Taiping Mountain Central Park (太平山中央公园), located in Qingdao, spans over 2 million square meters with a modest elevation of just over 150 meters. Despite its low height, the mountain offers a scenic landscape with gentle, undulating terrain, creating an expansive and majestic view. The mountain stretches westward to include Qingdao Mountain, Baguanshan, and Xiaoyushan, while extending eastward to reach Zhanshan. It is the largest natural mountain forest area within Qingdao’s urban center.
Today, Taiping Mountain is part of a larger recreational and tourist area known as Taiping Mountain Central Park. This area integrates several key attractions, such as Zhongshan Park, Qingdao Zoo, Qingdao Botanical Garden, Jufeng Park, the Qingdao Wine Museum, Baihuayuan, Zhanshan Temple, and Qingdao Mountain Park. Together, they form a large, tranquil space for leisure and tourism.
Travel Information about Taiping Mountain Central Park
Tickets and Opening Hours
Tickets:
- Qingdao Zoo: 8.5 RMB
- Amphibian and Reptile House: 10 RMB
- Jufeng Park: Free
Opening Hours:
- Qingdao Zoo: 07:00–18:00
- Qingdao Botanical Garden: Open all day
- Baihuayuan: 06:30–21:00
- Jufeng Park: Open all day
Best Time to Visit
Taiping Mountain Central Park is a large area where various cultural performances and sightseeing activities take place year-round. As a result, it is a lively and exciting destination in all seasons, making it suitable for tourism any time of the year.
How to Get There
Location: The Taiping Mountain scenic area stretches westward to Qingdao Mountain, Baguanshan, and Xiaoyushan, and eastward to Zhanshan, covering a large region.
Transportation: The park has ten entrances and is conveniently located near several famous Qingdao attractions by the sea. Multiple bus routes lead to the park, making access very easy.
Attraction Rating
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Culture: ★★★
- Excitement: ★★
Highlights of Taiping Mountain Central Park
Zhongshan Park, Qingdao
Zhongshan Park is one of the most iconic green spaces in Qingdao, a city famous for its red-tiled roofs, lush greenery, and stunning coastal views. While trees are planted throughout the city, Zhongshan Park stands out for its high concentration of ancient and rare trees. Located just across the street from Huiquan Square, it is the largest comprehensive park in the city, surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the sea to the south. The park’s dense forested areas create a unique and beautiful landscape within the urban area.
Related Details:
- Cherry Blossom Festival: Zhongshan Park hosts Qingdao’s first annual festival each year—the Cherry Blossom Festival. The park is home to over 2,000 cherry trees, primarily single-petal cherry blossoms, most of which are Japanese varieties, especially the Yoshino cherry. The festival runs from April 10th to 25th, with double-petal cherry blossoms blooming until May 1st.
- Summer Lantern Festival and Autumn Chrysanthemum Exhibition: Two other popular events are the Summer Lantern Festival and the Autumn Chrysanthemum Exhibition. During midsummer nights, the park is illuminated with a dazzling array of lanterns, including palace, silk, and boat lanterns from Chengdu, Zigong, Nanjing, and traditional park lanterns. The Autumn Chrysanthemum Exhibition has been held since the 1950s, showcasing over 700 varieties, with rare and beloved types such as “Purple Flag,” “Black Lotus,” and the uniquely shaped “Mandarin Duck Spreading Wings” and “Flying Pegasus.” These events attract many visitors each year.
Qingdao Zoo
Qingdao Zoo, originally located in the southern part of Zhongshan Park, has a history dating back to 1915. In 1977, the zoo was relocated to the southwestern side of Taiping Mountain, where it was gradually rebuilt over ten years into the Qingdao Zoo known today. The zoo is divided into two sections: the eastern area, which houses the predator exhibit, and the western area, home to other animal exhibits. It operates under a single ticket system for entry.
As one of Qingdao’s most beloved tourist attractions, Qingdao Zoo holds fond memories for generations of locals. In recent years, the zoo has introduced animal adoption programs, which have been warmly embraced by the community.
Qingdao Botanical Garden
Qingdao Botanical Garden is located in the southern section of Taiping Mountain, bordered by Zhongshan Park to the west, Jufeng Park to the north, Zhanshan Temple to the east, and overlooking Badaguan to the south. Established in 1976, the garden covers an area of 1 million square meters, featuring ornamental plants such as trees and flowers. It serves as a comprehensive tourist destination that integrates scientific research, education, plant cultivation, and scenic enjoyment.
The garden’s diverse terrain and landscape provide various ecological environments suitable for different plant species. Inside, natural groves thrive and blend harmoniously with the surrounding mountain views, sea scenery, and temple architecture. Key attractions within the garden include the Forest Park, Botanical Garden of Excellence, Sino-Japanese Friendship Garden, French House, Tingtao Pavilion, and Waterside Pavilion.
Julin Park
Julin Park, located on Taiping Mountain, gets its name from the dense groves of Julin trees that thrive throughout the area. The park is famous for its greenery, offering a serene and natural escape within the city. One of its most notable landmarks is the Qingdao TV Tower, constructed in the 1990s, which stands at an elevation of 116 meters above sea level and boasts a height of 232 meters. The tower is recognized as “China’s First Steel Tower” due to its all-steel structure.
The Qingdao TV Tower consists of five main components: the steel tower body, the crown, the disc, the sphere, and the transmission antenna. It serves both as a telecommunications hub and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Qingdao from the observation deck, providing a stunning perspective of the city’s signature “red-tiled roofs, green trees, and blue sea and sky.” This vantage point is one of the best places to fully appreciate the charm and beauty of Qingdao.
From July to September, Qingdao enjoys its clearest weather, offering excellent visibility for long-distance views. During this time, you can fully appreciate the stunning scenery where mountains meet the sea and layers of green hills unfold. The best time to visit is in the afternoon, as you’ll not only enjoy the breathtaking landscape but also have the chance to witness the beauty of the sunset and twilight. As the evening progresses, the city lights gradually come on, creating a magical atmosphere with twinkling lights across Qingdao.
Qingdao Wine Museum
The Qingdao Wine Museum is dedicated to the theme of wine, tracing the origins and history of winemaking while showcasing the culture and quality of wine. Visitors have the opportunity to sample wines from around the world as they explore the exhibits.
The museum’s main passageway is 192 meters long and features various themed sections, including areas focused on winemaking knowledge, world-famous wineries, and wine-related art such as oil paintings. Along the corridor, visitors will encounter unique exhibition areas like the natural vineyard, Bacchus sculpture, China Pavilion, Wine Boy sculpture, Historical Gallery, Wine Bank, Huadong Wine Cellar, and the Time Tunnel. These sections use text, images, and lighting to illustrate the winemaking process and production techniques.
One of the highlights is the China Pavilion, which showcases a recreated archaeological site that proves China’s thousands of years of winemaking history. The pavilion also displays traditional Chinese wine vessels and a century-old oak barrel, offering a glimpse into China’s rich wine heritage.
Related Details:
- The museum hosts relevant events during holidays and festivals. For example, on “International Museum Day,” admission is free, and experts are invited to educate visitors about wine in person.
- After exploring the museum, visitors can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine. It’s advisable to brush up on some wine knowledge beforehand to avoid any embarrassing moments.
- Within the museum, there is a Wine Bank specifically designed for storing wine. If you’re interested, you can store your favorite wines in the “Wine Bank.” Who knows, years later, you might benefit from the appreciation in value of those wines!
Baihuayuan (Hundred Flower Garden)
Baihuayuan is the first large-scale commemorative garden in Qingdao, nestled against Qingdao Mountain and adjacent to Zhongshan Park, covering an area of 8.25 hectares. Established in 1995, the garden features sculptures of 20 notable cultural figures who were either born in Qingdao or achieved prominence while living there, earning it the nickname “Cultural Celebrity Sculpture Park.”
The garden boasts the most beautiful grassland in Qingdao, featuring a 36,000-square-meter expanse of lush, imported turf that remains green year-round. The terrain is undulating, with winding paths, shady trees, and fragrant grass creating a picturesque rural landscape reminiscent of “small bridges, flowing water, and homesteads.”
Throughout the park, the celebrity sculptures are thoughtfully distributed, depicting figures in serene poses—some seated, others standing – adding a rich cultural atmosphere. The garden is a harmonious blend of human and natural landscapes, showcasing a collection of scenic spots including “Three Friends of Winter,” “Flower Stream,” “Sun and Moon Lake,” “Unity Bridge,” “Lotus Pool,” “Mimosa Forest,” and “Dragon and Tiger Cup.” It features over 2,600 trees and shrubs of more than 100 species and approximately 8,000 flowers of 110 different varieties, making it a beautiful and tranquil retreat in the city.
Zhanshan Temple
Zhanshan Temple is the only Buddhist temple in the urban area of Qingdao, covering an area of 23 acres. Construction began in 1933, and the temple was completed in 1945. The entrance features two stone lions, believed to be relics from the Ming Dynasty. In front of the temple is a stone lotus pond, which serves as a place for the release of life.
The temple complex includes the Grand Hall of the Great Hero (Daxiong Baodian), the Hall of the Three Saints, the Heavenly Kings Hall, and guest accommodations. Behind these halls lies the Sutra Repository, which once housed over 6,000 Buddhist scriptures and ancient statues. On a small hill to the east of the temple stands an octagonal seven-tier brick pagoda, rising majestically into the clouds.
Facing the Yellow Sea to the south, Zhanshan Temple is surrounded by Fushan, Zhanshan, and Taiping Mountain on the east, west, and north sides, respectively. The scenic views change with the mist, offering a vast panorama of sky and sea. It was once part of the “Ten Scenic Spots of Qingdao,” known as “Zhanshan Qingfan.”
Every lunar month on the first and fifteenth days, the temple provides vegetarian meals, attracting many worshippers who come to pray for blessings, especially during these times when the temple is bustling with visitors.
Qingdao Mountain
Qingdao Mountain is located in the northern part of the Shinan District of Qingdao, with an elevation of 128 meters and covering an area of 373 acres. The mountain is adorned with various vegetation, including pine and locust trees, boasting flowers in three seasons and remaining evergreen throughout the year. It is often referred to as the “Plant Mountain” of the island city and is the second-highest mountain within the urban area.
Qingdao Mountain offers picturesque views as it is situated near the bustling city while facing the sea, making it an ideal observation point for enjoying the beauty of the area.
Additionally, the Qingdao Mountain Battery Ruins Park marks the site of the only battlefield in Asia during World War I. This site serves as a new cultural landscape that integrates education, recreation, sightseeing, and entertainment. It has become an important base for patriotic and national defense education in Qingdao. The ticket price for the museum at the site is 60 yuan, with a discounted price of 55 yuan for online reservations.
Related Details:
The Qingdao Mountain Battery is the site of the only battlefield in Asia during World War I. After Qingdao was established in 1891, the Qing military constructed a battery on this mountain. Following Germany’s occupation of Qingdao in 1897, the site was renamed Bismarck Mountain, and a famous underground command center was built there.
In 1914, after being occupied by Japanese forces, it was renamed Wannian Mountain. The existing Qingdao Mountain Battery ruins were built by the German army in 1899 and are one of the nine permanent batteries established by the invading German forces. This site served as the military headquarters and was regarded by the Germans as the “most important of the Qingdao batteries.”
Guide to Taiping Mountain Cable Car
Cable Car Route Overview
- Zhongshan Park (中山公园) ➡️ Taiping Mountain (太平山)
The cable car journey begins at Zhongshan Park, offering panoramic views of the old city combined with the shimmering sea. - Taiping Mountain (太平山) ➡️ Zhanshan Temple (湛山寺)
This segment of the cable car is the most scenic and highly recommended. As you ascend over the mountain, you’ll get an expansive view of the ocean stretching into the horizon, the lush green trees, and the red-tiled roofs of Qingdao’s old town. The highlight of this leg is the magnificent vista of the coastline and the towering buildings along Wusi Square (五四广场). The best part? At night, this route offers an incredible view of the city’s light show, which creates a cinematic atmosphere for photos. - Zhanshan Temple (湛山寺) ➡️ Taiping Mountain (太平山)
This leg offers fantastic photo opportunities as you can capture views of the TV tower and surrounding areas. There are dedicated spots to take photos along the way, and many visitors consider this the best stretch for snapping breathtaking pictures. - Taiping Mountain (太平山) ➡️ Zhongshan Park (中山公园)
The final segment is the highest point of the entire cable car route. From here, you can see the entire city of Qingdao, with its quiet, historic old town seamlessly blending with the modernized coastline.
Ticket Information
You can purchase tickets either on-site or online in advance.
- One-way ticket: ¥80
- Round trip: ¥150 (includes all four segments of the route)
- Children under 1.2 meters can ride for free, while those above 1.2 meters require a full-price ticket.
Ticket Sales and Check-in Points
Zhongshan Park Station (中山公园站): Take the Metro Line 3 to Zhongshan Park Station and enter via the South Gate. Walk towards the large fountain and continue along Cherry Blossom Avenue (樱花大道) for about 7 minutes. You will reach the ticket counter located under the orange umbrella on the right side, along the wooden papaya road (木瓜路).
Taiping Mountain Station (太平山站): For those driving or taking a taxi, this is the most convenient station as the ticketing area is close. Use navigation to reach No. 1 Taiping Mountain Road, and walk up the small staircase to the entrance.
Zhanshan Temple Station (湛山寺站): Take the Metro Line 2 to Zhiqian Road Station (芝泉路站), and walk towards the “索以饮品店” (Sui Yi Drink Shop). If you prefer a taxi, set your destination to the East Gate of the Botanic Garden (植物园东门) for a quicker arrival.
Photo Tips & Video Tricks
The cable car features prompt sound cues, letting you know when it’s time to look at the camera. This allows for perfect timing when capturing photos or videos, ensuring that you capture your best moments on the ride. At the bottom station of Taiping Mountain, you’ll have the option to select your favorite photos, which can then be printed and laminated. A standard print costs ¥20, while both a physical print and digital file can be obtained for ¥30.
Travel Tips
- Avoid Peak Times: To avoid large crowds, try to visit on weekdays or outside of public holidays. This will minimize your wait time and allow you to enjoy the views without the hassle of long lines.
- Dress in Layers: As the cable car is high above the ground, there can be strong winds, especially at higher altitudes. Bring a light jacket or sweater to keep comfortable during the ride.
- Dress Appropriately: If you’re wearing a skirt, be mindful of the wind, as it can be strong in the cable car.
- Check the Weather Forecast: For the best experience, check the weather before your trip. A clear day will provide the best views, while a sunny evening allows for the most spectacular sunset and light show.
- Be Quick to Board: The cable cars keep moving, so you will need to board quickly once the seat is turned toward you. Make sure to be ready to hop in with minimal delay.
- Health Considerations: The cable car is not recommended for the elderly, people with physical disabilities, or pregnant women. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Best Time to Visit: In the summer, the best time to ride is around 7:00 PM. At this time, the weather is pleasant, and you’ll get to experience the stunning sunset and the dazzling light show. In winter, it’s best to arrive a bit earlier to ensure you can fully enjoy the views.
Food Options near the Park
In the vicinity of Taiping Mountain, you’ll find numerous restaurants serving Lu cuisine and seafood, showcasing the local flavor and authenticity. A notable spot is Xihu Garden Seafood Restaurant (西湖花园海鲜酒楼), located at 67 Yan’an 1st Road, Shinan District, with the contact number 0532-82887171. The restaurant is known for its delicious and authentic dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of the region.
Another exceptional dining option is the Cloudview Restaurant (云景餐厅) located at the Qingdao TV Tower within Juli Lin Park. This restaurant offers exquisite buffet options, including Huaiyang cuisine, for 188 RMB per person. Dining here not only allows you to enjoy a delicious meal but also grants you free access to the observation tower. Enjoy your meal while taking in stunning views from the highest point in the island city, providing a unique and memorable dining experience.