Qingdao Laoshan: A Millennia-Old Fairyland Nestled Between Mountains and Sea – Hike, Breathe Fresh Air, and Feast on Seafood, This is Summer

Laoshan, the famed coastal mountain praised in *Qi Ji* as "Though Mount Tai is high, it pales beside East Sea's Laoshan," is redefining "the ultimate summer retreat" with its unique mountain-sea wonders and vibrant local life. When urban heat becomes unbearable, immerse yourself in Laoshan's embrace—where sea breezes dispel the swelter, temple bells soothe the soul, and the charm of fishing villages will make you sigh, "Life is worth living." 🌊 Where Mountains Meet Sea: Every Step a Painting Laoshan's crown jewel is its title as "Number One Mountain by the Sea." Driving east from the city along winding coastal roads, you’re suddenly greeted by an ink-wash landscape: the towering Ju Peak, the emerald waves of Taiqing Bay, and the melodious streams of Nine Waters and Eighteen Pools. Take the classic southern route: start at Taiqing Palace at dawn, where the ancient Taoist temple emerges from mist, and touch the legendary "Wall-Penetrating Tree" from Pu Songling’s *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio*. Stroll the wooden boardwalks along Bashui River by noon, listening to roaring waterfalls and spotting playful squirrels. At dusk, ascend Tianyuan in Yangkou Scenic Area for a 360° sunset view over the Yellow Sea—golden hues gilding the bay, even the reefs glazed like honey. For serenity, head to North Nine Waters, a hidden gem. Its jade-clear streams turn thunderous during rains or gentle in dry seasons. Dip your feet into the cool pools for instant rejuvenation. Look up during hikes—the lifelike "Lion Peak" and "Sheep Rock" resemble a natural sculpture gallery. 🍵 A Taste of Laoshan: Tea Meets the Sea Life here revolves around green tea. As China’s northernmost tea region, terraced tea fields bloom with bamboo-basket-toting farmers during harvest. Visit Qingshan Fishing Village to pick leaves, roast your own batch of Laoshan tea, and pair its crisp sweetness with freshly boiled mackerel dumplings and seaweed jelly—a burst of umami. For a feast, try a fisherman’s banquet! Steamed scallops, spicy clams, oil-splashed grouper—all caught that morning, so fresh they need no sauce. Don’t miss tea-stir-fried conch slices, where fragrant tea elevates the tender seafood—a game-changer. 🚶♂️ Pro Tips: Beat the Crowds, Dive Deeper • Transport: Metro Line 4 to Dahedong Station, then hop on a scenic shuttle. Drivers must book parking in advance. • Tickets: Southern route combo (¥130 with shuttle); students, rejoice! North Nine Waters (¥90) shines in rainy season. • Stay: Opt for sea-view B&Bs—wake to ocean vistas, lulled by waves. Budget travelers can choose downtown hostels. • Avoid: Skip "free guides"—official tickets save hassle. Fortune-tellers near Taiqing Palace? Just smile and nod. Laoshan’s magic lies in its duality: summit triumphs evoking "ascending the zenith" and fishing village tranquility whispering "ocean views, spring blooms." This summer, escape the concrete jungle—become part of the painting. Laoshan Scenic Area