Everyone says you must visit Laoshan when you come to Qingdao, but no one told me these

🌊 Today, I’m sharing hidden tips for exploring Laoshan Scenic Area! Avoid the crowds and unlock the right way to experience this mountain and sea wonderland! ​​🚇 Transportation tips! Don’t choose the wrong entrance​​ Laoshan Scenic Area is ridiculously large, divided into three main zones: South Line (Taiqing-Yangkou), North Line (Jiushui), and Central Line (Jufeng)! ✅ ​​Easiest route​​: South Line (recommended for beginners)​​: Take Metro Line 4 to [Dahedong Station], exit A and transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (40 RMB/person, valid for 3 days) ​​Yangkou Cableway​​: A must-ride! Overlook the full mountain and sea panorama, one-way 35 RMB, the view from the top is amazing ​​Jiushui Tour Area​​: Take Metro Line 11 to [Beijiushui Station], walk and transfer to the shuttle bus directly to the scenic area ⚠️ ​​Avoid mistakes​​: Don’t navigate to “Laoshan Station,” the nearest transport hubs are Dahedong/Puli stations! ​​📸 All the popular photo spots revealed! 90% chance of great shots​​ ❶ ​​Taiqing Palace Red Wall​​ A thousand-year-old Taoist temple + the legendary wall you can “pass through,” wear light-colored clothes for maximum atmosphere. ❷ ​​Yangkou Shouzi Peak​​ Shoot from above next to the giant “Shou” (longevity) stone carving, framing mountain, sea, and blessings together. ❸ ​​Jiushui Eighteen Pools Spring cherry blossoms and autumn maple leaves + clear water wooden boardwalk, telephoto shots of pool reflections are stunning. ❹ ​​Jufeng Laoshan Summit Sea of Clouds​​ Climb to 1,132 meters altitude, after rain it instantly turns into a “fairy mountain on the sea.” ❺ ​​Laoshan District Qingshan Fishing Village Red Roofs​​ Filming location of “Monkey King: Hero is Back,” the orange-red roofs at dusk with the sea are super healing. ​​🧗 Must-know for hikers! Avoid these pitfalls​​ ​​Energy management​​: Yangkou + Taiqing in one day is easiest, Jufeng requires a full day (bring snacks!). ​​Cableway operation​​: Jufeng cableway closes at 17:00, Yangkou at 18:30, don’t miss the last ride! ​​Gear advice​​: Wear non-slip shoes! Some mountain paths are mossy, be cautious on rainy days. ​​🌅 Best times to visit! Lighting/sunrise/sea of clouds​​ ​​Sunrise recommendation​​: East side of Taiqing Palace at the Sun Viewing Pavilion, 5:30-6:00 am fewer people and beautiful views. ​​Lighting show myth busted​​: Laoshan has no fixed light show, but the “blue tears” waves after sunset (summer) and fishing village light reflections are even more stunning! ​​Hidden bonus​​: High chance of rainbows 10 minutes after rain in Jiushui, bring your camera and wait! ​​🏡 Accommodation + Food Guide​​ ✅ Qingzhu Hotel (Qingdao Laoshan Haier Industrial Park Branch)​​: 1. Great value​​: As a budget hotel, it’s affordable with complete facilities, perfect for travelers on a budget. ​​2. Solid basic services​​: 24-hour front desk, monitored public areas for safety; laundry service available, ideal for long stays or frequent clothes changes. ​​🌆 Nearby attractions​​ ​​Laoshan Scenic Area​​: Walking or short drive to the core sightseeing areas (like Yangkou, Taiqing Palace), great for hiking and sea views. ​​Shilaoren Seaside Bathing Beach​​: Enjoy the beach and waves in summer, about 4 km away, 10 minutes by taxi. 🍴 Qingdao local must-eats everyone loves​​: Tuntun Noodles: Ranked No.1 Laoshan noodle shop on Dianping, recommended dishes include fish head noodles, Tuntun noodles, sesame mixed noodles, and oil-drizzled chicken. Haiping Wontons: Probably the most famous wonton shop in Qingdao, this is a branch with shorter lines. Sansha Bluefin Tuna Cuisine: Expensive, a restaurant to try only after a quarterly bonus. There’s an uncle’s fried skewer cart, very popular in reviews, many recommend without batter. Taipei 1+1: Stir-fry restaurant, a must-eat on Dianping, near Qingdao University, very tempting. Xinjia Small Restaurant: Shandong and local cuisine, at the end of Jiushui East Road (near Shazikou). Dongmaiyao Seafood Restaurant: Over ten years old, located in Laoshan Scenic Area. The beauty of Laoshan lies in the details! Take this guide with you, refuse to just skim through, and be the most savvy traveler~ @Qingzhu Group