Langya Terrace (琅琊台), named for its resemblance to a platform and located in Langya, has been renowned since before the Warring States period. It is mentioned in the ancient text Shan Hai Jing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas). Historically, Langya Terrace was recognized as one of the five major ports of China. It gained fame both domestically and internationally when Emperor Qin Shi Huang visited the site three times, built the terrace, and sent Xu Fu eastward to seek immortality, thus initiating cultural exchanges between China and Japan.
In the 1990s, a structure known as Wangyue Tower, designed in the style of the Qin and Han dynasties, was built to the east of Langya Terrace. This tower features a bronze statue of Goujian, the King of Yue. At the base of the terrace, the newly constructed Xu Fu Hall, adorned with intricately carved beams and painted columns, complements the lush green mountains surrounding it, giving the area a distinctly ancient atmosphere. The towering inscriptions and the group statue of Xu Fu and Emperor Qin Shi Huang add to the historical charm of the ancient terrace.
The park also includes ancient recreational facilities such as seesaws, swings, observation platforms, and rope games, all reflecting the antiquity of the site and harmonizing beautifully with the architectural style of the Qin and Han dynasties.
Travel Information about Langya Terrace
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 50 yuan
Opening Hours:
- Peak Season: 08:30 AM – 05:00 PM
- Off-Peak Season: 08:30 AM – 04:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the transition between spring and summer when clouds and mist often envelop Langya Terrace, creating a breathtaking fairy-tale atmosphere.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: Langya Town, Huangdao District, Qingdao City
Transportation:
- From the west area, take bus routes 501 or 601 to Langya Terrace Scenic Area Station.
- Alternatively, take Tunnel buses 5, 6, 7, or 8 to Lingshanwei Bus Hub, transfer to bus 306 to Xihai’an Bus Terminal, and then take bus 501 to Langya Terrace Scenic Area Station.
- If driving, follow the route via Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Undersea Tunnel to Binhai Avenue leading to Langya Terrace Scenic Area.
Attraction Rating
- Features: ★★★★★
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★
- Romance: ★★
- Thrill: ★
Highlights of Langya Terrace
Qin Stone Inscriptions
The most precious relic of Langya Terrace is the Qin Stone Inscriptions. According to “Records of the Grand Historian · Thoughts on Myself,” after Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered the construction of Langya Terrace, he “ordered the carving of stone to praise Qin’s virtues and clarify the essence of its morality.” The stone was erected on Langya Terrace, hence the name “Langya Stone Inscriptions.” The full text of the inscription contains 496 characters, including 289 characters of the main text and 207 characters of supplementary text. The writing features a rhythmic structure of two-character phrases and four-character lines, with smooth prose that is concise and to the point. However, due to erosion from rain and insufficient protection, most of the inscriptions have been damaged beyond recognition. There were over ten inscriptions from the Qin Dynasty, but only two remain today. Among them, the remnants of the stone at the top of Mount Tai consist of just ten characters. The Langya inscription is preserved with 84 characters, and its font and brushwork are superior to those of the inscriptions from Mount Tai, making it a true national treasure.
Xu Fu Hall
Xu Fu Hall is built against the mountains, featuring intricately carved beams and a grandiose atmosphere, embodying the architectural style of the Qin and Han dynasties. The hall is divided into a main hall, a rear chamber, and two side wings. In the main hall, there is a statue of Xu Fu seated facing south, holding a bamboo slip, with bright and piercing eyes. The large mural inside the hall depicts Xu Fu’s life and achievements, showcasing the magnificent scene of Xu Fu preparing his fleet to set sail, bidding farewell to Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and embarking on his eastward journey from Langya Port. The hall also exhibits various scholarly works on Xu Fu research from both domestic and international sources. The rear hall and side wings display cultural relics and artworks by famous figures.
Who is Xu Fu:
Xu Fu was a Taoist practitioner from Langya County during the Qin Dynasty. Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought immortality, and Xu Fu claimed that there were sacred mountains in the sea. As a result, Qin Shi Huang dispatched Xu Fu to lead thousands of young boys and girls to the sea in search of immortality, but Xu Fu vanished without a trace. Today, Xu Fu is widely regarded as a pioneer of Sino-Japanese relations and a promoter of friendly exchanges between the peoples of China, Japan, and South Korea. He is held in high esteem by the people of China, Japan, and Korea, and every year, friends from Korea and Japan come to pay their respects.
Langya Culture Exhibition Hall
The Langya Culture Exhibition Hall is situated on a lush hillside north of the parking lot, featuring black tiles and red columns, with terraced corridors that exhibit a simple yet grand design, embodying the rugged and bold architectural style of the Qin and Han dynasties. In front of the exhibition hall stands a bronze statue of “Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of All Time,” which portrays a vivid and realistic image of the emperor. This statue captures Qin Shi Huang’s personality, symbolized by the character “乐” (joy), and reflects his passionate history, including his ascent of Langya Terrace and the stories that unfolded there.
In the foyer of the Langya Culture Exhibition Hall, there is an exhibition of “Map of Langya Terrace,” painted by Wang Hepei from Langya during the late Qing and early Republican periods. Visitors can ascend the steps leading to the courtyard, passing a replica of a bronze tripod from the Spring and Autumn period, unearthed near Langya Terrace, before entering the main exhibition hall located in a two-story building. After exiting the main hall and entering the courtyard, visitors can stroll along the corridor, where inscriptions of poems and essays composed by renowned figures throughout history, praising Langya Terrace and its surroundings, are embedded in the corridor walls.
Qin Terracotta Army Formation Hall
The Qin Terracotta Army Formation Hall consists of three exhibition halls, showcasing three different formations of terracotta soldiers that are modeled after the three pits discovered near the Qin Mausoleum. Each formation features distinct styles and lifelike representations of the soldiers.
- Pit 1 represents a defensive position, with the soldiers facing outward.
- Pit 2 depicts an offensive formation, with archers positioned at the front, ready to attack at any moment.
- Pit 3 illustrates a formation for selecting generals and soldiers, with the figures facing inward, waiting for battle.
These formations allow visitors to envision the imposing might and strategic brilliance of Qin Shi Huang, who famously unified the states with his formidable power.
Longwan Bay
The Longwan Beach, with its rippling azure waves, features a wide sandy beach that stretches 800 meters in width and 5,600 meters in length. The beach is flat and has fine sand. Due to its remote location, far from pollution, the seawater is crystal clear, earning it the reputation of “Azure Waves, Silver Surf, and Golden Sands.” It is a rare natural seaside bathing spot.
On the west coast of Longwan, there is a giant rock with the characters “龙湾” (Longwan) carved on the side facing the land, and the words “倏起一龙” (A Dragon Rises Suddenly) engraved on the side facing the sea. The area has been developed to include various attractions such as the Longwan Traditional Culture Continuation Area, the Liangjiangtai Comprehensive Service Area, the Jinhaiwan Entertainment Area, the Chelunshan Xu Fu’s Hometown Villa Area, and two scenic promenades for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Wangjiatai Fisherman’s Folk Village
Located 100 meters west of Longwan Beach is the Wangjiatai Fisherman’s Folk Village. The village features family-run inns and offers various activities that allow tourists to engage in traditional fishing life and fishing production projects.
Just 300 meters north of Longwan Beach, on a lush green hill, lies the Bird Garden. Strolling through the woods, visitors can listen to the carefree chirping of birds, fostering a sense of returning to nature and enjoying coexistence with all living beings.
Zhaitang Island
Zhaitang Island derives its name from the historical event when “Emperor Qin visited Langya, and his attendants fasted here” (as noted in the Zhu Cheng County Chronicles). In the past, there was indeed a “Zhaitang” on the island, although it has since been destroyed, with only remnants remaining.
The island is divided into South Island and North Island, connected by a narrow sand dune. North Island is flat and home to over 300 households, primarily engaged in fishing, with every family representing the fishing culture of the island. South Island features a small hill rising 69 meters above sea level, resembling the proud head of the island. The hill is adorned with lush green pines, and shaded trails weave through the forest.
At the summit stands an 11.8-meter-tall lighthouse, built in the 1950s. Its weathered appearance, shaped by sea winds, adds a sense of history and charm to the island.
Ferries run between Zhaitang Island and Langya Port every half hour, providing convenient access for visitors.
Visitor Guide for Langya Terrace
Accommodation Optins
In the Wangjiatai Village, located near the north gate of the Langya Terrace Provincial Tourism Resort Area and close to Longwan Beach, there are family-run guesthouses offering “Fisherman’s Feast” meals. These accommodations are simple, clean, and elegant, with the capacity to host up to 700 guests for both lodging and dining. The dining options focus primarily on fresh seafood, featuring a variety of local catches and emphasizing the flavors of traditional fisherman-style feasts.
In Taixitou Village, situated on the southern side of the scenic area near Langya Port, family-run guesthouses also offer similar “Fisherman’s Feast” experiences, with accommodations for up to 350 guests at a time.
Local Cuisine
Near Langya Terrace, many farm-style restaurants (“Nongjiale”) serve local specialties made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. These dishes are simple, yet incredibly flavorful, offering a taste of the countryside that leaves a lasting impression.
Sea Water Tofu (海水豆腐): A must-try in Huangdao is sea water tofu. Unlike traditional tofu made with brine, sea water tofu is known for its refreshing, smooth texture and rich, unique flavor. It retains the full nutritional value of soybeans and is considered both delicious and healthy.
Spring Wild Vegetable Buns (开春山菜包子): These buns are made with wild mountain vegetables, which grow in unassuming spots on the hillsides. Mixed with a little meat and oil, they create a delectable filling. These buns are a seasonal delicacy available only in spring.
Shopping
There are two tourist shops located at the Langya Cultural Exhibition Hall and the top of the terrace, as well as the Longwan Tourist Goods Market, where visitors can purchase specialty souvenirs such as Langya Terrace Liquor (琅琊台酒), Langya Terrace Tea (琅琊台茶), and a variety of seafood products. At Langya Port (琅琊港), fresh and dried seafood is available for purchase. Along the route from Jiaonan (胶南) to Langya Terrace, you can find various stone products for sale.