Escape the heat of summer by heading to Beijiushui Scenic Area (北九水景区) in Laoshan Mountain (崂山), a peaceful and refreshing getaway that combines lush landscapes with tranquil water features. Known for its beautiful walking trails, picturesque views, and serene atmosphere, this area is the perfect place to spend a few hours enjoying nature. This guide offers everything you need to know for an ideal visit, including travel tips, recommended routes, and scenic spots for photography.
Best Time to Visit Beijiushui in Summer
Beijiushui is an excellent destination for a summer retreat, offering cool mountain air, beautiful hiking paths, and scenic waterfalls. The area tends to be less crowded compared to other scenic spots in Laoshan, making it a peaceful haven to escape the summer heat. Visiting from late spring to early autumn is ideal, especially in July and August when temperatures in the city soar, and the higher altitudes of Beijiushui offer much-needed coolness.
How to Get There
By Metro and Bus: You can take Metro Line 11 to Beijiushui Station (北九水站). Upon exiting from Exit B, you’ll find the Jiushui Customer Service Center (九水客服中心) nearby. From here, you can transfer to the scenic shuttle bus or take Bus No. 639 to Guanlao Parking Lot (观崂停车场).
By Bus: Bus No. 639 also goes directly to Guanlao Parking Lot (观崂停车场), where you can disembark and explore the scenic area.
By Car: For those driving, you can use a navigation system to guide you to Guanlao Parking Lot (观崂停车场). Alternatively, if you prefer more convenience, you can contact the area’s local guesthouses in advance to reserve parking spots. In that case, you can park at Shuangshiwu Village Parking Lot (双石屋村停车场), the most convenient option, where you’ll be just a 10-minute walk away from the ticket checkpoint.
- Jiushui Customer Service Center (九水客服中心): This is the first parking area and a transfer point for the shuttle buses to the scenic area.
- Guanlao Parking Lot (观崂停车场): This is the second parking area and the last stop before heading up the mountain. You can park your car here if you’re driving. Shuttle bus passengers also disembark here, and you’ll need to walk about 20 minutes to the ticket office.
- Shuangshiwu Village Parking Lot (双石屋村停车场): This is the third parking area, which requires driving uphill. It’s closer to the mountain’s local guesthouses, and parking here saves you time and effort. After parking, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the ticket entrance.
Suggested Routes for Exploring Beijiushui
Beijiushui features a circular route that can be customized depending on your fitness level and the time you have available. The scenic area offers both easy walks and more challenging hiking paths for those seeking a deeper exploration.
Light Hike Route: Wooden Plank Path (木栈道) → Nei Sanshui (内三水) → Wuji Pond (无极潭) → Juhua Pond (俱化潭) → Lengcui Gorge (冷翠峡) → Qishui Chuilian (七水垂帘) → Guanfu Pavilion (观瀑亭) → Chaoyin Waterfall (潮音瀑) → Return the same route.
This route is suitable for those who want a relatively easy hike with stunning views, including scenic ponds and waterfalls. It takes about 3-4 hours to complete.
Deep Hike Route (Big Loop): Chaoyin Waterfall (潮音瀑) → Liuyun Pavilion (留韵亭) → Yizhu View (蔚竹观) → Sishui Chuilian (四水垂帘) → Return to ticket entrance.
This route is a more challenging loop hike, offering a thorough exploration of the area’s highlights, including the famous Chaoyin Waterfall and the scenic Yizhu View. It takes longer, around 5-6 hours, and is recommended for those in good physical condition.
Photography Spots
Beijiushui Scenic Area offers countless opportunities for stunning nature photography. Here are some of the top spots to capture the best of the landscape:
- Chaoyin Waterfall (潮音瀑): A must-see spot with perfect photo opportunities in front of the waterfall or from the nearby observation pavilion (观瀑亭).
- Jiushui Eighteen Ponds (九水十八潭): Crystal-clear ponds surrounded by unique rocks, offering the perfect backdrop for landscape photos, especially at Wuji Pond (无极潭).
- Wooden Plank Path and Iron Chain Bridge (木栈道与铁索桥): Capture some unique travel photos walking along the path or crossing the iron bridge.
- Liuyun Pavilion (留韵亭) and Yizhu View (蔚竹观): For panoramic shots of the entire Beijiushui area, these high points provide sweeping views of the mountains and valleys below.
Things to Bring
- Clothing: Wear comfortable sports shoes and casual clothing suitable for hiking. Don’t forget sunscreen and a sunhat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Essentials: Bring your phone, portable charger, mosquito repellent, and an umbrella in case of rain.
- Snacks and Water: Pack light snacks and plenty of water, as food and drinks in the scenic area can be quite pricey.
Useful Tips
- Student Tickets: Graduate students can purchase student tickets for a discounted price. Don’t forget your student ID!
- No Cable Cars: Beijiushui does not have cable cars, so be prepared for some steep climbs in certain areas.
- Walk to the Ticket Booth: After arriving at Guanlao Parking Lot (观崂停车场), you’ll need to walk about 20-30 minutes to reach the ticket booth.
- Supply Stations: There are plenty of rest stops and supply stations throughout the area for snacks and drinks.
- Water Play Area: Before reaching the ticket entrance, there’s a long river where kids can play freely. It’s a great place to bring water guns and water shoes for a fun break.
- Friendly Cats: The area is home to many cute stray cats. If you’re a cat lover, feel free to bring some cat food to share with them!