Dazhu Mountain (大珠山) is located along the southern coastline of Huangdao District in Qingdao. Stretching over 20 kilometers from north to south, its highest peak, Dazhai Peak, reaches an elevation of 486 meters. Surrounded by the waves of the sea and the clouds in the sky, Dazhu Mountain boasts lush greenery that creates a refreshing and picturesque landscape. It is a peninsula filled with captivating views and diverse scenery.
The Dazhu Mountain scenic area is renowned for its unique valleys, striking peaks, bizarre rock formations, and vibrant flora. Historically, it has been a retreat for scholars, monks, and literary figures seeking inspiration in nature.
This area is rich in both cultural and natural attractions, featuring Buddhist rock carvings dating back to the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and the ancient Shimen Temple, which was reconstructed during the Jin Dynasty. Visitors can explore the remnants of famous scholars’ retreats, such as the Tomb Pagoda Forest, Mayi An, Zhuchao Cave, the Poetry Reciting Platform, and the Zhushan Stone Chamber.
On the eastern slope of Dazhu Mountain, the Zhushan Elegant Valley is home to an abundance of flowers, including azaleas, forsythias, pear blossoms, and wild roses. The most spectacular sight occurs when the wild azaleas bloom across three valleys, creating a breathtaking sea of flowers that captivates all who visit.
Travel Information about Dazhu Mountain
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 10 CNY
Opening Hours: 08:30 AM – 04:30 PM
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Dazhu Mountain is from late March to mid-May, when the vast fields of azaleas bloom, creating a stunning sea of flowers across the mountains.
Access and Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Within Dazhu Mountain Town, Huangdao District, Qingdao, situated between Lingshan Bay and Guzhenkou Bay. Dazhu Mountain has two main entrances: Shimen Temple and Zhushan Xiugu, which are quite far apart.
Transportation:
- From Jiaonan to Dazhu Mountain: In Huangdao District, you can take buses 12, 101, 102, or 105 to reach Zhushan Xiugu and buses 3 or 7 to get to Shimen Temple.
- From Qingdao to Dazhu Mountain: From Qingdao, take tunnel buses 5, 6, 7, or 8 to Lingshanwei Bus Hub, then transfer to bus 301 to reach Shimen Temple. Alternatively, you can take bus 305 to the bus station and switch to bus 102 to get to Zhushan Xiugu. During flower festival periods, special direct buses to Dazhu Mountain will be available with increased frequency.
Scenic Area Rating
- Features: ★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Cultural Experience: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★
Highlights of Dazhu Mountain
Xiaozhu Mountain
Xiaozhu Mountain stands proudly on the shores of Jiaozhou Bay, renowned for its unique beauty and rugged terrain. Along with Dazhu Mountain, it is collectively referred to as the “Double Pearls Embedded in Clouds” and is recognized as the foremost attraction among the “Eight Scenic Views of Jiaozhou.” The site is most famous for the Qi Great Wall Ruins, a national key cultural relic protection unit. Other culturally significant sites include Baiyun Temple, Xufu Cave Ruins, Niuwang Temple Ruins, and the Nianjun Military Drill Ground, all of which hold considerable historical and cultural value.
Lingshan Bay National Forest Park
Lingshan Bay National Forest Park is located very close to Dazhu Mountain, making it an excellent addition to your itinerary. The park features pristine forests and tranquil landscapes. It is divided into eight functional areas, including the Magical Paradise Amusement Zone, Seaside Resort, and Rock Fishing Area. Lingshan Bay is also a great spot for watching sunrises and sunsets, offering picturesque views and a serene atmosphere for visitors.
Zhushan Elegant Valley
Zhushan Elegant Valley is located on the eastern slopes of Dazhu Mountain. The valley stretches for 2.5 kilometers, with clear streams flowing into an artificial lake at its base. The azure waters embrace the surrounding green peaks, with reflections creating a picturesque scene. Walking along the lakeside and following the stream into the valley feels like stepping into a painting.
In April, the valley transforms into a sea of blossoms as cherry, apricot, and peach flowers bloom in succession. This seasonal beauty attracts many visitors, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
Shimen Temple
Shimen Temple features a distinctive entrance formed by three massive natural stones, making it one of the few temples in China with a mountain gate facing east. Beneath a giant rock on the right side of the temple lies a clear spring known as Yiquan, which is why the temple is also referred to as Yiquan Temple.
The temple is situated in a beautifully serene environment, with a gently flowing stream in front and a reclining stone nearby. In the distance, several peaks stand tall and majestic. The area also boasts unique rock formations, such as “Lion Peak” and “Divine Monkey Picking Peaches.” To the east of the temple is Dazhu Mountain Reservoir, with its shimmering waters further enhancing the temple’s charm and tranquility.
Shimen Ravine
Traveling south from Shimen Temple leads you to Shimen Ravine, surrounded by towering peaks. The ravine is adorned with lush green pines and vibrant vines, creating a serene and vibrant atmosphere. A winding mountain stream meanders through the area, revealing clear pools at various elevations, with the water sparkling and gently murmuring as it flows.
During the summer rainy season, waterfalls cascade down the cliffs, resembling silver ribbons as they gracefully slide over slanted rock faces, gliding down moss-covered walls before splashing into the clear pools below, sending droplets shimmering like pearls into the air.
Historically, Shimen Ravine was a favored gathering spot for poets and scholars. On the west side of the ravine stands a large rock bearing a poem written by the Ming dynasty scholar Wang Wujing, which reads: “In the deep cold mountains wrapped in mist, there are people here. One cup and another pot, brewing tea in the light of the stream.” The inscription remains clear to this day. Additionally, Qing dynasty poet Gao Fengji inscribed a poem about Shimen Ravine, capturing its beauty with lines that describe red mountain flowers reflected in the water at sunset, evoking the picturesque scenery that still exists today, blending ancient charm with natural splendor.
Mayi Nunnery
Ascending from Shimen Ravine along the stream, past Aoyu Rock and Scissors Peak, you will arrive at the base of Mayi Mountain. Though the current Mayi Nunnery consists only of remnants of walls, the surrounding area is rich with historical traces.
Behind the nunnery stands a sheer cliff that features a suspended stone chamber, which is oval-shaped, measuring three meters deep, two and a half meters wide, and two and a half meters high. The entrance to the chamber is intricately carved, with an arched ceiling and beautifully crafted stone door frames and thresholds.
Approximately three meters in front of the stone chamber lies a large stone engraved with a lotus flower pattern. In the past, an iron plate bridge connected this stone to the chamber. On the eastern wall of the mountain adjacent to the chamber, hundreds of inscriptions can be found, though the middle section has been eroded by water, making it difficult to read. On either side, large characters proclaim “Taiqing Rock” and “Yunxia An,” both of which are bold and elegantly carved.
To the east of the nunnery, there is a stone overhang inscribed with the words “Chaoyang Cave.” The flat stone surface can accommodate more than ten people for rest, and it also features additional carvings and a spot for a flagpole.
Zhu Chao Cave
From the front of Mayi Nunnery, follow a winding path southeast toward the west slope of Dazha Peak. After walking a short distance along a stone-paved trail, you will encounter a stone entrance with a stone doorframe, a stone socket, and a threshold. This is Zhu Chao Cave.
Stepping through the entrance, you’ll find yourself in a courtyard surrounded by massive boulders that block out sunlight. On the eastern side of the courtyard, numerous gigantic stones are stacked together, forming a cave that seems to plunge into the depths of the earth. Visitors who explore this area often feel as though they have ventured deep into the mystical realm of Dazhu Mountain.
Viewing Platform
The Viewing Platform is located to the south of Dazha Peak. From this vantage point, you can enjoy stunning views of Guanzhuangkou Bay, Lingshan Bay, the northernmost high island of Lingshan Island, and the beautiful valleys below.
On the western side of the main peak (at an elevation of 486 meters), there is a narrow crevice on one of the peaks that offers only a glimpse of the sky, which is why it is referred to as “a line of sky.”
Standing on the Viewing Platform, you can observe many unique peaks and strange rock formations in Dazhu Mountain. Among them are the Scissor Peak, resembling a pair of scissors, and other intriguingly shaped rocks such as “Duyu Protects the Flowers,” “Upside-down Boots,” “God Turtle Gazes at the Moon,” “Saint Asks for Directions,” and “Monk and Daoist Playing Chess.” These stones appear almost animated, showcasing remarkable shapes and features that add a touch of whimsy to the landscape.
Visitor Guide for Dazhu Mountain
Things to Do at Dazhu Mountain
The biggest attraction of Dazhu Mountain is the rhododendrons, which begin to bloom in early April, with their peak flowering period occurring around April 10th to 20th. From late March to mid-May each year, the scenic area hosts a grand Rhododendron Festival, featuring spectacular cultural performances and various entertainment activities.
Additionally, Shimen Temple in Dazhu Mountain holds a mountain gathering on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month each year. During this time, the temple is bustling with activity, attracting many visitors. The temple’s incense offerings are plentiful, and the atmosphere is vibrant. The mountain gathering ceremony includes cultural performances and other events, making it a lively and festive occasion for all attendees.
Cuisine at Dazhu Mountain
Dazhu Mountain offers a variety of farmhouses that serve local Qingdao specialties. The main dishes include rhododendron pollen (杜鹃花粉), sea cucumbers (海参), abalones (鲍鱼), dried fish (干鱼), clams (蛤蜊), crabs (螃蟹), and other seafood, as well as signature farmhouse dishes like Da Lao Li soup balls (大老李汤圆), Great Wall dumplings (长城水饺), tofu-fish (豆浆石斑鱼), and stir-fried shrimp with cabbage (春虾烧白菜).
One notable farmhouse is Xianwei Farmhouse (鲜味农家), located just 500 meters from Shimen Temple (石门寺) and only a three-minute drive from the rhododendron scenic area. It is conveniently situated near Binhai Avenue (滨海大道), providing a spacious and comfortable dining environment with hygienic and delicious meals. Their signature dishes include red-headed duck (红头鸭), local chicken (本地鸡), freshwater fish (淡水鱼), chicken stew with sea cucumber (刺参炖鸡), and chicken stew with abalone and crab (螃蟹炖鸡). For reservations, you can call: 15666520111.