Qixia, a Beautiful Hidden Gem

Tucked away in Yantai lies Qixia, a thousand-year-old town steeped in the aroma of apples. Free from bustling crowds, it boasts stunning courtyard mansions rivaling those of Shanxi, the ethereal aura of the ancestral home of the Quanzhen Longmen Sect, and a serene lakeside paradise favored by the "Legend of Eight Immortals" film crew. Experience ancient charm, mythical adventures, and tranquil healing, all in one day! 📍 *Stop 1: Mou's Manor - A Miniature Forbidden City of the North* ⏰ Suggested duration: 2–3 hrs 💰 Admission: CNY 60 🔥 **Highlights** **A Landlord's Paradise**: The largest and best-preserved feudal landlord's manor in China, with six courtyards hiding architectural marvels like "tiger skin walls" and "line-carved stone drums." **Immersive Time Travel**: Rent a Qing Dynasty costume (rentals available outside the manor, CNY 30/hr) and capture the cinematic feel of "Raise the Red Lantern" in front of the account room or the young lady's chamber. 📸 **Photo Spots** ✔️ Backlit silhouette at the carved doorway of the West Zhonglai Building ✔️ Wide-angle upward shot in front of the "Longevity" character flower wall in East Zhonglai ✔️ Frame the stone path in the back garden with red lanterns 📍 *Stop 2: Taixu Palace - Qiu Chuji's Taoist Universe* ⏰ Suggested duration: 1.5 hrs 💰 Admission: CNY 40 🎋 **Things to Do** **Trace the "Legend of the Condor Heroes" DNA**: The ancestral home of the Quanzhen Longmen Sect houses the real relics of Qiu Chuji's Taoist cultivation. Draw a "Taoist" fortune stick in the Sanqing Hall (fortune interpretation is up to fate). **Lunar New Year Temple Fair (Limited Time)**: If visiting during Lunar New Year, experience the bustling Yanjiu Festival Temple Fair (from the 8th to the 19th day of the first lunar month), featuring Taoist rituals and Jiaodong Yangge folk dance. **Sutra Copying for Inner Peace**: Free sutra copying is available in the side hall. Practice calligraphy and cultivate your mind amidst the fragrant incense. ⚠️ **Note** ▫️ The mountain path behind the scenic area leading to Changchun Lake is known by locals as the "Xiaxia Path," a 15-minute walk to the next stop! 📍 *Stop 3: Changchun Lake - A Reflection of Penglai Wonderland* ⏰ Suggested duration: Arrive 1 hr before sunset 🚴 **Lakeside Activities** **Cycling in the Light**: Rent a two-person electric bike at the lakeside rental point (CNY 50/hr) and enjoy the 18 km loop around the lake, where "the autumn water merges with the vast sky." **Film and TV Drama Location Photo Ops**: The Lakeside Pavilion is a filming location for "Legend of Eight Immortals." Capture stunning silhouettes during the evening blue hour. 🌅 **Sunset Surprise** The Qiyun Terrace observation deck on the east side of the lake is a hidden gem for sunset viewing. Watch as the setting sun paints the silhouette of Taixu Palace in a golden hue, and you'll instantly understand the romantic meaning of "Qixia." 🍎 **Qixia Culinary Delights** - **Restored Landlord's Feast**: At the "Stone Mill Tofu Feast" in Mou's Manor, don't miss the "Manor Fire Pit Roasted Sweet Potatoes" and "Stone-ground Corn Cakes." - **Taoist Health Food**: Try the "Five Elements Vegetarian Dumplings" at the Taixu Palace Vegetarian Restaurant. The carrot and black fungus filling embodies the Taoist philosophy of health preservation. **Night Market Tip**: Look for "Applewood Charcoal Grilled Chicken Frames" at the commercial street night market. The charred aroma blends with the fruity scent of applewood, perfect with a local white beer! 🚗 **Transportation Tips** - **By Car**: Yantai city center → Qixia (approx. 1 hr), Qingdao → Qixia (2.5 hrs). The three attractions are all within a 15-min drive of each other. 🌈 **Seasonal Highlights** September–October: Apple picking season! Experience apple picking in the orchards around Mou's Manor (CNY 10 for entry and all-you-can-eat apples). February: Yanjiu Festival at Taixu Palace. Watch Taoist priests perform the Yubu stepping ritual and sword dances.