Qingdao is a kaleidoscope of tourism activities
Print Edition
MOST foreigners think beer when they hear the name Qingdao, but the intoxicating features of this fascinating coastal city go far beyond its famous brew. This is one of China’s premier seaside destinations, and it only takes a visit to see why.
Stand atop Langyatai Mountain in Qingdao’s Huangdao District and gaze out across a vast ocean where the horizon blends into the waters. It’s said Emperor Qinshihuang, the first emperor of China, climbed this peak three times, seeking immortality.
Or tour the former German governor’s palace in the old city area and learn how the colonial past left its imprint. Even more important, from a historical point of view, is the city’s role in the May Fourth Movement, triggered by revolutionaries seeking to regain sovereignty of Qingdao.
History and culture seep from this city. Stroll in the old town, with its narrow, hilly streets, and imagine native sons like literary giants Lao She and Liang Shiqiu walking here and gleaning inspiration.
Don’t miss any opportunity to visit Qingdao. From its colonial-style architecture to its fresh sea breezes, from its beautiful setting of surrounding hills and greenery, from its distinctive seafood cuisine to its most famous beverage, this is a city that offers something for everyone and will leave a lasting impression.
Here are some recommended sites you won’t want to miss.
Heshan Mountain
This mountain range is north of the famous Laoshan Mountain and has a culture dating back almost 800 years.
He means “crane,” a lucky and mystical bird in Chinese culture. He also represents longevity. Heshan, or Crane Mountain, is steeped in legend. It is most famous for its strange but fascinating architecture of caves and rocks, created by igneous rock weathered by time. The different shapes and sizes are quite something to behold.
One of the more remarkable sites is called zhaohe huiming, which literally means that if you clap to call a crane, it will chirp back. The spot, located in front of the Sanzhen Temple, remains a mystery. If you stand there and clap your hands, the resulting echo sounds like the call of a crane.
Another scenic spot is called shuiming tianti, which means “high ladder with the sound of dripping water.” The “ladder” in this case is 47 steps. When you climb to the top, the sound of other people’s footsteps sound like tinkling spring water. While I am no fan of climbing, I had to go up those 47 steps, and sure enough, the legend holds true.
Near the top of Heshan Mountain there is a path to Gun Long Dong, or Rolling Dragon Cave. The cave is actually a narrow gap between two huge stones. Half a meter in width, people have to squeeze past.
According to local folklore, if you “roll” yourself through and reach the top of the mountain, you will become a real dragon. If you fail, you will be consigned to the life of a worm.
Langyatai
Located 26 kilometers southwest of the Qingdao city center, the Langyatai tourist scenic spot is a wonderful destination for people any time of the year. It has four distinct seasons, a cool, humid climate, amazing natural landscapes and historical heritage. In the heat of summer, it is considered a welcome refuge. Langyatai is actually a 183-meter high mountain, and the place gained its fame because of the emperor Qinshihuang’s three visits.
He was impressed by the magnificent natural scenery and the splendid view of the ocean, so he summoned thousands of local people to build a palace here.
The Exhibition Center of Langya Culture and the Exhibition Hall of Terracotta Warriors are ideal stops for visitors who like history and culture. A bronze statue of Qinshihuang stands at the entrance of the exhibition area.
Poetry and other inscriptions extolling the beauty of Langyatai are engraved in the passageways. There is also a display of a miniature collection of the famed Terracotta Warriors or northwest China.
The natural beauty of Langyatai is perhaps the most impressive part of this scenic area. The Yunti, like a ladder to heaven, is a stone road winding up along the hillside. It looks like a silk ribbon flowing up to the sky. The ladder is 152 meters high and 2.8 meters wide. The mountain slopes around it are covered with lush greenery.
In ancient times, this route was one of the three royal passages through which the emperor traveled to reach the peak. On the top end of the ladder is a pseudo-classic architecture called Guan Long Ge, or Dragon Watch Pavilion. It’s said the clouds above often form the shape of a dragon.
Golden Beach in Huangdao
Most people who visit Qingdao are drawn to its lovely beaches and clear ocean waters. If you are looking for a little peace and quiet, I recommend Golden Beach rather than the more popular and crowded No. 1 Bathing Beach in Qingdao’s city center.
The beach is located in Huangdao District to the south and west of the main urban area, on the western shore of Jiaozhou Bay. The name Huangdao, or Yellow Island, comes from its geology.
The island’s earth is thin and golden in color. The beach is regarded locally as the best in Qingdao because of its clear waters, soft sand and well-equipped bathing facilities.
The environment is peaceful. People sunbathe on beach blankets and children build sand castles.
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