In Huangdao, find an enticing summer getaway
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SUMMER is upon us, and that means tons of tourists will be flocking to China’s beach towns to escape from their office jobs and the stress of working life while enjoying the salt, sand, and surf as well as the tourist attractions each city offers.
While many will head to China’s renowned southern beach towns, increasing numbers of tourists are journeying northward, to Huangdao, a district of Qingdao, located on the west bank of the city’s expansive Jiaozhou Bay. This northern tourist destination not only offers classic seashore venues for fun-in-the-sun, but also a variety of other attractions.
The Lalu, as both a tourist attraction and a lodging option, has become one of the major landmarks of Huangdao. The Lalu draws its fame from its singular architectural features. Australian architect Kerry Hill designed the hotel in line with his vision of “ongoing style” in hopes that it will maintain its “intrinsic value” for decades to come. One instantly notices the sharp, clean lines and the sleek combination of metal, glass, and stone constructions. Despite these heavy materials, the Lalu retains its open and airy feel, with lots of natural light shining through its transparent ceilings and latticed stone architecture. Indeed, guests can enjoy a relaxing vacation without leaving the hotel at all — the tranquil atmosphere, combined with a choice of four different eateries, a spa with a full range of treatments and on-sight hot springs, and many other amenities provide a true luxury hotel experience.
The Lalu provides convenient access to two of Huangdao’s best beaches: Golden Sand Beach and Silver Sand Beach. Both are crescent-shaped beaches facing the Yellow Sea to the south of Huangdao. During peak tourist times, the beach features water activities. While its sister beach may be larger and more popular, Silver Sand Beach has a beautiful scenery; the beach is surrounded by black pines, and the sand is described as a “silver plate on blue silk.”
For tourists who have had their fill of beaches, why not head to the hills? The Dazhushan Mountain Scenic Area, a four-star nationally acclaimed scenic area almost 500 meters above sea level. On the way up, hikers walk through a blanket of purple rhododendrons. The hills are home to many historic sites, including the 1,000-year-old ancient Shimen Temple, a relic from the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), and Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) grottoes, which contain Northern Qi Dynasty (AD 550-557) Buddhist statues. Moreover, the area has distinct literary and scholarly roots, as the Zhuchao caves and the Zhushan stone chamber were frequented by intellectuals and writers.
For those craving still more mental stimulation and cultural exposure, the next destination on the list is the Langya Terrace, another four-star scenic area. This cultural site sits at a height of 183 meters and is surrounded on three sides by the ocean. The terrace boasts a lengthy history, dating back to the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), when an important city of the Qi states was located there. Adding to the landmark’s historical significance are the inscribed stones created by Emperor Qin Shi Huang to commemorate his many achievements, as well as the Xufu Temple, constructed to commemorate Xu Fu’s famous quest to the East in search of the elixir of life.
If you are traveling with your family, the Qingdao Forest Wildlife Park is the perfect option. The park spans an area of 122 hectares, and is home to 263 species of animals to keep teens, tots, and parents entertained for hours. Visitors to the park can also enjoy the ecology of the area, basking in the safari-like atmosphere created by the surrounding greenery. In addition to special exhibits such as the African Zone, Peacock House, and Parrot Hall, the park also has daily performances such as horse shows and ethnic folk dancing.
Coastal destinations are the preferred summer getaway for many tourists, but Huangdao has elevated the beach experience. Huangdao is enticing whether you want to rest and relax on the beach, snap selfies with exotic animals, learn about Chinese history and culture, or simply take in the timeless architecture of the Lalu.
• Golden Sand Beach
Opening hours: 8am-7pm
Admission: Free
Tel: (0532) 8670-7399
• Silver Sand Beach
Opening hours: 8am-7pm
Admission: Free
Tel: (0532) 8698-8530
• Langya Terrace Scenic Area
Opening hours: 7am-6pm
Admission: 50 yuan
Tel: (0532) 8411-9662
• Dazhushan Mountain Scenic Area
Opening hours: 8am-5:30pm for weekdays, 8am-6pm for weekend
Admission: 40 yuan (March 16-October 15); 20 yuan (October 16-March 15)
Tel: (0532) 8513-1271
• Qingdao Forest Wildlife Park
Opening hours: 8am-5:30pm
Admission: 100 yuan for adult, 50 yuan for kids’ height from 1.2-1.4m, kids under 1.2m for free
Tel: (0532) 8683-5555
• The Lalu
Address: 277 Jiulongshan Rd, Qingdao Economic and Technology Development Zone
Tel: (0532) 8316-6666
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