If you’re planning a visit to the Yangkou Scenic Area in Laoshan Mountain, you’re in for a treat! This scenic area is a popular destination for those seeking to experience the natural beauty, Taoist temples, and stunning views that Laoshan has to offer. Whether you’re hiking, enjoying a relaxing bus ride, or taking in the picturesque landscapes, this guide will help you plan your day trip to Yangkou efficiently and enjoyably. Below, we’ll cover ticketing, travel routes, and sightseeing details to ensure you make the most of your visit.
Ticketing Information:
- Purchase Tickets via WeChat Official Platform: You can purchase tickets directly through the official WeChat platform or other third-party platforms like Trip.com.
- Ticket Price: I purchased the South Line Combination Ticket, which costs 130 RMB. This price includes the sightseeing bus fare but does not cover the Jufeng peak.
Travel Routes:
- Metro to Laoshan Tourist Center: Take Metro Line 4 and alight at Dahedong A Exit (大河东A口). This leads directly to the Laoshan Tourist Distribution Center (崂山游客集散中心).
- Sightseeing Bus: From the tourist center, board the sightseeing bus heading toward the Taiqing Scenic Area. Note that the bus doesn’t go directly to Yangkou but makes several stops at different scenic spots, where you’ll need to transfer to another bus.
Sightseeing Bus Transfers:
First Stop: Dahedong Tourist Center → Bashui River (八水河):
- If you plan to explore Bashui River, you can alight here. Otherwise, continue on the bus toward Taiqing Scenic Area without needing to change buses.
Second Stop: Bashui River → Taiqing Scenic Area
- The sightseeing bus stops at Taiqing Scenic Area, where you can either:
- Alight and walk along the Taiqing Scenic Area Boardwalk (步行栈道) to explore the area.
- If you prefer to take the cable car to explore Taiqing Scenic Area, get off at Taiqing Square (太清广场) and switch to the cable car.
Third Stop: Taiqing Scenic Area → Taiqing Cable Car Station
- If you want to take the cable car, board here for a ride to the Taiqing Scenic Area. Be careful when changing buses at Taiqing Square, as the sightseeing buses also head back to Laoshan Tourist Center, so look for the bus going in the correct direction.
Fourth Stop: Yakou Parking Lot → Huayan Scenic Area
- After getting off the cable car at Taiqing Cable Car Station, head to the Yakou Parking Lot. From here, board the sightseeing bus to Huayan Scenic Area.
- If you wish to explore Huayan Temple, you can alight here and enter the scenic area. If not, stay on the bus and head to the next stop.
Fifth Stop: Huayan Temple Transfer → Yangkou Scenic Area
- From Huayan Temple, take the bus to Yangkou Scenic Area, your final destination. This will be the last transfer of the day.
- Alternatively, you can take the 618 Tourist Bus from Yakou Parking Lot. The 618 bus offers a more flexible schedule and allows you to hop off at any stops you choose. The sightseeing bus is time-efficient, while the 618 bus allows for more flexibility, such as stopping at scenic spots along the way.
Yangkou Scenic Area Exploration:
Once you’ve arrived at the Yangkou Scenic Area, there are several ways to enjoy the area depending on the amount of time you have:
Option A: Full Exploration on Foot: If time allows, skip the cable car and hike directly to Tianyuan (天苑) at the top of the mountain. The walk is refreshing, and you’ll get to experience the scenic beauty up close.
Option B: Cable Car Up, Walk Down: If you’re short on time but still want to explore the area, you can take the cable car up to the summit and hike down the mountain. This option provides a good balance of sightseeing and physical activity.
Option C: Quick Visit for Photos: For those with limited time, the cable car offers a convenient option to go up and down quickly for a brief visit. This is the most time-efficient way to capture the scenic views without a long hike.
Special Tips and Notes:
Scenic Views from the Bus: The drive from Laoshan Tourist Center to Bashui River, Taiqing Scenic Area, and beyond provides some of the most stunning views along the mountain roads. Sit on the right side of the bus to enjoy the best roadside scenery.
Timing and Travel Distance: If the Mitian Cave (觅天洞) is crowded, be prepared for delays. It could take up to 1.5 hours to reach Tianyuan (the mountaintop). Planning your visit based on the time available will help you manage the pace of your day.
Weather and Terrain: Be sure to check the weather before heading out, as the terrain can vary from easy trails to steeper inclines, especially around the mountain top. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring some water and snacks.
Relax and Enjoy the Views: The Yangkou Scenic Area offers stunning mountain and sea views, serene temples, and peaceful walks through the forest. Take your time to soak in the beauty of nature and the tranquility of the area.