinosaur Park: capture family interactions with the autumn forest background for more fun 🚗 5. Recommended Itinerary (2 days 1 night) Day 1: Visit Jingyang Mountain for ginkgo viewing → lunch (farmhouse feast) → Zhuocun Golden Avenue → overnight at a boutique hotel in the city Day 2: Experience Xuefang Pear Orchard → hike in Chishan Forest Park → evening visit to Dinosaur Park → return trip This autumn, don’t just focus on popular spots. Come to Laiyang, see thousand-year-old ginkgo leaves fall where Buddha once stood, hear the wind play a quiet autumn song in the pear orchards, and between a city of pear fragrance and golden leaves, discover a seriously underrated Jiaodong autumn.

Senbei Campground🌟 📍Address: Inside Northern Botanical Garden, Laiyang City, Shandong ⏰Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Recommended to spend half a day to a full day) Finally discovered an amazing place to take the kids this weekend! Senbei Campground is perfect for family trips~ Plus, you can learn a ton about plants, truly a natural education treasure! 🌱【Plant Study Mini Class】 ▪️636 rare plant species + 1500 herbaceous plants in the garden ▪️Immersive challenge games! Who understands the joy of learning while playing ▪️DIY Experiences: ✔️Plant aromatherapy cup making (super soothing) ✔️Seed collecting (every kid becomes a little scientist) 👨👩👧👦【Super Fun Parent-Child Interaction】 ▫️Parent-child hiking trails (great for photos and check-ins) ▫️Outdoor picnic experience (bring your own ingredients, very fun) ▫️Non-motorized playground (a great place to free parents’ hands) 🌍【Nature Education Challenges】 There’s a super fun Earth sample mission here! Complete 6 challenges: ✓Herb scent identification ✓Tree observation ✓......(and more surprises waiting for you to discover) Collect all stamps to redeem a mysterious small gift🎁 💡Tips: ✔️Book in advance for better discounts｜ ✔️Best flower viewing season in spring: March to May｜ ✔️Must-have sunscreen and sports shoes｜ ✔️Picnic area has dedicated water sources and kitchenware rentals

Transportation Guide 👉External Transportation: You can take the high-speed rail🚄 to Laiyang Station or drive🚗 via the Qingyin Expressway and exit at Laiyang. ✨Internal Transportation: In Laiyang city, you can opt for shared e-bikes🛵 (¥3 for 45 minutes) or use the "Laiyang Bus Card" available on Alipay to take buses🚃, with free transfers within 1 hour. Attraction Recommendations 🤗 Laiyang Cretaceous National Geopark: ⛳ Located in Jingangkou Village, Lügezhuang Town, Laiyang, this is a national AAAA-level scenic spot. It features well-preserved Cretaceous strata rich in dinosaur and dinosaur egg fossils. 🥳 Pear Hometown Cultural Tourism Zone: A national AAA-level scenic spot, ⛳ located in Xitaozhang Village, Zhaowangzhuang Town, Laiyang, this is the origin of authentic Laiyang pears. In spring, you can admire thousands of acres of blooming pear flowers🌸, and in autumn, enjoy the harvest joy of picking Laiyang pears. 🎉✨ Zhuocun Special Agricultural Tourism Zone: A national AAA-level scenic spot, every March, the entire Zhuocun village is immersed in a sea of cherry blossoms🌸, earning it the nickname "Cherry Blossom Town." Visitors can stroll🦶 along the cherry blossom avenue and admire👀 the snow-like falling petals. 🤠 Laiyang Museum: ⛳ Located at No. 45 Dasi Street, Laiyang, the museum houses 53 rooms filled with historical artifacts, calligraphy, and paintings, showcasing Laiyang's long history and vibrant culture. 😁🎉 Niangniang Mountain Scenic Area: A national AAA-level scenic spot, ⛳ located in Daxue Village, Gaogezhuang Town, Laiyang, this area is home to the "Seven Peaks in a Row," one of Laiyang's ancient "Eight Great Scenes." Legend has it that a once-thriving Tianhou Niangniang Temple stood atop the mountain, and remnants of the ancient temple can still be seen today. Food Recommendations 🥰 Song's Pan-Fried Small Intestines: Crispy skin with juicy filling, best paired with Northeast-style cold noodles. Available at the old shop on Nanguan Street. 🤩 Lao Qu's Pear Syrup Candy: A mobile stall on Xianhe West Road where you can watch the third-generation heir pull the candy like amber. ¥10 per serving, a great remedy for sore throats. 🍥 Shipeng Cake: Made from yellow rice, black rice, and dates using a four-generation family recipe. ¥12 per jin, sweet and fragrant. 🦆 Cui's Pear-Wood Roast Duck: The duck is infused with the aroma of fruitwood, and the secret dipping sauce contains fermented pear juice. Around ¥45 per person. Accommodation Options 👉👀 Luxury: Giorgio Morandi Hotel, Langlizi Hotel, Laiyang Lidu Mountain Villa, etc., offering luxurious facilities and top-notch service. 😊 Comfort: Homeinn Select Hotel, Mepeng·Enjoy Life Charm Vientiane·Italian Minimalist Light Luxury Hotel, Lavande Hotel, etc., providing great value and a comfortable stay. 👍🤩 Budget: Laiyang Jinhui Riverside Sunshine Hotel, Laiyang Seasons Hotel, Ali Theme Hotel, etc., affordable, clean, and tidy.

OMG, you guys, who even gets it?! 🤯 Originally, I was just driving from Qingdao to Weihai to relax, but unexpectedly, near the highway toll station, I actually discovered this absolutely amazing resort area‼️ The scenery literally stopped me in my tracks, and I ended up staying an extra night before reluctantly leaving😭. 📍Location: Xiangdao Bay Provincial Tourist Resort (1-hour drive from Qingdao, only 1.2 hours to Weihai 🚗, super convenient). 🔥 Real Experience Sharing: 1️⃣ Free children's play area – a real lifesaver for moms and dads🌟! ·Climbing frame, swings, and sandbox are all free. There's shade in the afternoon too, so kids can have a blast😜. ·Vending machines make buying water super convenient, so you won't have to worry about getting thirsty while playing🥤. 2️⃣ Sunset at Dark Night Wetland, breathtaking🌅! ·6:30 PM, caught the sunset right on time – like an orange sea, it was absolutely stunning😍! · During blue hour, the lights along the boardwalk switch on, instantly maxing out the atmosphere - it's unbelievably romantic🌹. · If you're lucky, you might even see fireflies twinkling, making it feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale world 🧚‍♀️ (But this really depends on luck!). 3️⃣ Fairy Tale Town, explore and savor the flavors! 🎉 · A newly opened food street, offering every kind of delicacy imaginable to satisfy your taste buds🍔. · Convenience stores, BBQ restaurants, and more are readily available, so you can buy whatever you need. Super convenient 🛒. 🏠 Accommodation Tested: Bringing You Our Real Experience: ▫ Space capsule homestay with a strong futuristic vibe 🚀! Featuring a projector and panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, you can stargaze right from your bed. It's incredibly relaxing 😌. ▫ Unique homestays with diverse styles, there's always one perfect for you! 🏠 Plenty of room types, some even come with mahjong machines for both leisure and fun! 🀄 A kitchen is available for use – just bring your own ingredients to whip up a delicious meal and feel right at home! 👩‍🍳 ⚠ Here's some heartfelt advice: ✅ Definitely bring mosquito repellent! The mosquitoes in the wetlands are incredibly enthusiastic, don't let them "target" you!🦟. ✅ The Children's Pavilions close at 5:30 PM. Be sure to plan your time in advance so you don't miss out ⏰. ✅ Breakfast starts at 8:00am. Remember to head to the Visitor Service Center to enjoy it and start a wonderful day🍳. ✅ Take the Weiqing Expressway and save 26 yuan on tolls. Super worth it, right💰? I originally thought this was just a stopover, but I was pleasantly surprised! It's perfect for everything – entertaining the kids, grabbing great food, and taking photos. Absolutely fantastic! I highly recommend fellow road-trippers stay here overnight. It's 100 times more enjoyable than just rushing through! 💖

Laiyang Cretaceous International Geopark is a place that combines natural landscapes and geological wonders, which is breathtaking. The park's rich petrified wood and dinosaur fossils make me feel like I have traveled back to the earth millions of years ago. Enter the wonderful world of the Geopark As soon as I entered Laiyang Cretaceous International Geopark, the vast natural scenery and magnificent geological landscape came into view. The trails in the park are well built, suitable for visitors to stroll around. The vegetation and geological structure along the way complement each other, making people feel the magic of nature. Peculiar petrified wood agate In every corner of the park, I found many petrified wood agates. These petrified woods are ancient trees that have been transformed over a long period of time and under special geological conditions, with different shapes and colorful colors. Their existence not only amazes people at the wonders of nature, but also gives me a deeper understanding of the history of the earth. Each piece of petrified wood is a witness to a period of history, as if telling the story of millions of years ago. The shock of dinosaur fossils The dinosaur fossil exhibition area in the park shocked me even more. Here are the remains of a variety of dinosaur fossils, especially some complete skeleton fossils, which make me feel like I am in the age of dinosaurs. Through detailed explanations and rich display boards, I learned about the living habits, habitats and evolution of these dinosaurs on earth. Standing next to the remains of these ancient creatures, I can't help but marvel at the greatness of nature and the fragility of life. The joy of education and exploration Laiyang Cretaceous International Geopark is not only a good place to play, but also a place to learn and explore. There are many popular science exhibitions in the park, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of geology and paleontology. Through the interactive experience area, I also participated in some interesting activities, such as simulating fossil excavation, which enhanced my sense of participation and fun. Summary Laiyang Cretaceous International Geopark is an amazing place with beautiful natural scenery and rich geological and paleontological relics. Every piece of petrified wood and every dinosaur bone here tells us the history of the earth and conveys the mysteries of nature. This visit gave me a deeper understanding of the evolution of the earth and the origin of life, and made me cherish and love this land even more. Looking forward to coming again next time to continue exploring more geological wonders!

🌈Highlights: The museum is a northern-style two-entry courtyard house, facing south, with a symmetrical central axis, east and west wings, and side rooms. The building has a hard single-ridge roof with small tiles, front and rear beams, and lattice windows. The museum has several exhibition rooms, including Laiyang History and Culture, Unearthed Cultural Relics, Song Wan Memorial Hall, Laiyang Historical Celebrities, Old Photos of Erxiang Teachers, and Revolutionary Relics. Each room is unique, showcasing the cultural essence of Laiyang in different periods and fields. 🕐️Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday - Winter: 8:30 am–11:30 am (last entry at 11:00 am), 1:30 pm–4:30 pm (last entry at 4:00 pm); Summer: 8:30 am–11:30 am (last entry at 11:00 am), 2:00 pm–5:30 pm (last entry at 5:00 pm). Closed on Mondays (except public holidays). 💗Other tips: Keep quiet and avoid loud noises or playing in the museum to avoid disturbing other visitors. Follow the signs and staff guidance, and do not touch or climb on exhibits or display cases to avoid damage. Pay special attention to exhibits without protective measures, such as ancient stone tablets. Follow museum rules, such as no smoking or eating. If you bring food and drinks, consume them in designated areas outside the museum. Take care of your personal belongings and do not leave valuables unattended or with strangers. The museum may offer storage services. If you have many items or find them inconvenient to carry, you can use the storage facilities.

Driving in Shandong along National Highway 204, the scenery is right on the roadside. As the sun sets, you can see endless farmland, the corn has been harvested, and some fields have begun to be plowed. There were no farmers in the fields, only a tillage machine plowing the land back and forth. For a piece of farmland of about 5 mu, the tillage machine only went back and forth five or six times, and it took 10 minutes to plow up the oily black soil. I was thinking: if the farmer used oxen to plow the land, it would probably take a whole day, right? No wonder there are no farmers in the fields! At this time, the setting sun had turned red, dyeing the clouds in the sky red.

The Tongledo Parent-Child Amusement Park in Laiyang City is truly an amazing destination for family fun🤗. 🎠As soon as you enter the Tongledo Parent-Child Amusement Park, it's like stepping into a fairy tale world. The colorful amusement facilities are a feast for the eyes🌈, and the children's eyes instantly fill with excitement and anticipation. 🎢There are thrilling and fun slides here, and as the little ones slide down, their faces light up with bright smiles😀, feeling like they are flying. 🌈The rainbow slide is even more stunning! When you sit on the specially designed slide mat and rush down from a height along the brilliantly colored slide💖, the wind whistles past your ears, and your heart races. In that moment, it feels like you have transformed into a free bird soaring in the sky🐦. The collision of speed and excitement lets you experience unprecedented thrills and joy😜. The children love the rainbow slide so much that they queue up to play again and again, never getting tired of it. 🌳In the forest adventure project, children can bravely challenge various obstacles🎯. Facilities like the single-plank bridge and suspension bridge make the children feel like they are in a mysterious forest, embarking on an exciting adventure🦁. During this process, children not only exercise their courage and physical strength but also develop their teamwork spirit and problem-solving abilities💪. 🎪The Tongledo Parent-Child Amusement Park is truly a place full of joy and surprises, perfect for bringing your little ones to check in on weekends or holidays🎉. Come to the Tongledo Parent-Child Amusement Park and enjoy wonderful parent-child time together💕!

Located next to the Wumeng Prairie, Niang Niang Mountain is quite stunning. It's surprising to find such a beautiful place with mountains and water on such a distant plateau. Niang Niang Mountain has three main areas to explore: First is the free park area. Second is Qingyuan Cave, which is connected to the park area. It is said to have been a hideout for bandits in the past. The entrance fee is 30 yuan. The real Qingyuan Cave is a bit disappointing, but there is also a temple, Guanyin Cave, and the Bridge of Fate. The overall development is not mature, but you can experience the unique natural landscape of Niang Niang Mountain. Third is the Niang Niang Mountain Wetland Park on the navigation system. You can take a cable car up the mountain to overlook the scenery below. The experience depends on the weather; it will be nice if the weather is good. 🎈 It is recommended to visit the Wetland Park first after arriving at the Niang Niang Mountain Scenic Area. The Wetland Park requires taking an electric car and a cable car. The cable car goes up to over 2,000 meters to see the wetlands above. After coming down, you can visit Niang Niang Mountain. The entrance fee for the Niang Niang Mountain Scenic Area is 30 yuan, the round-trip cable car for the Wetland Park is 80 yuan, the entrance fee is 50 yuan, and the electric car fee is 20 yuan. The two attractions are next to each other, and you get off at the same place. If you have time left, you can visit Qingyuan Cave. Transportation 🚎 There is a direct bus to the Niang Niang Mountain Scenic Area. It departs from the bus station at 8:20 in the morning. Contact the driver in advance to know which stop in the city to wait at, and he will pick you up. The fare is 35 yuan, and you buy the ticket after boarding. The last return bus departs from the scenic area at 16:30.

The core of China's Laiyang National Geopark is, no matter what anyone says, the 'Cretaceous Geological Museum', which collects high-quality fossils that have been excavated. While other places nearby are mostly excavation sites or places where you can see geology, this is the place that has a full set of dinosaur fossils. The museum is small for China, but if you remember the old EBS program 'Dinosaurs of the Korean Peninsula: Spotted', you will remember the dinosaur with a long crest on its head that Spotted hunted, and this is where you can see the entire fossil of that 'Qintaosaurus'. If you are looking for Laiyang National Geopark, this is the core, so be sure to remember it.. #China #ChinaTravel #Shandong #Yantai #Laiyang #CretaceousGeologicalPark #Qintaosaurus #DinosaurFossil

There is a park in Yantai Laiyang City National Geopark that is decorated only with tree fossils. It is a place where petrified trees from each country, including China, are gathered, and you can see tree fossils that were created 100-200 million years ago. For a tree to become fossilized, it must be buried in something quickly and endure a long time, but in the meantime, minerals penetrate and the tree shape remains and turns into a rock.. You can see the tree from hundreds of millions of years ago in its original form, but you can also see traces of cement used to erect the tree pillars. It is not worth going out of your way to see, but if you happen to be in the area, it is good to take a walk around. . #China #Yantai #Laiyang #Tree fossils #Petrified trees #Zhangha International Tree Fossil Forest #National Geopark