If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful Yangkou Scenic Area in Laoshan Mountain, there are two convenient ways to reach and explore the area. Both options offer scenic views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the region, but they differ in terms of transportation and hiking routes. Below, we’ll break down the two main routes to visit Yangkou, so you can choose the one that best suits your schedule and preferences.
Option 1: Metro and Bus Route
The first option involves taking the Metro Line 11 to Puli Station, from where you can take a bus to reach Yangkou. Here’s how to do it:
Metro to Puli Station: Take Metro Line 11 and alight at Puli Station (浦里站). Exit through Exit A, and walk approximately 300 meters to Puli Bus Station (浦里公交站).
Bus to Yangkou: At the bus station, board the 620 or 926 Bus, and alight at the Yangkou Station (仰口站). On regular days, the ride takes around 20 minutes, but it may take longer during public holidays due to traffic. After alighting, walk for about 500 meters to reach the entrance of the Yangkou Scenic Area.
Cable Car Option: Once at the entrance, you can purchase a cable car ticket and take the cable car to explore the area. The cable car will take you up, but you’ll still need to walk for about 15 minutes to reach Mitian Cave (觅天洞) and Tianyuan (天苑). It’s highly recommended to hike up to the top for panoramic views of both the mountains and the sea.
Hiking Option: If you prefer hiking, you can walk both up and down the mountain. Depending on your fitness level, three hours is usually enough to complete the hike.
Visit Yangkou Beach: After finishing your mountain exploration, head down to Yangkou Beach (仰口沙滩) for a relaxing time. The beach is perfect for a peaceful stroll or a swim.
Return Journey:
After enjoying the beach, board the 618 Bus—known for its stunning sea views. This bus route has several scenic stops, including:
- Diao Long Zui North (雕龙嘴北), which has a quiet and clean beach called Quanxin River Beach.
- Qingshan South / Qingshan Station, where you can visit the beautiful Qingshan Fishing Village.
Please note that during holidays, the 618 bus may get full, and you may have difficulty getting on at some stops. If you don’t plan to stop along the way, it’s best to stay on the bus until the final destination.
Final Return: At the end of the 618 bus route, at Yakou, walk for about five minutes towards the Taiqing Palace Cable Car to catch the Laoshan Tourist Bus back to Dahedong (大河东). From here, you can take Metro Line 4 back to the city center.
Option 2: Metro and Direct Bus Route
For those who prefer a more direct approach, the second option involves taking the Metro Line 4 to Dahedong Station and then catching a bus to the scenic area. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
Metro to Dahedong Station: Take Metro Line 4 to Dahedong Station (大河东站). On weekends and holidays, the last stop of Metro Line 4 goes to Zhangcun Station (张村), so if you’re traveling during these times, remain on the train until the end of the line. Upon arrival, exit from Exit A, and walk 50 meters to the Laoshan Tourist Service Center (崂山游客服务中心).
Board the Bus to Taiqing Palace: At the tourist center, locate the ticket check area for the Taiqing Palace direction (which is also the same for Yangkou). Ticket sales begin at 7:30 AM, and the bus departs as soon as it fills up. The bus makes a brief stop at Bashui River (八水河), but don’t get off at this stop.
Arrive at Taiqing Palace: After approximately 15 minutes, you’ll reach Taiqing Palace, where you can explore the square and the wooden pavilion. From here, a scenic bus heads towards Yakou, which takes about 5–6 minutes. After reaching Yakou, head towards the Qingshan Fishing Village Archway, where you can board a bus directly to the Yangkou Scenic Area.
Explore Yangkou Scenic Area: Once you reach Yangkou, hike up to the mountain, enjoy the views, and then descend to Yangkou Beach for a relaxing visit.
Return Journey: After spending time at the beach, return via the Laoshan Tourist Bus back to Dahedong. Alternatively, you can take buses 620 or 926 from Yangkou Station back to Puli Station and transfer to Metro Line 11 for your return to the city center.