Live Your Best Lives
In Shandong, visit the beautiful Mount Tai, a sacred site with rich cultural history. Explore the ancient city of Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius, and visit the Confucius Temple. Take a trip to the coastal city of Qingdao to enjoy its beaches and German-influenced architecture. Don’t miss the historic city of Jinan, known for its springs and scenic spots like Baotu Spring.
Welcome to Shandong
Shandong is located on China's eastern coast, along the lower reaches of the Yellow River and the northern-central section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Its capital is Jinan. Shandong boasts a long history and is considered the source of Chinese culture and one of the important birthplaces of the Chinese nation. Known as the "hometown of Confucius and Mencius, a land of etiquette," Shandong people are renowned nationwide for their forthright, warm, and generous character. Shandong's folk customs are diverse and regionally specific.
The Shandong region encompassing Jinan, Qingzhou, Tai'an, and Yanzhou is a traditional political, economic, and cultural center. Shandong, one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, boasts a rich and enduring cultural heritage, abundant tourism resources, stunning natural scenery, and numerous cultural relics and historical sites.
Shandong offers a variety of scenic spots in each of the four seasons. Summer and autumn are the best seasons for visiting Shandong. In summer, you can enjoy the sea and seafood in coastal cities; in autumn, you can visit Jinan, a place full of poetic autumn described by Lao She.
Shandong tourism integrates beautiful natural landscapes, rich history and culture, and distinct local characteristics, creating a unique style. These include the "Sage of Mountains and Rivers" tourist zone, stretching from Jinan, Tai'an, and Qufu to Zoucheng; a coastal scenic tourist zone encompassing Qingdao, Yantai, and Weihai; a folk custom tourist zone centered in Weifang, featuring kites, Yangjiabu woodblock New Year paintings, and folk customs; a Qi culture tourist zone centered around the ancient Qi State capital, the horse sacrifice pits, and Pu Songling's former residence in Zibo; the Dongying Yellow River Estuary tourist zone, featuring the wonders of the Yellow River entering the sea and its pristine natural landscape; and a "Water Margin" tourist route, centered on the stories of the Water Margin; and a "Water Margin" tourist route focusing on Liangshan and Yanggu.
Recommended number of days for visiting: about a week
Shandong is a province with deep historical and cultural significance in China. It is home to the birthplace of Confucius in Qufu and Mount Tai, one of China’s Five Great Mountains. The province has played a key role in Chinese history, with a rich tradition of philosophy, art, and culture.
Shandong is located on the eastern coast of China, bordered by the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea. It is easily accessible by high-speed train, bus, or taxi from major cities like Beijing, Jinan (the provincial capital), and Qingdao. The province also has an international airport in Qingdao for international access.
The major attractions in Shandong, such as Mount Tai and the Confucius Temple, are open year-round. However, the best times to visit are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable for sightseeing. Avoid the winter months due to cold weather, especially in the mountainous areas.
Ticket prices vary depending on the attraction. For example, Mount Tai has a ticket price of around 100-200 RMB depending on which part of the mountain you want to visit. Tickets can be bought on-site or through online travel platforms such as Ctrip or Alibaba’s Fliggy for convenience.
For major attractions, it is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons (April to October). Booking a week in advance is typically sufficient, but during public holidays or major festivals, you should book at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
To fully explore Shandong, you should spend at least 4-7 days. This will allow you to visit major cities like Jinan, Qufu, and Qingdao, as well as experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region, including Mount Tai and the Confucius Temple.
Key highlights include Mount Tai (with its hiking trails and temples), the Confucius Temple and family mansion in Qufu, the Baotu Spring in Jinan, and the coastal attractions of Qingdao, including its beaches and the German-style architecture in the old town.
Guided tours are available at most attractions, especially Mount Tai and Qufu. These tours are typically offered in Mandarin, but some guides also speak English. Audio guides are available at some sites like the Confucius Temple and Qingdao’s old town, often in multiple languages.
Best photography spots include the summit of Mount Tai, which offers panoramic views, the Baotu Spring in Jinan, the coastline of Qingdao, and the ancient buildings and temples in Qufu. The German-style architecture in Qingdao’s old town also provides picturesque photo opportunities.
A recommended itinerary includes a day or two exploring Jinan and its famous springs, followed by a visit to Mount Tai for hiking and temple visits. Spend another day or two in Qufu to explore Confucius-related sites, and then relax at the beaches and German-influenced areas of Qingdao for a more leisurely end to the trip.
Night visits are available at some sites, such as Mount Tai, where you can experience a night hike to see the sunrise. Qingdao offers light shows at its beach areas and German-style architecture during the evenings. Special tours are offered at some cultural sites like the Confucius Temple and Mount Tai.
Shandong can be crowded during public holidays, especially around Chinese New Year, National Day, and the summer months (July to August). The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays in the off-season, such as early spring or late autumn.
Most major attractions like Mount Tai and the Confucius Temple have adequate facilities, including toilets, food stalls, rest areas, and souvenir shops. Qingdao’s beaches also have a range of amenities for tourists. However, remote areas may have fewer services, so it’s best to bring your own water and snacks when trekking.
While most tourist sites in Shandong, including the Confucius Temple and Qingdao’s old town, are accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, Mount Tai’s steep terrain may be challenging. However, cable cars are available to help those who may find hiking difficult.
Mobile payments (like Alipay and WeChat Pay) are widely accepted throughout Shandong, especially in cities like Qingdao and Jinan. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in larger establishments, but it’s still advisable to carry some cash, especially in more rural areas.
Shandong cuisine is known for its seafood and use of simple, fresh ingredients. In Qingdao, try seafood dishes at the many restaurants along the coast. Jinan offers local delicacies like Spring Onion Pancakes and Sweet and Sour Carp. Many tourist sites have food stalls, but more varied dining options can be found in the cities.
Vegetarian options are available in most restaurants, especially in cities like Qingdao and Jinan. Vegan options may be limited, but it's possible to find plant-based dishes. Halal food is available in larger cities like Qingdao, which has a Muslim population.
There are plenty of hotels in Shandong, ranging from budget to luxury. In Qingdao, stay near the beach for scenic views. In Jinan, the Sofitel and InterContinental are popular. For Mount Tai, there are local guesthouses and hotels near the base of the mountain.
From Qingdao, you can easily visit Laoshan Mountain for hiking and beautiful coastal views. From Jinan, you can combine the visit to Baotu Spring with trips to the Thousand Buddha Mountain. In Qufu, you can explore the nearby temples dedicated to Confucius and his family.
Souvenir shops are common in Shandong, particularly in Qufu and Qingdao. Typical souvenirs include Confucian-themed items such as books and statues, Mount Tai-related souvenirs, and Qingdao’s famous beer mugs. Local handicrafts like paper-cutting and embroidered goods are also popular.
High-speed trains are a great way to continue your trip within Shandong and to other major cities in China, such as Beijing and Shanghai. Qingdao’s international airport connects to many cities around the world. Taxis and buses are available for local travel within cities.
