Tea Mountain Scenic Area (茶山风景区) is a picturesque destination that connects to Dazeshan Mountain to the north and Gushan Mountain to the east, with its highest peak reaching an elevation of 560 meters. The area is themed around “mountains, rocks, springs, flowers, and temples,” integrating various natural elements such as mountains, stones, forests, flowers, fruits, rivers, lakes, springs, waterfalls, and temples. It offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, religious pilgrimage, dynamic experiences, and leisure vacations, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility and relaxation in nature. The scenic area is primarily divided into three zones: the recreational area, the natural landscape area, and the Buddhist cultural area.
Travel Informaiton about Tea Mountain Scenic Area
Admission and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 30 RMB.
Opening Hours: Peak season 07:30–17:30; off-season 08:00–16:30.
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Dianzizhen, Pingdu City, Qingdao.
Transportation:
Buses to Pingdu depart daily from the Inner Mongolia Road Long-Distance Bus Station in Qingdao, with a fare of 37 RMB.
By Car: Drive from Qingdao via the Qingyin Expressway to Pingdu South Exit, continue straight to Tianjin Road (North Outer Ring), turn left and then right at Zhengzhou Road. Follow the signs for about 20 kilometers to reach the scenic area.
Scenic Area Ratings
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Cultural: ★★★★
- Features: ★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★
- Romance: ★★
- Adventure: ★
Highlights of Tea Mountain Scenic Area
Leisure and Sightseeing Area
The Leisure and Sightseeing Area features a variety of cultural attractions, including the Guandi Temple, Water Park, Dripping Water Guanyin, Eco Restaurant, Xinyuan Bridge, Zoo, and Tea Mountain Square. Visitors can also enjoy stunning natural landscapes such as Wofoshan Mountain, Jigong Sleeping Drunk, and the Dueling Platform.
Dripping Water Guanyin stands 118 meters tall and 48 meters wide. The statue is crafted from evergreen trees, symbolizing the Bodhisattva who “observes the sounds of the world.” Guanyin is one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas, known for her compassion and ability to alleviate suffering. She holds a pure water bottle and willow branch, embodying infinite wisdom and spiritual power. The Dripping Water Guanyin’s exquisite craftsmanship shines brightly in the sunlight, making it a remarkable masterpiece of earth art.
Natural Scenic Area
The Natural Scenic Area stretches approximately 900 meters from the calligraphy site of “Shencha” to the Shangpin Stone attraction. Here, visitors can find numerous vividly shaped natural stone formations, including Lion Peak, Tortoise and Hare Race, General Stone, Dog Tower of Loyal Souls, and the Big-Bellied Maitreya Buddha. Between the wooden plank paths and the main road, there are also various expansion equipment available for outdoor activities, allowing guests to engage in a range of adventurous experiences amidst the beautiful scenery.
Buddhist Cultural Area
The Buddhist Cultural Area stretches from Shangpin Stone to Prajna Temple (般若寺), which is built against the mountain and dedicated to Maitreya Buddha. Behind the temple lies the Three Tea Peaks. Key attractions in this area include Shangpin Stone, Top Scholar’s Cap, Top Scholar’s Well, Formless Valley, Golden Toad Pilgrimage (Gazing at the Sky), and Three Lives Stone.
Prajna Temple is the highest Buddhist temple in Shandong Province, with its name meaning “wisdom” in Sanskrit. Unlike the common understanding of intelligence, this refers to supreme wisdom that perceives all clearly and profoundly. To differentiate it from ordinary wisdom, the term is transliterated rather than translated.
Originally known as San Zang Temple, Prajna Temple was rebuilt in the eighth year of the Daoguang era (1828) and has its origins in the early Tang Dynasty. The current structure was constructed on the original site of San Zang Temple, covering an area of over 50 acres. Prajna Temple is situated against the backdrop of Three Tea Peaks and features main structures such as the Three Gate Hall, Heavenly King Hall, and Grand Hero Hall, with East and West Halls flanking the Grand Hero Hall. The temple’s architecture is designed in the style of Qing Dynasty wooden palace buildings, exuding grandeur and magnificence.
Dazeshan Mountain
Dazeshan Mountain, also known as “Ji Qing Mountain,” is one of the famous mountains in Jiaodong, with its main peak reaching an elevation of 737 meters. Surrounded by mountains that give rise to springs, it derives its name from the large body of water formed here. Dazeshan is renowned for its grapes, particularly the “Rose Fragrance,” “Zeshan No. 1,” and “Zeshan No. 2” varieties, which are known for their sweetness and fragrance. The natural geographic environment of Dazeshan is highly suitable for grape cultivation, and the region boasts tens of thousands of acres dedicated to grape farming, earning it the title of “Hometown of Grapes.”
The Qingdao Dazeshan Grape Festival began in 1987 and is held every September (typically on the weekend at the end of August or early September), coinciding with the grape harvest season. Over the years, the festival has successfully hosted more than twenty editions, offering visitors the chance to taste grapes and explore the beauty of Dazeshan.
Visitor Guide for Tea Mountain Scenic Area
Accommodation Options
Tea Mountain Manor (茶山庄园) consists of 10 high-end villas designed to accommodate guests. Featuring a classic German architectural style, these villas are both elegant and traditional. They are equipped with various service facilities to meet five-star hotel standards. For reservations, call: 0532-85329866.
Food Options
Tea Mountain offers three distinct eco-friendly restaurants: Sunshine Restaurant, Cool Restaurant, and Mongolian Yurt, catering to various preferences.
Sunshine Restaurant (阳光餐厅) features tables set among a garden of greenery, providing a sunny and refreshing ambiance that enhances the dining experience.
Cool Restaurant (清凉餐厅) is located along the Liliang River, surrounded by lush trees and a gentle stream, creating a cool and elegant atmosphere.
The Mongolian Yurt (蒙古包) specializes in Mongolian cuisine, offering dishes like whole roasted lamb. Here, guests can enjoy unique specialties such as steamed wild vegetables, seasonal vegetables with dipping sauce, and Tea Mountain dumplings.
Things to Do
Tea Mountain is a paradise for fruit trees, with apricot, cherry, pear, grape, peach, and persimmon trees bearing pure, natural, and pollution-free fruits from April to November each year. Visitors can enjoy the delightful experience of fruit picking, savoring the sweetness of freshly harvested fruits.