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As autumn colors fade in Xinjiang and the south of the Yangtze River reach their peak in October, the autumn colors of Shandong and Shandong provinces are at their peak. Average temperatures range from 10-25°C, making it a perfect temperature for travel. Clear skies, sunshine, and falling leaves create a colorful fairytale world. Take advantage of the perfect autumn breeze and visit Shandong to enjoy the autumn scenery.
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[Cultural Tourism Promotional Slogan] Welcome to Shandong, a hospitable province. Shandong is located on China's eastern coast, along the lower reaches of the Yellow River, and along the northern-central section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Its capital is Jinan. Shandong boasts a rich 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 propriety," Shandong's people are renowned nationwide for their forthright, warm, and generous character. Shandong's folk customs are diverse and regionally specific. Jinan, Qingzhou, Tai'an, and Yanzhou, the heart of Shandong, are traditional political, economic, and cultural centers. As one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, Shandong boasts a long and rich cultural heritage, abundant tourism resources, stunning natural scenery, and numerous cultural relics and historical sites.
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Lao She said, "Autumn in Jinan is a poetic scene. I invite you to come in autumn. The city, the river, the ancient roads, the mountain shadows—they are always ready for you." But with Jinan's autumn colors, the city transforms from a quaint painting into a tranquil and beautiful poetic landscape. Beyond Jinan, many cities in Shandong share this same sentiment, their mountains, rivers, and seas radiating the poetic charm of autumn.
Colorful autumn scenery in Shandong
It takes about 5-6 days to check out the essence of Shandong's autumn colors, from the coastal areas of Qingdao and Dongying to the central part of the Shandong region, including Jinan, Linyi, and Mount Tai. From the sea to the mountains, you can find all the autumn colors you dream of here.
The driving time between each city is about 2-3 hours. The areas with more concentrated autumn colors are in Qingdao, Jinan and Linyi. If time is limited, you can choose to visit 1-2 of these cities.
Generally, the best time to enjoy autumn in Shandong starts after National Day and lasts until November, which is later than Xinjiang and earlier than Jiangnan. It fills the blank period of autumn colors in October. Tourists who haven’t been there yet can put it in their travel plans!
Is it still hot in Shandong after the beginning of autumn?
The Beginning of Autumn marks the beginning of autumn. However, after the Beginning of Autumn, as sea temperatures rise, the sea fog in cities like Qingdao decreases. Unlike the sweltering summer heat of the previous month, sunny and hot weather may return. The weather and temperature are just right, and the leaves gradually change color, turning red and yellow, creating a dazzling array of colors.
Tips:
Recommended ginkgo trees: Badaguan in Qingdao, Lingyan Temple in Jinan, Taiqing Palace in Laoshan, and Ginkgo trees in Tancheng
Recommended red leaf spots: Jinan Red Leaf Valley, Zibo Qi Great Wall, Weifang Shimenfang, Mount Tai, Mount Laoshan, and Mount Yimeng
Recommended places for autumn chrysanthemums: Qingdao Zhongshan Park, Jinan Daming Lake, and Baotu Spring
Overview of Shandong's Autumn Scenery
Qingdao's seaside setting often evokes summer memories, but autumn is no exception. Enjoy the azure blue of the sea, the vibrant colors of the mountains, seafood, and gentle breezes. Here are some recommended spots for enjoying autumn.
Best time to see: mid-October to late November
"The red leaves of Laoshan rival those of Fragrant Hill." In late autumn, the colorful forests of Laoshan, comprised of 398 species of native trees, are a dazzling spectacle. Standing majestically on the sea, waterfalls roar down, waves billow, and mist billows.
At this time, Laoshan is like a fairyland, with endless autumn colors. Choose from four viewing routes to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Jufeng Tour Route:
Cableway Station - Ciguang Cave - Natural Monument - Li Gate - Lingqi Peak - Zhen Gate - Gen Gate - Danlu Peak - Qian Gate - Dui Gate - Cable Bridge - Yunxiao Cave - Kun Gate
Climbing to the top of Mount Laoshan, you can look down at the gorgeous colorful forest. The colorful leaf plants include mountain ash, water elm, white wood ash, beech maple, stinking plum, Prunus mume, wild grape, diamond fruit, etc.
Taiqing Scenic Area Tour Route:
Bashui River - Longtan Waterfall - Shangqing Palace - Mingxia Cave - Pantao Peak - Taibai Stone - Lion Rock - Pass
You can take the cable car up the mountain from the pass behind Taiqing Palace and admire the red leaves from the air; you can also hike up the mountain along the stone steps of Bashui River, and see the colorful forests along the way.
Yangkou Tour Route:
Cableway lower station - Taiping Palace - White Dragon Cave - Lion Peak - Sheep Stone - No.1 Longevity in the World - Fairy Peach Stone - Midian Cave - Shangyuan Mountain
The vegetation is rich, including ginkgo, catalpa, water elm, sandalwood, Huashan alum, kudzu vine kiwi, Lespedeza, Rhus chinensis, and torch tree.
Beijiushui Tour Route:
Beijiushui Customer Service Center - Yusun Peak - Tianti Gorge - Huancui Valley - Taihe Temple - Jiangjungou - Feifeng Cliff - Lengcui Gorge - Chaoyin Waterfall - Indigo Bay
It is known as the "Little Guandong" and is home to beech, hornbeam oak, oak, rowan, water elm, white milkwood, Tianmu magnolia, Jiaodong linden, purple linden, thorny catalpa, juglans regia, mountain cherry, and various colorful leaf plants.
Laoshan Scenic Area Tourist Map
Best time to see: Late October to late November
Every November, as temperatures drop, the scenic area transforms into a vibrant display of falling leaves and crimson frost-stained maples, ushering in its most beautiful season of the year. It's often said, "Qingdao's beauty lies in Badaguan, and Badaguan's beauty lies in late autumn." The golden ginkgo trees that fill Juyongguan Road, the vibrant maple trees along Jiayuguan Road, and the sycamore trees along Shanhaiguan and Ningwuguan Roads interweave to create a vibrant canvas.
In the season of falling leaves, the quiet streets and old houses with European style are hidden in the colorful and enchanting autumn colors, as if you have walked into a fairy tale world.
Badaguan Autumn Leaves Map
Best time to see: Late October to mid-November
Many cities have Zhongshan Parks, but not all are like Qingdao's Zhongshan Park, where thousands of cherry blossoms bloom in spring and golden leaves spread across the ground in autumn. Every autumn, red maple leaves and yellow ginkgo leaves complement each other, and the fallen leaves swirl and fall in the wind, filling the air with autumn colors.
Zhongshan Park also hosts an annual late autumn chrysanthemum exhibition, which began as early as the 1950s. More than 700 varieties are on display each year. At the same time, the towering trees throughout the park have turned yellow, and the various colors echo each other. This is not a single yellow, but a colorful yellow.
Unlike the scorching heat of summer, autumn transforms Jinan into a distant, ancient city. Misty rain, picturesque bridges, falling leaves, and a nostalgic atmosphere permeate every corner. The world-famous Daming Lake and Baotu Spring, along with the bustling old streets... become even more tranquil without the throngs of people.
Autumn Scenery in Jinan
Best time to see: Late October to late November
In late autumn, the autumn wind blows, and the green willow leaves turn yellow. Together with the golden ginkgo leaves, they compose a beautiful poem for Baotu Spring in late autumn.
In addition, the Baotu Spring Chrysanthemum Exhibition is a traditional event that must be held in Jinan every year. It has been held for more than 40 sessions so far. Autumn in Daming Lake is the most beautiful season to visit Daming Lake, with a strong autumn atmosphere and colorful colors.
Best time to see: Late October to late November
The beauty bestowed by the autumn colors of Ming Lake is of a different kind, as if God overturned a dye vat and sprinkled the entire lake with autumn colors.
Autumn is the most beautiful season to visit Daming Lake. The already yellowing willow trees in the park sway gracefully, and the golden ginkgo trees are particularly dazzling! With the perfect temperature and pleasant weather, Daming Lake is packed with tourists who come to enjoy the last vibrant colors of autumn!
Best time to see: mid-October to mid-November
As autumn arrives, the golden ginkgo leaves on the thousand-year-old ginkgo trees in Lingyan Temple complement the fallen leaves scattered on the ground, creating the most beautiful scenery of the year in Lingyan Temple.
The "Four Generations Under One Roof" ginkgo trees of Lingyan Temple are listed as a World Natural Heritage Site. The three trees at the entrance of the Main Hall were probably planted during the Ming Dynasty, with a history of 1,200 years. Wang Shizhen, a writer of the Ming Dynasty, once said, "Lingyan is the most secluded place on the back of Mount Tai. A trip to Mount Tai is not complete without visiting Lingyan."
Tips:
Transportation Guide
Changqing District tourist bus goes directly to Lingyan Temple (free ride with full-price ticket purchase)
Jinan City Tour Route 60 (free ride with full-price ticket purchase)
Jiefang Bridge Bus Parking Lot (North of Carrefour) (Breakfast: 7:30-8:00)
Municipal Fifth Hospital Bus Parking Lot (8:00-8:30 AM)
Victory Street (8:00-8:30 AM)
Best time to see: October to late November
The Red Leaf Valley covers an area of more than 4,000 acres. The vegetation is mainly wild cotinus coggygria, which is a unique ornamental tree species in the Red Leaf Valley. The vegetation coverage rate of the scenic area reaches 97%. In late autumn, the mountains are all red and the forests are dyed red, hence the name Red Leaf Valley.
The negative oxygen ion content in the air is over 300 times higher than in urban areas, making it a "natural oxygen bar." This is why Red Leaf Valley is known as "the source of springs, the hometown of clouds, a world of flowers, a sea of forests, and a paradise for leisure and vacation." In autumn, ascending to this height, one can admire the breathtaking beauty of the mountains blanketed in crimson and the forests in vibrant colors.
The charm of autumn is nourishing, with pleasant scenery and a cool climate. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you'll find the air incredibly fresh. Weifang's autumn scenery is inseparable from the vibrant harvest scene, and immersing yourself in it feels as if time has slowed down.
Best time to see: Late September to early November
It was famous for its "sunset glow" in ancient times and is now famous for its red leaves. It is as famous as Beijing's Xiangshan Mountain, Nanjing's Qixia Mountain, Suzhou's Tianping Mountain, and Sichuan's Moyaluo Mountain. It is one of the five major red leaf landscapes in China and the crown of red leaves in Shandong.
Compared to the crimson leaves of Beijing's Fragrant Hills, the same crimson leaves offer a different feeling, evoking a feeling of "a fairyland, not of this world, drunkenly talking among the bushes, never wanting to return." The cotinus coggygria trees of the Shimenfang Scenic Area ignite the emerald green of the mountains, and the occasional pine trees accentuate the beauty of the crimson leaves blanketing the hills. Under the sunlight, vibrant shades of crimson, pink, scarlet, and peach appear in distinct layers. In the chill autumn breeze, a crimson glow rolls in like a vast sea of red.
Late October to late November
In late autumn, golden persimmons hang on the branches, and the persimmon forests all over the mountains form an extremely beautiful picture of the mountain village.
After the Frost Descent, persimmons begin to mature and turn red. The villagers set up drying racks, pick persimmons, peel them one by one, string them into bunches and hang them on the racks to dry. In the sunlight, the red is dazzling and the yellow is brilliant. Here, pick persimmons, dry persimmons, dig potatoes, and pick autumn dates with the villagers, and experience the busy autumn harvest in Shandong!
If you imagine a city nestled between mountains and rivers, with towering mountains, flowing rivers, and old revolutionary areas with red memories, with rivers surrounding the entire city, reflected tree shadows, and beautiful scenery on the shore, then if your fantasy is such a scene, it is Linyi.
Best time to see: mid-October to November
The Yimeng Mountains boast numerous peaks and lush forests. Summiting Guimeng Peak, at 1,156 meters, is Shandong's second-highest peak. In autumn, the Yimeng Mountains are ablaze with vibrant colors. Persimmons turn red, and a variety of wildflowers bloom across the mountains. The sky becomes bluer, the water clearer, and autumn leaves bring their vibrant colors to life.
The Dongshan Mountain in the poem "Confucius ascended Dongshan Mountain and looked down upon Lu" refers to the Guimeng Scenic Area, a place rich in color. From the mountaintops to the streams, the mountains and plains are filled with vibrant colors. The wind blows the leaves, and one tree leads the way, echoing throughout the mountain. The scene is magnificent, and the entire forest comes alive. Overlooking the mountains, you feel like you are entering a colorful fairy tale world.
Best time to see: mid-October to November
In late autumn, stepping into Fengshan Mountain, one is greeted by a vibrant, splash-color painting, its reds, yellows, and greens freely smudged, creating a grotesque spectacle in the sunlight. Paths connect the forest from north to south, offering a chance to stroll along or wander freely. At the edge of the woods, one gazes across the towering peaks, a breathtaking spectacle of strangeness, danger, beauty, and seclusion.
Best time to see: Early to late November
This is one of the earliest regions in China to cultivate ginkgo. Near Guanzhu Temple in Xincun Township stands an ancient ginkgo tree, 35 meters tall and over 2 meters in diameter at breast height, casting a shade over an acre. It is said to have been planted during the Tang Dynasty. In the late 18th century (during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty), the "Tancheng County Chronicle" listed it as an important specialty, listing it under the "fruit category."
Ginkgo trees are widespread and numerous, with 32,000 trees over a century old. A Qing Dynasty poet, while visiting Tancheng, sang: "Outside the door, I see nothing but ginkgo orchards. I can't count them all with my fingers, there are more than tens of thousands."
After the arrival of autumn, everything suddenly takes on charming colors. This is the color combination that belongs to Zibo's autumn: a touch of orange, a streak of gold, a crimson tree, and a lush green mountain. Those are the colors of autumn, full and rich.
Best time to see: mid-October to November
Construction began in the Spring and Autumn Period and was completed during the Warring States Period, spanning over 170 years. It boasts a history of over 2,600 years. It is the oldest surviving section of the ancient Great Wall in China, with authentic remains and in excellent condition. He is known as the "Father of the Great Wall."
Built along the mountainside, the site is constructed of locally sourced stone. As you ascend, you'll discover a new scene with every step. The hawthorn trees, dotted with fragrant crimson fruits, pierce the mountainside, while the stone steps of the ancient path beneath your feet are broken and mottled. Surrounding the site are tens of thousands of acres of stone terraces, and among them, the Yongquan Qi Great Wall boasts the largest and most beautiful terraces, a precious historical relic on par with the Pishan Qi Great Wall.
Best time to see: mid-October to November
It has the first camp of China National Geographic, winding bamboo forests, the Lushen Spring that flows all year round, the thrilling suspended plank road, the beautiful and romantic daylily secret realm, the dreamlike time and space tunnel, the thrilling glass water slide and the Five Color Pond known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou in Shandong" and other famous attractions; the 1983 TV series "Wu Song" and "Green Water and Green Mountains Bring Smiles" were filmed here.
At the mouth of the Yellow River, witness the pristine beauty of the Yellow River Estuary Wetlands. Here, you can witness the Chinese nation's mother river as it empties into the sea, marvel at the confluence of river and sea, and admire the boundless wonders of the marvelous wetland landscape. In autumn, not only do the endless expanses of reeds turn golden, but the red beaches (Suaeda winged) are captivating. While not as spectacular as those in Panjin, Liaoning, they still resemble clusters of fiery red seedlings, growing wildly and blanketing the ground in crimson.
Watch the sparkling water at sunset and record the beauty of your trip (sunset time is approximately 17:10-17:30).
Tips:
Tickets:
The ticket type for the Yellow River Estuary Ecological Tourism Area is 100 yuan for an adult ticket and a wetland cruise ticket.
Free ticket policy:
Children under 1.2 meters in height are exempt from entrance fees to the scenic area; senior citizens over 60 years old with senior citizen discount cards, active-duty military personnel with officer certificates, disabled persons with disability certificates, journalists with press cards, and members of provincial and above photography associations and bird-watching associations with membership cards are exempt from entrance fees to the scenic area.
Preferential policies:
Children 1.2-1.4 meters tall can purchase discounted entrance tickets to the scenic area from 06:30 to 18:30; cruise time: 08:30 to 17:00
Autumn in Mount Tai is as chilling as autumn in the north and as poetic as autumn in the south. Red, orange, yellow, green, and brown are a vibrant and poetic sight, with trees like rowan, crabapple, cork oak, maple, and live oak adorning the landscape with vibrant green, yellow, orange, red, and brown.
"The autumn sun casts a crimson glow on the green hills, and the coral trees are shrouded in stained glass." A vibrant, multi-seasonal spectacle unfolds, showcasing natural wonders like sunrise, sunset, sea of clouds, and Buddha's light. Enjoy the sights of the four seasons with an autumn trip to Mount Tai. Climb to the summit and gaze upon the peaks, experiencing the majestic feeling of "overlooking all the other mountains."
The first one: The most classic Hongmen Road hiking route is actually the middle line of Dengfeng Imperial Road.
The ancient traditional route of Dai Temple - Hongmen - Daiding.
The second route: You can take the mountain road up the mountain by car or hike up the mountain.
Tianwai Village (Tiandi Square) - Huanshan Road - Zhulin Temple - Huangxi River Reservoir - Zhongtianmen - Nantianmen - Yuhuangding
The third route: Enter from the northwest mountain pass, which is the entrance to Taohuayuan. It is a mountain road that goes around the mountain, and you can also hike up the mountain.
Taohuayu Entrance - Ring Road - Caishixi - Red Phosphorus Fish Reserve - Taohuayuan Cableway - Nantianmen - Yuhuangding
The fourth one: The direction of the mountain pass on the northeast side is generally said to be Tianzhu Peak, which is the back mountain.
Mount Tai Tour Map
1. When traveling in autumn, away from the scorching heat of summer, the temperature gradually shows a downward trend, and the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so bring warm clothes.
2. Bring sports shoes for easy mountain climbing and long-distance travel.
3. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. On sunny days, the sun in seaside cities should not be underestimated.
4. Bring antidiarrheal and allergy medications to prevent discomfort after eating seafood.
1. Airplane: Shandong Province has eight civil airports: Jinan, Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai, Weifang, Linyi, Dongying, and Jining. Jinan Yaoqiang Airport, Qingdao Liuting Airport, and Yantai Laishan Airport are international airports, while Dongying and Jining are connecting airports.
2. Trains: Shandong Province's railway passenger transport covers almost all cities in the province. The railways in the province include the Beijing-Shanghai Line, the Beijing-Kowloon Line, and the Handan-Jinan Line.
3. Taxi: The starting price in Shandong Province is 7 yuan per 3 kilometers.
Shandong, a welcoming province, boasts a vibrant landscape, just like its welcoming words: warm and vibrant, beckoning visitors to discover the wondrous autumn scenery hidden within this land. After National Day, Shandong has practically embraced its autumn glory. Come take a look at these stunning autumn colors and give your busy lives a break.
