Jufeng Scenic Area, located at the highest peak of Laoshan Mountain, is renowned for its majestic and ever-changing landscapes. It offers a stunning combination of mountain and sea views, breathtaking natural phenomena, dense forests, striking peaks, bizarre rock formations, and rich cultural landmarks.
Climbing to the top of Jufeng provides a panoramic view of the vast, rolling waves of the Yellow Sea and the pearl-like islands and reefs. Visitors can also witness the colorful clouds shifting across the sky and the unique peaks competing in their grandeur. In summer, the spectacular “Sea of Clouds” and the rare “Laoshan Fireball” are awe-inspiring natural wonders. Winter brings a different charm with the glittering “Silver Peaks” draped in frost.
One of the most captivating experiences is watching the sunrise from the summit. The phenomenon known as “Jufeng Sunrise” is the most famous of the “Twelve Scenic Views of Laoshan.” The sight is truly breathtaking and leaves a lasting impression on all who witness it.
Travel Information about Jufeng Scenic Area
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: Peak season (April-October): 80 RMB; Off-season (November-March): 50 RMB.
Opening Hours: Peak season: 06:00–18:00; Off-season: 07:00–17:00.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Jufeng Scenic Area is from mid-April to mid-May, when the azaleas bloom, covering the valleys from the foothills to the peaks. During this period, the entire valley is wrapped in a soft pink hue, creating a mesmerizing sight.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Jufeng Scenic Area is situated in the central peaks of Laoshan, in Laoshan District.
Transportation:
- Take buses 104, 113, or 304 to the Laoshan Tourist Service Center, where you can transfer to a sightseeing bus to enter the scenic area.
- Take Qingdao Metro Line 4 to Dahedong Station (大河东站). Upon exiting from Exit A, you’ll find the Tourist Service Center where you can board the scenic area shuttle bus heading towards Jufeng.
Scenic Rating
- Adventure: ★★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Relaxation: ★★★
- Culture: ★★★
- Features: ★★★
- Romance: ★★★
Map of Jufeng Scenic Area
Highlights of Jufeng Scenic Area
Iron Tile Hall Ruins
The Iron Tile Hall was originally built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. After its destruction, the rebuilt hall featured an iron-tiled roof, which is how it got its name. Legend has it that all the iron tiles were sourced from the south by the Taoist priest Gao Laide.
Surrounded by unique peaks and picturesque valleys, the hall is backed by granite cliffs rising nearly 100 meters high. Unfortunately, a devastating fire in the second year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty completely destroyed the temple, leaving only the ruins you see today.
The towering and fallen stone pillars stand as a testament to the grandeur of this ancient mountain temple, allowing visitors to reflect on the determination, intelligence, and craftsmanship of its creators.
Natural Monument
The Natural Monument is the first stone scenery in the Jufeng Scenic Area. Its peak juts outwards with a flat base, and when viewed from the south, it resembles a massive stone tablet, which is how it got its name. It is one of the many famous shape-like rock formations in Laoshan.
From the front, the stone protruding from the upper left side of the monument resembles a lively and adorable little monkey, complete with expressive eyes, a nose, and a mouth, along with a front paw. This whimsical feature offers a vivid reminder of the incredible wonders shaped by nature over time.
Legend of the Natural Monument
Long ago, the mountains were home to many tigers that frequently harmed both people and livestock, causing great distress for the local villagers. One day, the “immortal” Tie Guai Li came to Laoshan to gather medicinal herbs and learned of the tiger menace. He called upon the Tiger King and set a wooden stake, commanding the tiger to lead its pack back to the deep forests of the eastern mountains, with a stern warning that as long as the stake remained intact, they could not return. This order brought temporary peace to the villagers.
However, it wasn’t long before the tigers stealthily returned from the east, becoming even more aggressive in their attacks. Upon hearing this, Tie Guai Li was enraged and thrust his iron crutch into the ground, declaring that as long as the crutch remained uncorrupted, the tigers were forbidden to return. Unfortunately, the tigers ignored his warning, worsening their attacks, and even urinated on the crutch. Over the years, it eventually rotted away.
Unable to tolerate their mischief any longer, Tie Guai Li forged a massive stone monument imbued with magical power and placed it at the site, vowing, “As long as this stone stands intact, you are forbidden to return!”
Lingqi Peak
With a gentle breeze flowing, the spiritual flag billows gracefully. Gazing out at the azure sea, the waves appear to gallop like a thousand horses in full stride. The distant mountains and nearby ridges echo this energy, resembling a chorus of voices raised in celebration.
Originally known as “Xiantai Peak,” this mountain was renamed “Lingqi Peak” due to its slender and elegant silhouette, which resembles a flag fluttering in the wind. Turning back to the south, the vastness of the sea stretches out endlessly, with blue skies and white clouds merging with the horizon. The interplay of islands and bays creates a picturesque scene, inviting visitors to reflect deeply on the beauty and spirit of Lingqi Peak.
Yixiantian (One Line of Sky)
Yixiantian, or “One Line of Sky,” is a narrow stone crevice located in front of Jufeng, measuring approximately 2 meters wide, 40 meters high, and extending about 30 meters deep. One of the most remarkable features is the massive round stone wedged above the crevice, which, according to legend, is a precious gem that fell from the crown of the Jade Emperor, creating the gap as it crashed down.
In reality, Yixiantian is a natural fissure in a gigantic rock. When you look up through the crevice, all you can see is a thin line of sky, which is how it earned its name, “One Line of Sky.” This unique formation offers a fascinating glimpse into the wonders of nature and the stories that have evolved around it.
Jufeng (Giant Peak)
Jufeng, also known as “Laoding,” is the main peak of Laoshan, standing at an elevation of 1,132.7 meters. It is the highest peak along China’s coastline. The summit is characterized by a granite rock pillar, with the topmost stone rising sharply, resembling a sword piercing the sky. Climbing the artificial stone steps to the observation platform truly feels like reaching the pinnacle of the world.
The famous lines, “Suddenly I hear of a fairy mountain rising above the sea, appearing amidst the ethereal mist,” perfectly capture the beauty of this place. From the peak, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape: to the east and south lies the vast, boundless ocean, dotted with sailboats and teeming with life; to the west and north, the rugged mountains stretch in undulating waves, with cities and villages faintly visible amid swirling clouds and mist, appearing and disappearing like a dream.
Standing atop Jufeng, visitors are treated to a spectacular panorama of the world below, where countless peaks compete in their beauty and variety.
For added convenience, you can take the eco-friendly bus from the ticket area to reach Jufeng, enjoying the stunning scenery along the way. The roadside relief sculptures are particularly noteworthy, as each one tells a unique story, enhancing the journey to the summit.
Rhododendron Slope
The rhododendron shrubs on Jufeng are a stunning natural landscape of Laoshan. Known as “Laoshan rhododendron,” these flowers bloom in vibrant shades of red every year from April to May, creating a breathtaking display that seems to set the mountains ablaze with color.
As the fiery blossoms bloom alongside lush greenery, unusual peaks, and tranquil valleys, a harmonious scene unfolds, evoking a deep sense of connection with nature. Immersed in this picturesque environment, visitors may truly feel as if they have stepped into a fairyland, surrounded by the beauty and serenity of the natural world.
Danlu Peak
Located 200 meters north of Jufeng, Danlu Peak is the second highest peak in Laoshan, standing at an elevation of 1,100 meters. The summit is relatively flat and can accommodate hundreds of visitors, making it an excellent vantage point for sunrise views.
The peak is composed of numerous exposed granite rocks, and on its northern side, a group of these rocks resembles a “danlu,” or alchemical furnace, gently rising into the air. Among the unique rock formations on the mountain are the “Sister Stones” and “Dangerous Rock,” each resembling intriguing shapes.
Nearby, another peak appears as a magnificent horse, while the rocks on the opposite side look strikingly like the sleeping figure of Zhu Bajie, a character from Chinese mythology. These whimsical formations add to the charm of Danlu Peak, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the creativity of nature.
Shuangfu
Across the valley on the opposite rock wall, two enormous characters for “福 (Fu, Happiness)” are engraved, crafted in imitation of the calligraphy of Wang Xizhi, a renowned calligrapher from the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The characters are bold and striking, capturing the attention of all who pass by.
To enhance the viewing experience, three observation platforms have been constructed along the way: “Wangfu Platform” (望福台), “Jufu Platform” (聚福台), and “Defu Platform” (得福台). These platforms offer visitors stunning views of the “Shuangfu” inscription and the surrounding natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection.
Qinü Peak
Originally known as “Beauty Peak,” Qinü Peak faces south and features a summit where the contours of eyes, nose, and mouth are remarkably clear, resembling a village girl wearing a scarf. With her hands clasped together in prayer and facing north, she embodies a posture of grace, simplicity, and elegance.
The mountain’s form evokes a sense of purity and devotion, giving visitors an impression of holiness. The serene appearance of Qinü Peak adds to the overall tranquility of the Laoshan landscape, inviting all who pass by to pause and reflect on the beauty of nature and the spiritual essence it can inspire.
Wuzhi Peak
Wuzhi Peak consists of a remarkable group of five mountains aligned from east to west, showcasing a staggered elevation. The vertical joints in the rock formations give the appearance of an outstretched hand reaching toward the sky, hence the name “Wuzhi Peak,” which translates to “Five-Finger Peak.”
The landscape here is characterized by majestic mountains and unusual peaks, featuring steep and elegant profiles that evoke a sense of awe at nature’s craftsmanship. Visitors can also enjoy close-up views of various stone formations, including “Bajiaogu,” “Turtle Stone,” “Ziya Emerges from the Mountain,” “Master and Disciple Teach,” and “Taigong Rock.” These unique rock features enhance the scenic beauty of Wuzhi Peak, providing a captivating experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Hiking Guide to Jufeng Scenic Area
Hiking Routes
The hiking route around Jufeng features a circular trail that can be traveled clockwise or counterclockwise. The Zhuque Stone (朱雀石), known as the “First Mountain by the Sea,” serves as a key landmark.
Clockwise Route: Begin by hiking towards Kunmen (坤门).
Complete Route: Entrance Gate (山门) → Cable Car Top Station (索道上站) → Entrance Gate (离门) → Kunmen (坤门) → Duimen (兑门) → Qianmen (乾门) → Observation Platform (观景平台) → Kanmen (坎门) → Genmen (艮门) → Zhenmen (震门) → Zhaixing Pavilion (摘星亭) → Xunmen (巽门) → Entrance Gate (离门) → Cable Car Top Station (索道上站) → Entrance Gate (山门).
Counterclockwise Route: Continue hiking towards Lingqifeng (灵旗峰). After about 10-15 minutes, you will reach Xunmen (巽门), from which a right turn will lead you up to Lingqifeng.
Complete Route: Entrance Gate (山门) → Cable Car Top Station (索道上站) → Entrance Gate (离门) → Xunmen (巽门) → Zhaixing Pavilion (摘星亭) → Zhenmen (震门) → Genmen (艮门) → Kanmen (坎门) → Observation Platform (观景平台) → Qianmen (乾门) → Duimen (兑门) → Kunmen (坤门) → Entrance Gate (离门) → Cable Car Top Station (索道上站) → Entrance Gate (山门).
Note: The clockwise route is generally easier than the counterclockwise route. If you opt for the counterclockwise route and wish to exit the Jufeng Scenic Area, you can take the shuttle bus back to Dahedong. If time permits, you may also continue exploring other routes (though I only took a brief look at other trails).
Hiking Schedule
- 8:34 AM: Arrive at the hiking entrance.
- 9:35 AM: Reach the top station of the cable car.
- 9:49 AM: Depart from the entrance gate.
- 10:04 AM: Arrive at Xunmen (巽门).
- 10:10 AM: Stop at Zhaixing Pavilion (摘星亭) for a longer break.
- 10:38 AM: Arrive at Zhenmen (震门).
- 10:46 AM: Arrive at Genmen (艮门).
- 11:03 AM: Arrive at Kanmen (坎门).
- 11:10 AM: Reach the Observation Platform (观景平台).
- 11:41 AM: Arrive at Duimen (兑门).
- 11:58 AM: Arrive at Kunmen (坤门).
- 12:20 PM: Depart from the entrance gate and begin your descent.
- 1:22 PM: Exit the scenic area.
Further Options
After returning to Dahedong, you can take the shuttle bus to the Taiqing line . From there, you can choose to disembark at Bashui River (八水河) and walk along the scenic coastal wooden path for 1,500 meters to reach Taiqing Palace (太清宫), or remain on the bus and head directly to the palace.
After exploring Taiqing, take the shuttle bus to Yangkou (仰口). Upon disembarking, you can capture photos of Qing Shan Fishing Village (青山渔村) and then walk a few hundred meters to find the shuttle bus heading to Yangkou, which takes a bit of time. You can also pass by Huayan and decide whether to stop there. After exploring Yangkou, board the scenic area shuttle bus back to Dahedong Metro Station. It is advisable to avoid public buses due to their lengthy wait times, which can be around 30 minutes to an hour.