Must-see attractions in Shandong
Shandong
This Ming-dynasty courtyard home belonged to Ding Shanbao, a Jiangsu merchant who at one time owned half the town. In 1885 he restored the property as his…
Shandong
This riverside museum tells the story of kites – from the first one, a bamboo magpie fashioned in Weifang 2400 years ago by Lu Ban (he's the winged figure…
Shandong
This tranquil temple northeast of Confucius Mansion is dedicated to Confucius’ beloved disciple Yan Hui, whose death at age 32 caused the understated…
Qingdao
For wide-open spaces of sand, sea and sky, there’s Golden Sand Beach on the western peninsula of Huangdao district (团岛区, Huángdǎo Qū). An undersea tunnel…
Qingdao
This granite and marble villa built in 1930 was first the home of a Russian aristocrat, and later the German governor’s hunting lodge. It is also known as…
Shandong
The enormous provincial museum, 7km east of the city centre, surveys local culture from the mesolithic age to the present. Its collection began as one of…
Shandong
About 30km southeast of Qufu, this cave on Ni Mountain (尼山, Ní Shān) is where, according to legend, a frighteningly ugly Confucius was born, abandoned and…
Qingdao
This is the closest beach to the Old Town, and a great spot come early evening, when the buildings around the bay are illuminated. No 6 Bathing Beach is a…
Qingdao
This massive collection of relics anchors the budding cultural zone in Lao Shan district. It has the usual broad span of exhibits expected in a big-city…
Shandong
The sparkling museum traces the historical development of the Jiaodong peninsula, where Yantai currently stands, from the prehistoric age and successive…
Qingdao
Beside the entrance to Little Qingdao lighthouse, this museum’s main attractions are the rusty submarine and destroyer anchored in the harbour, for which…
Shandong
The Red Gate Palace is the first of a series of temples dedicated to Bixia, the compassionate daughter of the god of Tai Shan. She wears a headdress…
Shandong
North of Thousand Buddha Mountain’s main entrance, the Ji'nan Museum has a small, distinctive collection that includes paintings, calligraphy, ceramics,…
Shandong
This gate lies in the south of the Dai Temple, facing the southern aspect. Purists enter the temple through this gate to follow the traditional passage…
Shandong
This pavilion contains a hall dedicated to deities including Bixia, the daughter of Tai Shan, who became the focus of worship by the 11th century, and…
Qingdao
Contemporary works are on display in this compact museum housed in its own architectural masterpiece, a 1930s structure reflecting an eclectic mix of…
Qingdao
Within Zhongshan Park is Qingdao's largest temple, Zhanshan Temple, an active Buddhist monastery. The temple has a number of dramatic sandalwood Buddhas…
Qingdao
South of the tree-lined area known as Badaguan (八大关, Bādàguān), No 1 Bathing Beach is a very popular spot, perhaps for its snack stalls and children's toy…
Shandong
Many climbers start their ascent at the bus stop by the Guandi Temple, the first of many dedicated to the Taoist protector of peace. Note the old…
Shandong
This Qing-dynasty arched gateway, topped by a single-roofed shrine, is at the entrance to the village and is where teachers would take new pupils to make…
Shandong
This vast expanse of golden sand in the developing district 11km east of the old town attracts clam diggers and sunbathers alike. Get off at the Huanghai…
Shandong
Ji'nan’s oldest mosque has stood in one form or another in the centre of town since 1295. Cover arms and remove hats before entering. A lively Hui (Muslim…
Qingdao
Once reserved only for the likes of Mao and other state leaders, this sheltered cove just east of Badaguan has calm waters good for a swim. It's a short…
Shandong
This gateway marks the point where shuttle buses arrive from Tianwai Village and where some hikers, seeing the mountain steps disappearing into the clouds…
Qingdao
This 232m-tall television tower sits atop Taiping Hill, with a revolving restaurant at the top and an observation platform for long views.
Shandong
Qufu's Drum Tower stands at the centre of the old walled town at the point where Gulou Dajie – named after the Bell Tower – divides into its northern and…
Qingdao
On the eastern side of Taiping Cape in Badaguan is this cove with dedicated swim lanes, paddle boats and gentle waves. Very close to Taipingjiao Park…
Shandong
This archway was once believed to bestow immortality on those dedicated enough to reach it. Emperors made sure to get off their huge litters to amble…
Shandong
The first of the major gates on the climb up the mountain, this gate marks the official start of the ascent for Tai Shan's determined band of climbers.
Shandong
Located along the first part of the climb up Tai Shan, this massive inscription of a Buddhist text on the rock face was once hidden behind a waterfall.
Shandong
The oldest Buddha statues on Thousand Buddha Mountain are contained here, in this golden-roofed temple complex.
Shandong
This gate leads into Dai Temple from the north. Be sure to scale the walls over the gate to see what’s in store for your pilgrimage up Tai Shan.
Shandong
The small and smoky God of Wealth Temple is dedicated to Cáishén (财神), worshipped by everyone seeking a positive change in their fortunes.
Shandong
This huge pine tree, the last standing of the five ancient pines, was traditionally considered to be among the eight great sights of Tai Shan.
Shandong
This spot marks the point where Emperor Zhenzong had to dismount and continue by litter because his horse refused to go further.
Shandong
This museum on Shunhe Lu displays a collection of items relating to Zoucheng through history. Note the very long lunch break.
Shandong
The small and charming brick bell tower stands astride the road at the centre of town, to the east of the Confucius Temple.
Shandong
This pool is fed by a small waterfall and is said to conceal grand carp palaces and herbs that turn humans into beasts.
Shandong
Statues of Confucius, Mencius, Zengzi and other Confucian luminaries are venerated at this high-altitude temple.
