Located in the stunning Laoshan Mountain, Yangkou Scenic Area offers visitors breathtaking natural landscapes, beautiful hiking trails, and a peaceful escape from the city. If you’re looking for a day trip that combines stunning coastal views, hiking, and local culture, this one-day tour along the Coastal Highway (环海公路) is perfect for you. This guide provides a step-by-step itinerary for traveling to and exploring the Yangkou Scenic Area using public transportation, along with details about the scenic route, tickets, hiking options, and must-see spots.
Transportation to Yangkou Scenic Area
Getting to Yangkou Scenic Area involves taking the metro and bus, which are both convenient and budget-friendly transportation options. Here’s a breakdown of the steps to follow:
Start with the Metro:
- Begin by taking Metro Line 4 to Zhangcun Station (张村). From here, you can transfer to Metro Line 11, which will take you to Beijiushui Station (北九水站). Once you arrive, catch the Bus 383 (383路), which will take you on a scenic ride for 18 stops. Keep in mind that this bus can be crowded, especially during peak hours, so if you’re feeling energetic, you can walk ahead one more stop to avoid the crowd.
- Alternatively, you can continue on Metro Line 11 for two more stops to Puli Station (浦里), then transfer to Bus 620 or 926 (bus routes 620 or 926) for 13 stops to reach the area. Both bus routes offer a longer ride, but they provide more comfort and less congestion.
Self-Driving Option: If you prefer to drive, you can use navigation apps to directly head to Yangkou Scenic Area. Along the way, you will pass through Wangge Zhuang (王哥庄) and Er Long Mountain (二龙山). However, please note that accessing the coastal route by car may require further confirmation, as currently, entry is only possible before 6 a.m. or through booking a stay at a local guesthouse.
Ticket Information
Before your visit, it’s advisable to purchase tickets in advance. You can book tickets through the official Laoshan Scenic Area WeChat public account by selecting the South Line Ticket for the Yangkou route, or if you have an annual pass, you can directly book using your membership. After purchasing the tickets, simply scan your ID card to enter the scenic area. If you plan to visit more attractions, you can also opt for combined tickets from third-party platforms like Trip.com.
Hiking Routes
Once you enter the Yangkou Scenic Area, you’ll embark on a scenic hike along a well-defined trail. The main hiking route takes you from Taiqing Palace (太清宫) with its Small Peony Garden, through Lion Peak (狮子峰), Shouzi Peak (寿字峰), and onward to the Viewing Platform (观景台) and Mitian Cave (觅天洞), before reaching Tianyuan (天苑).
Hiking Details: The trail after Shouzi Peak follows a newly built route that leads you through the Viewing Platform and Mitian Cave. While the queue at Mitian Cave can be long on weekends (around 40 minutes), it’s worth visiting for its narrow, slippery pathways that create a unique experience. The cave only allows single-file passage, so be prepared for a little wait. If you prefer to avoid the crowd, you can exit at the Viewing Platform or Shouzi Peak and continue along the Chongshou Peak (长寿峰) route to reach Tianyuan and return the same way.
Time Needed: On a leisurely hike with plenty of stops for photos, it took approximately 3.5 hours to ascend and 1 hour to descend. We did not take the cable car, but it’s recommended to hike up and take the cable car down if you’re short on time or prefer a less strenuous return journey.
Scenic Coastal Route: Bus 618
After completing your hike, it’s time to enjoy the scenic coastal drive. From the Yangkou Scenic Area, head back to the bus drop-off point and board Bus 618 (环海公路618), which follows a breathtaking coastal route along Laoshan’s shoreline. This bus travels from Yangkou to Yakou (垭口), passing through several picturesque spots, including: Huayan Temple (华严寺) and Qingshan Fishing Village (青山渔村).
Along the route, you can get off at any of these scenic stops to take photos and enjoy the views. The bus is flexible, so you can hop off and explore before continuing your journey. If you prefer the best views, try sitting on the left side of the bus during the ride from Yangkou to Yakou, as it offers some of the most scenic perspectives.
Return Journey
After taking in the coastal views, you can alight at Yakou (垭口) and walk 300 meters to the Yakou Bus Station. From here, take a free shuttle bus to the Laoshan Tourist Service Center. Once at the service center, you can take Metro Line 4 back to the city center.
For those who prefer a more direct return, you can take Bus 618 back in the opposite direction, from Yakou to Yangkou. This will offer a completely different view of the coastline.