The Liuqing Scenic Area (流清游览区) is located in the southern part of Laoshan Mountain, characterized by towering peaks, deep valleys, and a warm climate. This region is rich in lush black pine forests, with a coastal line featuring a beautiful interplay of capes, reefs, and beaches stretching approximately one kilometer from east to west. The accessible attractions in this area are primarily concentrated along the coastline, providing visitors with a unique and picturesque experience.
The Taiqing Scenic Area (太清游览区), named after the renowned Taoist temple Taiqing Palace, is situated at the southeastern tip of Laoshan. It is divided into two main areas for exploration: the vicinity of Taiqing Palace, which lies by the sea, and the Baishui River route, which serves as a hiking trail. This scenic area is known for its features as a “Taoist Holy Land,” a “Little Jiangnan Botanical Zone,” and the natural coastal rock formations, offering visitors a delightful blend of cultural and natural beauty.
Travel Information about Liuqing and Taiqing Scenic Area
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Prices:
- Liuqing-Taiqing and Yangkou-Huayan Scenic Areas:
- Peak Season: 90 CNY
- Off-Season: 60 CNY
- Taiqing Palace: 27 CNY
- Mingxia Cave: 6 CNY
- Shangqing Palace: 4 CNY
- Taiqing Cable Car: 45 CNY
Opening Hours:
Peak Season: 06:00 – 19:00
Off-Season: 07:00 – 17:00
Best Time to Visit
The Liuqing-Taiqing Scenic Area is suitable for visits year-round, with the best travel season from April to October.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: Located in the southern part of Laoshan Scenic Area.
Transportation: Visitors can take bus routes 104 or 113 to the Laoshan Tourist Distribution Center and then transfer to a sightseeing bus to enter the area.
Attraction Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Cultural: ★★★
- Special Features: ★★
- Adventure: ★★
- Romance: ★★
Highlights of Liuqing and Taiqing Scenic Area
Liqing Bay Beach
Liqing Bay features fine sandy beaches, facing the sea and backed by the majestic peaks of Laoshan, making it a natural seaside bathing spot. To the east lies Abalone Island, while the distant view includes “Old Man Island.” Together with the azure sea and blue sky, this creates a breathtaking, picturesque landscape.
Frog Rock
Frog Rock, also known as “Crouching Golden Toad,” is one of the renowned symbolic rocks in Laoshan. Formed by the relentless crashing of waves, this massive stone is remarkably lifelike and vibrant. Numerous legends surround Frog Rock.
One legend tells of a frog that originally resided in the Moon Palace. After violating the laws of the palace, it was banished by Chang’e to the mortal world, where its toad fat could be used to heal ailments. In despair, the frog gazes longingly at the Moon Palace, hoping for Chang’e’s mercy to return home.
Another tale speaks of the Dragon King of the East Sea, who defeated the South Sea Dragon King in battle. As punishment, the South Sea Dragon King was transformed into Frog Rock, destined to guard the maritime borders from then on.
Bashui River
As the name suggests, Bashui River is formed by the convergence of eight streams, making it one of the main rivers in Laoshan. Spanning approximately 8 kilometers, it flows from the mountains down to the sea.
Although not very long, Bashui River is renowned for its stunning scenery. Whether you choose to travel upstream against the current or drift downstream from Longtan Waterfall, you’ll witness the river’s tumultuous waters cascading down over countless rocks of varying sizes. These natural obstacles create a variety of enchanting water features, with the flow sometimes weaving through stones, meandering, or swirling in captivating patterns.
During periods of high water flow, the river roars like a thousand galloping horses, echoing thunderously throughout the valley, creating a truly spectacular sight.
Recommended Itinerary:
Bashui River – Shangqing Palace – Mingxia Cave – Taiqing Palace. Estimated duration: approximately 3 hours.
The route along Bashui River is a hiking trail, leading you upwards through the scenic landscape. Starting from Bashui River, you can enjoy the views of Longtan Waterfall and the ancient Shangqing Palace. The path meanders through the forest, eventually leading to the famous Taoist temple, Mingxia Cave. This section of the journey takes about an hour and a half.
For those who may find the hike tiring, you have the option to return after reaching either Longtan Waterfall or Shangqing Palace, which will take approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Taiqing Cable Car directly to Mingxia Cave for a more relaxed experience. Taiqing Palace, located by the sea, offers an easier visit and takes around 20 minutes to explore.
Mingxia Cave
Mingxia Cave is formed by a series of towering rocks, creating a stunning natural structure. The inscription above the cave entrance reads “Mingxia Cave, Year 3 of the Jin Da’an Era,” written by the Taoist master Qiu Chuji. The characters “霞朱半天” (meaning “half the sky is painted red by the morning glow”) refer to the breathtaking sight of the sunrise, with colorful clouds illuminating the surrounding peaks.
From this vantage point, you can only see half the sky, but when the sun rises in the east, the vibrant clouds reflect a beautiful red hue across the mountains, creating an extraordinarily picturesque scene. It is a perfect spot for witnessing the mesmerizing beauty of nature, especially at dawn.
Longtan Waterfall
Longtan Waterfall, also known as Yulong Waterfall, is situated in the middle reaches of the Eight Water River on the southern slopes of Laoshan Mountain. Here, the river cascades into a deep pool, and the water flows like a jade dragon, creating a misty spray that enhances the spectacular scenery.
According to legend, a long time ago, a white dragon was banished to Laoshan by the Jade Emperor for violating heavenly rules. However, the white dragon did not mend its ways and transformed into a handsome young man, engaging in bullying and wrongdoing, which once again angered the Jade Emperor. In response, the Emperor sent Master Zhang to punish him, and the two battled fiercely in the mountains. Ultimately, the white dragon was defeated by Master Zhang and was slain at the steep cliff of the gorge, transforming into the beautiful waterfall that flows here today.
Taiqing Palace
Taiqing Palace, also known as “Lower Palace,” is the oldest and largest Taoist temple in Laoshan, with a history of over 2,100 years. The structure we see today has been recently renovated, preserving the architectural style and scale from the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli period. The palace complex features three main halls: the San Guan Hall, the San Qing Hall, and the San Huang Hall, along with more than 150 Taoist residences. The buildings are characterized by their blue stone and grey tile roofs, embodying the Taoist philosophy of “tranquility and non-action” and the pursuit of self-cultivation.
Viewing the moon rising over the sea from Taiqing Palace offers a unique experience. At times of perfect silence, a radiant moon emerges from the ocean, casting shimmering silver light across the water, creating a magical scene. The gentle breeze rustles the bamboo on the shore, and the soft waves lap against the rocks, resulting in an otherworldly atmosphere.
Cangye Tree: On the west side of the San Guan Hall stands a remarkable Cangye tree, believed to have been planted during the Tang Dynasty, making it over 1,300 years old. Known as “Tang Elm” because its gnarled branches resemble a dragon, it stands 18.2 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 130 centimeters. This ancient tree is a rare and precious symbol of Laoshan.
Xiangyu (Fragrant Jade) at Upper Qing Palace: The peony is celebrated as China’s national flower and is often referred to as the “king of flowers.” Many temples and gardens in Laoshan cultivate this exquisite blossom. Within the courtyard of Upper Qing Palace, there is a magnificent white peony known to thrive year after year. According to legend, it is the flower spirit “Xiangyu” from the classic story “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio” (聊斋志异).
Baxian Dun (Eight Immortals Mound)
Baxian Dun is located to the south of Laoshan Head and features a dramatic cliff made up of multicolored sandstone, including shades of blue, yellow, green, gray, black, and red. Beneath this towering cliff lie more than ten stone platforms. According to legend, the Eight Immortals stopped here to rest during their journey across the sea, which is how the site got its name.
The area is characterized by fierce winds and towering waves, creating a thrilling and adventurous atmosphere. Often referred to as “Laoshan’s Number One Wonder,” Baxian Dun offers stunning views and a sense of awe, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the beauty of Laoshan.
Different Routes to Explore Taiqing Scenic Area
Leisurely Visit for Taoism and the Laozi Statue
If you’re interested in Taoism or want to see the monumental statue of Laozi, this route is the perfect choice. Start by taking the sightseeing bus directly to Taiqing Square (太清广场). From there, you can visit Taiqing Palace, where the impressive statue of Laozi is located. The whole visit takes about 1 hour.
For families with elderly members or those who prefer a slower pace, after visiting Taiqing Palace, take the sightseeing bus to the Taiqing Cable Car station. Ride the cable car to Yakou, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain and the sea before heading back the same way. This route minimizes walking and ensures a relaxed experience.
Hiking for Mountain and Waterfall Enthusiasts
For those who love hiking and nature, this route offers a more active day. Take the sightseeing bus to the Bashui River Station (八水河) and begin your hike. This route does not involve cable cars, allowing you to enjoy the rugged terrain and peaceful surroundings.
- Up the Mountain: Start from Bashui River ➡ Dragon Pond Reservoir ➡ Dragon Pond Waterfall ➡ Shangqing Palace ➡ Mingxia Cave (the highest point)
- Down the Mountain: From Mingxia Cave, descend to Yakou, and then take the sightseeing bus back to the Tourist Center.
This hiking route covers various scenic spots and takes approximately 3 hours in total. It’s perfect for those who enjoy both nature and physical activity.
A Mixed Experience of Hiking, Taoism, and Sea Views
For those who want to experience a mix of hiking, Taoist culture, and coastal beauty, Route 3 provides a comprehensive adventure. This is the most challenging route but allows you to see some of the best spots in Taiqing.
- Start the Journey: Take the sightseeing bus to Taiqing Square ➡ Visit Taiqing Palace (the Laozi statue is located in the back mountain area).
- Afterward, board the sightseeing bus again to reach the Taiqing Cable Car station.
- From here, walk about 200 meters to see the Qingshan Fishing Village Archway (青山渔村牌坊).
- Hiking Time: Begin the ascent from the archway ➡ Yakou ➡ Mingxia Cave ➡ Shangqing Palace ➡ Dragon Pond Waterfall ➡ Bashui River ➡ Return to the Tourist Center.
This route is ideal for those who want to enjoy both cultural experiences and mountain trekking, taking about 4 hours in total.
A Relaxing Tour to Taiqing Scenic Area and Qingshan Fishing Village
| Route | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Begin at the Dahuadong Visitor Center (大河东游客服务中心) or take Subway Line 4 to Dahuadong Station (大河东站), Exit A. |
| Taiqing Coastal Boardwalk | Enjoy the scenic coastal path, a beautiful stretch of boardwalk that leads to Taiqing Square (太清广场). It’s not far to walk, but the views are stunning and highly recommended. |
| Taiqing Square | Once you reach Taiqing Square (太清广场), you can either visit Taiqing Palace (太清宫) for an additional 27 RMB or continue by sightseeing bus to Taiqing Cable Car Station (太清索道站). |
| Qingshan Fishing Village Viewpoint | After getting off at the cable car station, follow the signs for about 300 meters to the Qingshan Fishing Village (青山渔村) archway. Take photos at the viewpoint and then return to the cable car to head up the mountain. |
| Mingxia Cave | Once you descend the cable car, walk 270 meters to reach Mingxia Cave (明霞洞). From there, continue to Shangqing Palace (上清宫), then visit the Longtan Waterfall (龙潭瀑), and finally arrive at Bashui River (八水河). |
| Bashui River | End your journey by taking the sightseeing bus back to the Dahuadong Visitor Center (大河东游客服务中心). |
A Relaxed Day Trip to Taiqing and Yangkou Scenic Areas
Getting to Laoshan: Start your journey from Qingdao city center. Take Line 4 of the Qingdao Metro and ride all the way to the last stop, Dahedong Station (大河东站), which takes around an hour from the city center. Once you exit the station, you’ll find yourself at the entrance to Laoshan Scenic Area.
Ticket Information: You can either purchase tickets on-site using a QR code or buy them in advance through the official Laoshan Scenic Area WeChat account. I opted to buy a package ticket in advance, which included a ticket to Yangkou (仰口) for 90 RMB and a sightseeing bus for 40 RMB, totaling 130 RMB. The ticket is valid for two days, giving you access to both Taiqing (太清) and Yangkou scenic areas. Note that elderly visitors can enter for free, and children get a half-price discount, although the sightseeing bus still requires a fare. The tickets can be scanned directly with your ID card at the entrance for seamless entry.
Entering the Scenic Area: Since I purchased my tickets ahead of time, I simply scanned my ID card to enter the park. I proceeded to the designated check-in area for the bus to Taiqing (太清). Upon exiting the entrance gate, you’ll find a shuttle bus ready to take you to Taiqing.
Traveling to Taiqing Square: Once on the bus, you can sit back and enjoy the scenic ride. If you get the chance, try to sit on the side of the bus that faces the sea (opposite the driver’s seat). The route from Dahendong to Taiqing has a stop at Bashui River (八水河), where those with enough energy can get off and walk along the beautiful wooden coastal path to Taiqing Square. However, if walking isn’t ideal, you can stay on the bus and continue to Taiqing Square directly. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes.
Exploring Taiqing Square: We didn’t venture into Taiqing Palace (太清宫) as we were traveling with elderly family members and young children, so instead, we found a lovely spot by the sea to relax, enjoy some snacks, and take in the beautiful scenery. Since we weren’t planning to hike to Mingxia Cave (明霞洞) or explore other areas of Taiqing, we decided that taking the cable car here wasn’t necessary. We treated Taiqing as a brief stop, just to enjoy the view of the sea.
Heading to Yangkou Scenic Area: There is no direct bus from Taiqing Square to Yangkou, so you will need to catch a bus from Yakou (垭口), which is a short ride away from Taiqing Square. To get to Yakou, head to the Taiqing Cable Car Station (太清索道), where you can catch a free bus to Yakou. The bus stop is easy to find, and if you’re unsure, you can always ask the security guards for directions.
The bus ride from Taiqing to Yakou takes about 3 minutes. At Yakou, you’ll find another bus that will take you to Yangkou. The bus will stop briefly at Huayan (华严), but you don’t need to get off. Continue on to Yangkou, where you’ll be dropped off after about 40 minutes of scenic travel along the coast.
Exploring Yangkou Scenic Area: Once at Yangkou (仰口), follow the signs for a short walk of about 200-300 meters. The path has a slight incline, but it’s not steep. You’ll reach the Yangkou Cable Car (仰口索道) where you can buy a ticket for 35 RMB per person for a one-way trip up the mountain. The cable car ride will take you up to about two-thirds of the mountain’s height, where you can stop and explore a scenic viewpoint. If you’re feeling up for it, you can continue climbing higher, but we decided to rest and enjoy the views of the horizon and the sea below.
Once you’ve enjoyed the scenic spot and rested, you can take the cable car back down. If you have enough time, you might want to visit Yangkou Beach (仰口海滩), located just 5 minutes from the cable car station. The beach is a peaceful spot to relax and soak up the coastal beauty.
Return Journey: For your return trip, you can take a Didi (a Chinese ride-hailing service) from the parking area near the Yangkou bus stop. The ride takes you 10 kilometers to Puli (浦里), where you can catch the Blue Valley Express Line (蓝谷快线) back to the city center and transfer to other metro lines to reach your destination.
Additional Tips
Monkeys: Keep an eye out for monkeys! Although I only saw one during my trip, they’re common in the area.
Cable Car Option: If you want to save some energy, there’s an option to take the cable car up to the Yakou (垭口) direction. Before starting, make sure to check if the cable car is running. While the cable car takes you up to a lower point, you’ll need to walk another 400 meters to reach Mingxia Cave (明霞洞). Alternatively, you can choose to go downhill to the Bashui River (八水河) direction, which is mostly downhill and will conserve your energy, though the views might not be as spectacular.
Annual Pass Holders: If you have an annual pass, you can ride the sightseeing bus as many times as you like.
Taiqing Square vs. Taiqing Cable Car: Note that the Taiqing Square and Taiqing Cable Car stations are two different locations, so be sure to check the signs.
Best Sea Views: If you want the best sea views, sit on the right side of the bus on the way to Taiqing Square (opposite the driver). For the return journey, sit on the driver’s side for the best view.
Stay Hydrated: If you’re hiking, be sure to drink plenty of water. The weather can be hot, and the trails can be slippery due to small stones, so be cautious when descending.