Unlock a 7.9 km Green Oasis and Enjoy Stunning Coastal Scenery - Qingdao Taiping Mountain
Where Mountains Meet the Sea, a Green Escape | 2025 Qingdao Taiping Mountain One-Day Tour Guide: Unlock a 7.9 km Green Oasis and Enjoy Stunning Coastal Scenery!
🌟Highlights:
- Climb High and See the Sea: Overlook Qingdao's classic scenery of "red tiles, green trees, blue sea, and clear sky."
- Secret Green Oasis: A 7.9 km circular greenway connects 18 unique parks, offering an immersive natural experience.
- Romantic Cable Car Ride: Take a cable car ride at dusk to chase the sunset and capture the poetic beauty of "autumn waters blending with the vast sky."
- Culinary Delights: Local seafood, traditional dumplings, and cliffside coffee provide a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes.
🗓Itinerary:
One-Day Tour Itinerary
Morning: Climb High, Explore the Greenway
08:00–09:00 South Gate of Zhongshan Park (Greenway starting point)
- Check-in Point: Greenway origin marker, start your circular mountain journey clockwise.
- Activities: Stroll along the greenway, passing scenic spots such as "Flower Stream Valley" and "Peach Garden Mountain Whispers," and enjoy the diverse forest scenery.
- Tickets: Taiping Mountain Central Park is free, and there are no additional fees for the greenway.
🗓Itinerary:
09:30–11:00 Climb to the Top of Taiping Mountain
- Check-in Point: The viewing platform at the summit, 116 meters above sea level, offers panoramic views of Huiquan Bay, Yan'er Island, and the old city.
- Activities: Those with sufficient stamina can choose the hiking trail or take the Taiping Mountain cable car (one-way ticket approx. CNY 30, free for children under 1.2 m) directly to the summit.
Lunch: Authentic Cuisine, Energy Replenishment
12:00–13:30 Badaguan Chuangeyan Restaurant
- Recommended Dishes: Signature Chuangeyu dumplings (as seen on "A Bite of China"), local seafood steam pot.
- Location: No. 33, Taipingjiao 1st Road, Badaguan. 270° sea view, within walking distance of No.2 Bathing Beach.
Afternoon: Cultural Exploration, Greenway Stroll
14:00–15:30 Pu Zhao Temple & Kuixing Bridge
- Pu Zhao Temple: A rebuilt Buddhist temple with magnificent halls and the echoing sounds of bells and drums in the mountains, perfect for quiet prayer and blessings.
- Kuixing Bridge: A Taoist cultural landmark, a must-visit for students, symbolizing "carp leaping over the dragon gate" and praying for success in exams.
16:00–17:30 Taiping Mountain Cable Car & Sunset Experience
- Activities: Take the cable car from the summit to the Botanical Garden station. The 2,400-meter journey offers the best light and shadow at dusk, overlooking the Qingdao coastline and sunset glow.
- Fee: Round-trip cable car ticket approx. CNY 60, one-way tickets offer more flexibility.
Evening: Greenway End, City Nightscape
18:00–19:00 Huiquan Square & Badaguan Nightscape
- Activities: Return to the south gate of Zhongshan Park at the end of the greenway. Walk to Huiquan Square to admire the lights of the old city, or head to Badaguan to experience the romantic night view of the European-style buildings.
Ticket Prices at a Glance
Item Fee Remarks
Taiping Mountain Central Park Free Includes the greenway and most park areas
Taiping Mountain Cable Car CNY 30 one-way, CNY 60 round-trip Free for children under 1.2 m
Pu Zhao Temple Free Some renovated areas or temporary charges may apply
Accommodation Recommendations
High-end Experience: The St. Regis Qingdao
- Location: No. 48, Hong Kong West Road, Shinan District, adjacent to the Olympic Sailing Center.
- Highlights: Cloud-view sea-view rooms, Michelin-starred restaurants, suitable for tourists seeking luxury.
Cost-effective Choice: Hotels around MixC
- Recommendations: Home Inn Plus, Atour Hotel. Convenient transportation, walking distance to the subway station, with abundant dining options nearby.
Unique Homestay: Mohai Cliff Sea View Villa
- Location: Laoshan Yangkou Scenic Area, floating design, 270° sea-view terrace, suitable for photography and relaxation.
Food Map
Chuanggeyan Badaguan: Local seafood + fish dumplings, window seats with sea views require advance booking.
Lan Gang Seafood: High-end lobster feast, next to the Olympic Sailing Center, suitable for anniversary celebrations.
Hai Zhe Bian Qingdao Local Cuisine: Golden crispy fried dumplings, located in the Jinmao Bay Shopping Center, approx. CNY 50 per person.
Things to Avoid
Cable Car Choice: Those afraid of heights should avoid riding on windy days. One-way tickets combined with walking are recommended for flexible route planning.
Traffic Congestion: Parking is difficult at the greenway entrance on weekends. Public transportation is recommended (Bus No. 17 and 104 go directly there).
Children's Play Area: Some amusement facilities in the scenic area require additional fees. Check the price list in advance.
Weather Impact: The greenway can be slippery on rainy days, and the cable car may be suspended. Check the weather forecast before traveling.
Conclusion
A one-day tour of Qingdao Taiping Mountain is a double dose of natural and cultural healing. From the fresh air of the greenway in the morning to the romance of the cable car at dusk, and the gentle caress of the sea breeze at night, every step reveals the unique charm of Qingdao. Save this guide, bring your camera and a good mood, and let's go!