Aoshanwei (鳌山卫) is located at the northern foothills of Laoshan, along the coast of the Yellow Sea, beside Aoshan Bay. Originally a small village nestled between the mountains and the sea, it got its name from a hill in the area that resembles a “dragon” (鳌). In 1388, during the 21st year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang ordered the construction of a fortress in Aoshan by General Jin Shilian. By the fourth year of the Jianwen era (1402), the Aoshanwei military post was established, overseeing the Xiongya and Fushan military posts.
In the 12th year of the Yongzheng era (1734) of the Qing Dynasty, Aoshanwei came under the jurisdiction of Jimo County. The town is rich in natural resources, including mountains, seas, islands, beaches, forests, and ports. The prominent Crane Mountain (Heshan) is part of the Laoshan range, famous for its beauty, as reflected in the saying “Among Laoshan, Crane Mountain is the most exquisite.” Other notable peaks include the folkloric Dongjing Mountain, the adventure-friendly Tianzhushan resembling a Huabiao, and Leopard Mountain, known for its primitive forest park.
Aoshanwei boasts a 19.8-kilometer coastline with beautiful sandy beaches where the sand is fine like a carpet. Within the Aoshan Bay, the second-largest bay in Qingdao, lie lush islands such as Big Guan Island, Small Guan Island, and Changmen Rock, which are rich in bamboo and dense vegetation. Notably, the islands host the rare and ancient winter flowering plants.
Travel Informaiton about Aoshanwei
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 15 RMB for Heshan.
Opening Hours:
- Peak Season: 08:00 – 18:00
- Off-Peak Season: 08:00 – 17:00
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: Located to the south of Jimo City, north of Laoshan Bay.
Transportation:
- Public Transport: Take the “Jiqing Express” from Qingdao Lijin Road or Sifang Long-Distance Station to Jimo Station, then transfer to a small bus to Aoshanwei Town.
- Driving: If driving from Qingdao City, take the coastal road and travel for about one hour to reach Aoshanwei Town. From Jimo City, take S309 and drive for about half an hour to arrive at Aoshanwei Town.
Attraction Rating
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Features: ★★★★
- Cultural Experience: ★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★
- Romance: ★★
- Adventure: ★
Highlights of Aoshanwei Town
Heshan (Crane Mountain)
Heshan, known as the “Soul of Laoshan,” derives its name from a stone on its eastern peak that resembles a crane. The mountain comprises three peaks—East, West, and South—covering approximately 2 square kilometers. The West Peak is the tallest, reaching 223 meters above sea level. Scholar Zhou Rudi praised Heshan in the Ming Dynasty, declaring that despite Mount Tai’s height, it could not compare to the beauty of Laoshan. This sentiment led to the saying that “not visiting Heshan when traveling to Laoshan is a regret.”
The scenic features of Heshan are beautifully arranged, showcasing a harmonious blend of natural and cultural attractions. Among its natural wonders are the picturesque Juxian Gate, the winding Xianren Path, and the serene Ascension Platform. Visitors can explore the enchanting Mo Qian Gorge and Rolling Dragon Cave, while the striking One-Line Sky offers a breathtaking view. The tranquil Bathing Basin and Yugu Cave add to the area’s allure, complemented by the magical ambiance of the Golden Toad Cave and the striking Dao Gu Stone.
Culturally, Heshan is home to Yuzhen Palace and Songhe Studio, which invite exploration and reflection. One of the most captivating experiences is the Crane Call Response phenomenon, where visitors standing in front of the Three True Halls of Yuzhen Palace can clap their hands to hear crane-like sounds emanating from the sky, a mystery that remains unaffected by weather conditions. The Water Sound Heavenly Ladder, a staircase with 47 steps leading from the Three True Halls to the Laojun Hall, provides an auditory delight as the sound of flowing water accompanies each step, enhancing the magical atmosphere of this scenic mountain.
Tianzhushan (Heavenly Pillar Mountain)
Tianzhushan Scenic Area is located in the western part of Aoshanwei Town, nestled against the southern slopes of Laoshan and adjacent to the Heshan Scenic Area. The mountain rises steeply, earning its name from its pillar-like shape. From a distance, the towering cliffs appear isolated and majestic, resembling a traditional Chinese ceremonial column. The mountain’s sides are adorned with grey rock formations that seem precariously balanced, some jutting upward while others appear to hang on the verge of falling.
At the summit, large, weathered boulders create a striking landscape, with one narrow opening known as the “South Heaven Gate” providing a unique passage. The crevices in the stone pillar are overgrown with thorns and wildflowers, adding a touch of color to the rugged terrain.
Standing atop Tianzhushan, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the azure sky and the shimmering sea, along with a picturesque coastal fishing village dotted along the shoreline. On the western horizon, two unusual stones resembling a man and a woman can be seen on a nearby hill. The man, bowing towards the east, and the woman, greeting him from the west, create a charming scene that evokes the feeling of a warm reunion between old friends, a testament to the beauty and artistry of nature.
Daguan Island
Daguan Island is situated in the southeastern part of Aoshan and lies in the midst of Laoshan Bay, covering an area of 0.58 square kilometers. The island boasts a pristine ecological environment, with its vegetation largely untouched by modern development, preserving its original natural state.
During the spring and autumn seasons, a variety of migratory birds flock to the island, making it a haven for birdwatchers. On the island’s western and northern sides, visitors can find shallow sandy beaches, perfect for relaxation. In contrast, the eastern and southern shores are characterized by dramatic cliffs and sheer rock formations, shaped by the relentless forces of the sea.
One of the island’s standout features is a group of 47 ancient winter-hardy trees, some of which are hundreds of years old, growing atop the eastern cliff. These trees not only enhance the island’s scenic beauty but also serve as a testament to the resilience of nature in this untouched paradise.
Xiaoguan Island
Xiaoguan Island is located in the southeastern part of Aoshan, nestled between Xiaodao Bay and Laoshan Bay, covering an area of approximately 0.29 square kilometers. Visitors can reach the island via a dock on its northwestern side, where they are greeted by the graceful sway of bamboo shadows and unique rock formations.
The island’s exceptional geographical and climatic conditions have contributed to its lush vegetation. Aside from a small amount of cultivated land, the entire island is adorned with vibrant flowers, trees, and plants, earning it the reputation of a “natural botanical garden.”
Home to a diverse range of bird species, Xiaoguan Island features magpies, owls, doves, and mountain partridges, among others. During the spring and autumn months, the island becomes a sanctuary for rare birds, including white cranes, adding to its allure as a destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Dongjing Mountain
Dongjing Mountain is situated along the shores of Aoshan Bay, facing the Yellow Sea, and covers an area of 0.4 square kilometers, with an elevation of 107 meters. The mountain features two prominent peaks, with the western peak known as Eagle Beak Mountain due to a large rock that resembles an eagle’s beak.
The mountain is home to the Hu Xian Temple, which was established over a hundred years ago. This temple hosts three annual fairs, with the most significant event occurring on the 20th day of the first lunar month, attracting up to 50,000 visitors at its peak. The vibrant atmosphere during the fairs highlights the cultural significance of Dongjing Mountain and draws tourists eager to experience its rich traditions.
Changmen Rock
Changmen Rock, located 16 kilometers southeast of Daguandao, consists of three islands with a total area of 0.25 square kilometers. The northern island, known as the western islet, occupies 70% of the total area. Its base features exposed brownish rock walls adorned with white stripes that create various geometric patterns, resembling intricate mosaics.
This area is renowned for its abundance of evergreen flowering plants, particularly the hardy winter-flowering shrub. The island boasts over 200 exceptionally large winter-flowering trees, forming the largest wild camellia grove at this latitude. The oldest of these trees is estimated to be around 1,300 years old, with a trunk diameter of about one foot, resembling a giant umbrella, earning it the title of “King of Winter-Flowering Trees.”
In addition to the winter-flowering shrubs, the island is home to date palm trees, which are evergreen shrubs found alongside them. These date palms bloom in August, producing fruit that matures by April of the following year. During the blooming season of the winter-flowering shrubs, the landscape becomes particularly striking, dotted with clusters of blue-green fruits, creating a beautiful contrast.
Monthly Highlights in Aoshanwei
January to February: Experience the unique tradition of ringing bells for blessings while enjoying the snow-capped mountains. The Lantern Festival on January 20 sees visitors gathering for a lively celebration on Dongjing Mountain. Meanwhile, the Huayuan Flower Observation Park in Yuanshang Village offers a vibrant floral display.
March to April: This is the prime time for oysters, celebrated for their rich flavor. Visitors can explore He Mountain and Leopard Mountain to admire blooming cherry, apricot, and peach blossoms, while also enjoying fresh tea at the Ao Jiao Stone Tea Garden.
May to June: The “Joyful Bay” Food Festival showcases local culinary delights. Visitors can pick cherries in Leopard Mountain Forest Park and Duoshi Village, or enjoy fishing at Caodao and Chaidao Islands.
July to September: The beautiful Jinsha Beach becomes a popular destination for swimming and relaxation during the summer months.
October: The He Mountain Persimmon Festival invites visitors to enjoy the autumn colors of the mountain. The Double Ninth Festival, celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, features gatherings and activities at He Mountain.
November to December: Enjoy local delicacies such as white temple taro and Daren River rice noodles, alongside opportunities for green food shopping in the area.
Visitor Guide for Aoshanwei
Accommodation in Aoshanwei
Shangkeyou Hotel (尚客优品酒店): Located approximately 200 meters west of the Aoshanwei Town Government on the south side of the road, Shangkeyou Hotel is a mid-range hotel offering comfortable accommodations. The hotel features several sunny rooms and is known for its friendly service and cleanliness. Guests can enjoy a rich buffet breakfast and benefit from an intelligent service system. For inquiries, you can contact them at 0532-55526999.
Cuisine in Aoshanwei
The fisherman’s feast in Aoshanwei is a must-try experience. The town is home to over a hundred seafood restaurants scattered throughout various fishing villages, each serving freshly caught seafood such as sea cucumbers, abalone, clams, shrimp, mantis shrimp, and oysters. Dining in this coastal setting, accompanied by the refreshing sea breeze and enjoying the vibrant flavors of fresh seafood, is truly delightful. Notable restaurants in Aoshanwei include Jidong Hotel (即东大酒店) (Phone: 0532-86551298) and Qinming Hotel (钦明酒店) (Phone: 0532-86552777).
Shopping in Aoshanwei
Aoshanwei offers a variety of local products worth exploring. Notable items include Aofu green tea, Yuan Shang floral seedlings, and unique seafood like Qingban fish from Shentangou, sea cucumbers from Fengjiahe, and abalone from Guandao. You can also find delicious snacks such as taro from Baimao Shekou, flat rice noodles from Darunhe, and dried shrimp from Houma. Fresh fruits and produce, including cherries from Duoshi, apricots from Baoshan, and persimmons from Heshan, are highly regarded and make for great local souvenirs.