Shandong Treasure Tour | An Ultimate Experience from Mountains and Seas to Culture
Hey friends👋, Shandong, this charming land of Qilu, boasts both magnificent seas and profound historical and cultural heritage. Follow this guide to embark on an unforgettable journey through Shandong!
Preparation
● Documents: ID card, student ID (don’t forget if you have discounts).
● Clothing: Prepare according to the season—light and breathable clothes for summer, a jacket for spring and autumn, and warm down jackets for winter.
● Daily necessities: Toiletries, skincare products, sunscreen (strong UV rays by the sea).
● Others: Camera (to capture beautiful scenes), charger, power bank.
Itinerary
Jinan — The Ancient Charm of the City of Springs
● Day 1
○ Morning: Arrive in Jinan, check into the hotel, and rest briefly. Then head straight to Baotu Spring, known as the "Number One Spring under Heaven." Watch the three streams gush out and feel the wonder of nature🗻.
○ Noon: Enjoy Jinan’s local specialties near Baotu Spring, such as Youxuan (fried dough twists), Tianmo (sweet soup), and Bazirou (braised pork), all delicious😋.
○ Afternoon: Visit Daming Lake, where you can take a boat ride to admire the lake and mountain scenery, and see attractions like Lixia Pavilion and Tie Gong Shrine.
○ Evening: Stroll along Furong Street, Jinan’s famous food street, filled with a variety of snacks. Eat while you explore and soak up the lively atmosphere.
● Day 2
○ Morning: Visit Qianfoshan (Thousand Buddha Mountain), one of Jinan’s three famous scenic spots. Hike up the mountain, enjoy the Buddha stone carvings along the way, and get a panoramic view of Jinan city from the top🏞️.
○ Noon: Dine near Qianfoshan and try Jinan’s sweet and sour carp, a tasty treat.
○ Afternoon: Head to the Shandong Museum, which houses a rich collection of historical artifacts and artworks, offering deep insight into Shandong’s history and culture.
Qingdao — Coastal Charm
● Day 3
○ Morning: Take the high-speed train from Jinan to Qingdao. After checking into the hotel, visit Zhanqiao Pier. Zhanqiao is a landmark of Qingdao; stroll on the pier, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the distant sea view🌊.
○ Noon: Taste Qingdao seafood at a restaurant near Zhanqiao, with dishes like spicy stir-fried clams and steamed sea urchin egg custard highly recommended.
○ Afternoon: Visit Badaguan Scenic Area, known for its international-style architecture and called the "World Architecture Expo." Rent a bike to explore the various buildings and experience a unique romance.
○ Evening: Go to May Fourth Square to see the iconic sculpture "The Wind of May." The lights at night are stunning. You can also take a seaside walk and enjoy Qingdao’s nightscape.
● Day 4
○ Morning: Head to Laoshan Mountain, the highest peak along China’s coastline, known as the "Number One Famous Mountain on the Sea." Choose a hiking route to appreciate Laoshan’s natural beauty and experience Taoist culture.
○ Noon: Have lunch within the Laoshan scenic area and try specialties like Laoshan mushroom stewed chicken.
○ Afternoon: Return to the city and visit the Qingdao Beer Museum to learn about the history and brewing process of Qingdao Beer, and sample fresh beer🍺.
○ Evening: Find a restaurant on Beer Street to continue enjoying delicious food and beer, immersing yourself in Qingdao’s beer culture.
Qufu — The Confucian Holy Land
● Day 5
○ Morning: Take the high-speed train from Qingdao to Qufu. After arrival, check into the hotel, then visit the Confucius Temple, a grand and culturally rich shrine dedicated to the ancient Chinese thinker and educator Confucius.
○ Noon: Dine at a restaurant near the Confucius Temple and try Kongfu cuisine, such as Shili Ginkgo and Immortal Duck, experiencing the culinary features under Confucian culture.
○ Afternoon: Tour the Confucius Mansion, the residence of Confucius’s hereditary descendants, preserving many cultural relics and historical sites. Then visit the Cemetery of Confucius, the family burial ground of Confucius and his descendants, the longest-lasting family cemetery in the world.
○ Evening: Take a walk along Qufu’s ancient streets to feel the tranquility and harmony of the old city.
Food Recommendations
● Jinan: Besides Youxuan, Tianmo, Bazirou, and sweet and sour carp, try Jinan’s stir-fried pork kidney and milk soup with water shield.
● Qingdao: Seafood is Qingdao’s specialty. Besides spicy stir-fried clams and steamed sea urchin egg custard, try steamed crab and mackerel dumplings. Qingdao beer paired with seafood is simply perfect🍻.
● Qufu: Kongfu cuisine is known for its delicacy and etiquette. Besides Shili Ginkgo and Immortal Duck, try Yipin Tofu and Scallops in Court Style.
Accommodation Suggestions
● Jinan: Stay near Baotu Spring or Daming Lake for convenient travel and well-equipped surroundings.
● Qingdao: Recommended to stay near Zhanqiao Pier or May Fourth Square to enjoy sea views and easy access to attractions.
● Qufu: Suggested to stay near the Confucius Temple to immerse in Confucian cultural atmosphere.
Transportation Guide
● Intercity transport: High-speed trains connect Jinan to Qingdao and Qingdao to Qufu, convenient and fast.
● In-city transport: Public transportation in Jinan and Qingdao is well developed; you can choose metro or buses. In Qingdao, shared bikes are also available for sightseeing. Qufu’s attractions are relatively concentrated, making walking or taking buses convenient.
Friends, the beautiful scenery and delicious food of Shandong are waiting for you. Pack your bags and start this wonderful Shandong journey now🥳! Remember to share your travel stories in the comments!