Day 1 Jinan Arrival
Your local guide will pick you up at airport or train station in accordance with your arrangement. After hotel check in, you can take rest or explore the city yourself.
- Jinan
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Day 2 Jinan → City Tour (Black Tiger Spring + Boat Cruise to Baotu Spring Park + Daming Lake) → Tai'an ( Mount Tai )→ Dai Temple
Savor breakfast before embarking on a visit to the renowned Black Tiger Spring, a second most celebrated spring among Jinan’s 72. Its crystal-clear, medicinal waters are not only potable but also a common sight for locals filling their vessels. Then, embark on a scenic boat ride along the historic city moat to the Baotu Spring Park, where you’ll be treated to a tapestry of architecture, riverscapes, and local life. The Baotu Spring itself is an iconic marvel, familiar to every Chinese student.
Continue your journey to the serene Daming Lake, an oasis of tranquility peppered with islets and encircled by lush willows. After soaking in the city’s highlights, set off for Tai’an, a city nestled at the base of the majestic Mount Tai. Prior to checking into your hotel, immerse yourself in the heritage of the ancient Dai Temple. Dating back to the Han Dynasty, this sacred site has witnessed countless imperial ceremonies dedicated to the deities of Mount Tai. As a national museum, it houses an array of historical relics, including the emperors’ sacrificial regalia and artifacts, a testament to the reverence for Mount Tai’s divine spirit.
- Tai'an
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Day 3 Mount Tai (Tourist Center + Zhongtianmen + Nantianmen + Heavenly Street + Jade Emperor Hall）→ Qufu
Savor your morning meal before convening with your guide and driver, who will whisk you away to the revered Mount Tai, a sacred peak long considered the gateway to heaven by ancient Chinese emperors. This esteemed mountain is a beacon of sanctity in China.
After a brief 30-minute drive, you’ll make your first stop at the Tourist Center, where you’ll board a sightseeing bus for a scenic 30-minute ride along a winding path to Zhongtianmen. Here, the true essence of Mount Tai’s ascent unfolds as you embark on a hike towards the Nantianmen, or the South Heaven Gate, scaling over 6,000 ascending steps that tell the story of the mountain’s grandeur.
Following a couple of hours of soaking in the majestic views and the spiritual aura of Mount Tai, you’ll gently glide back down the mountain in a cable car, trading the exertion of the climb for a moment of tranquility. The sightseeing bus will then transport you back to the tourist center, where your driver will be awaiting to guide you to Qufu, where you’ll retire to your hotel for the evening.
- Qufu
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Day 4 Qufu to Qingdao（Confucius Temple+Confucius Cemetery) → High Speed Train to Qingdao
Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast, then make your way to the South Gate of the Confucius Temple to witness the spectacular city gate opening ceremony, commencing at 8 AM. Be immersed in the grandeur of traditional music and dance that ushers in the day. Proceed to tour the Confucius Temple, the most significant and influential temple dedicated to the great philosopher in East Asia.
Following this, venture to the Confucius Cemetery, the sacred burial ground for Confucius, his descendants, and select disciples. Here, you’ll find the historical tapestry of graves spanning from the Zhou Dynasty to the recent burials of the Kong family’s 78th generation.
As your enlightening day draws to a close, embark on a high-speed train journey to Qingdao, a trip that will take approximately 3 hours. Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted by your local guide, who will lead you to your downtown Qingdao hotel, ready for the next chapter of your adventure.
- Qingdao
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Day 5 Tsingtao Brewery Museum → Laoshan Mountain → Qingdao
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel lobby and take you to the Qingdao Beer Museum, where you may sample two glasses of freshly produced Qingdao beer and view an exhibition showing the entire brewing process.
Embark on a picturesque 1.5-hour drive to the breathtaking Laoshan Mountain, celebrated as the “Most Famous Mountain by the Sea.” Your day’s adventure is centered around the Taiqing Scenic Area, a jewel in Laoshan’s crown. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by an imposing statue of Laozi, the progenitor of Taoism. Begin your exploration with an invigorating hike from the serene Bashui River to the majestic Longtan Waterfall, immersing yourself in the area’s natural splendor.
Next, your trek continues to the revered Shangqing Palace and Mingxia Cave, two iconic Taoist temples nestled in the mountains. At Mingxia Cave, prepare to be captivated by a panoramic vista of the mountain and sea, merging in a spectacular display. Conclude your enchanting excursion by descending via cable car to Taiqing Palace, the epicenter of Taoist practice and Qingdao’s largest temple.
Return to Qingdao hotel.
- Qingdao
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Day 6 Badaguan Scenic Resort → Qingdao No.2 Bathing Beach → Zhanqiao Pier → Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting out to explore the Badaguan Scenic Resort, also known as the Eight Passes Scenic Area, which derives its name from eight significant historical military fortresses in China. This charming district showcases an eclectic array of over 200 architectural gems, each reflecting the diverse styles of more than 20 nations, such as Germany, Russia, France, the United States, Denmark, Greece, Spain, Switzerland, Japan, and more. Meander through the picturesque streets, perfect for capturing stunning photographs.
Following your stroll, head to the Qingdao No.2 Bathing Beach, conveniently located near the Badaguan Scenic Resort. Though it may be compact, this beach is treasured for its tranquil atmosphere and striking coastal views. Then, transfer to Zhanqiao Pier, which is a prominent landmark in Qingdao. Originally constructed as a navy pier in 1891, it is today a well-known landmark in Qingdao Bay.
Once your exploration is complete, you will be escorted to Qingdao airport or train station to embark on your journey to the next destination.
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