How to Plan a Shandong Tour - Shandong Trip Planner 2024/2025

Why You Should Visit Shandong?

There are many reasons why you should visit Shandong. Visiting Shandong means getting closer to the essence of Chinese culture. The province has 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 8 Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites of Humanity, 10 state-list famous historical and culture cities and over 150 traditional vaillages. As one of the ancient states of China, Shandong spawned the siege Confucius who created the famous Confucianism that made foundation to the system of Chinese society, government, education, mainstream thoughts, relationship, etc. that has functioned well for more than three thousand years. Shandong is home to Mount Tai which is the most sacred mountain in China. You can enjoy a unique cultural hike on the mountain. Qingdao, the largest city in Shandong produces one of the best beers in the world. It even holds a magnificent beer festival in every July or August. Shandong is also one of the best places in China to enjoy seascape and golden beaches with a long and beautiful coastline. Travelling in Shandong, you also have a chance to savor at amazing foods and snacks especially the famous Lu Cuisine and sea food.

With some many places to visit and things to do, planning a Shandong tour seems to be a hard work. But with China Discovery’s well-created Shandong trip planner, you can easily find the best places to visit, best time to come, best transportation option, best recommendations of hotels as well as best trip itineraries in Shandong.

Shandong Travel Map (zoom in to enlarge map)

Best Places to Visit in Shandong

Though not being one of the largest provinces in China, Shandong has many places to visit no matter you are dreaming for a cultural journey or a natural holiday. Generally speaking, Mount Tai, Qingdao and Qufu are the Golden-triangle destinations that first-timers cannot miss out. For an in-depth exploration or the second timers, Jinan, Weihai, Yantai, etc. are worth discovering.

Mount Tai – ideal place for a cultural hike

Mount Tai is the UNESCO’s first World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site as well as the most sacred and visited mountain in China due to its important role in Chinese culture. Ancient Chinese emperors came to this mountain to pay sacrifices to God, while the poets and other visitors came to Mount Tai to show their respects to the mountain and enjoy spectacular landscape. A classic Mount Tai visit only needs a full day with helps of cable car and sightseeing bus, while the in-depth Mount Tai costs 2 days. You can get to Mount Tai by high speed trains from Jinan, Beijing, etc. Learn more about Mount Tai hiking >

Location: southern Shandong Province
Must-see: Mount Tai, Dai Temple
Duration: 1~2 days

How to Plan a Shandong Tour - Shandong Trip Planner

Hiking Path on Mount Tai

Qingdao – beer culture & leisure holiday

Qingdao is located in the southeastern coastline of Shandong Province. It is the largest and most popular cities in Shandong. It attracts visitors with pleasant beaches, tasty Tsingtao beers, clean city streets, unique colonial culture, etc. Laoshan Mountain in Qingdao offers gorgeous views as well as many walking opportunities. To explore the very essence of Qingdao, you have to stay there for 2 or 3 days.

Location: southeastern Shandong Province
Must-see: Taoshan Mountain, Tsingtao Beer Museum, Badaguan Resort, No. 2 Bathing Beach, Xiaoyushan Island, etc.
Duration: 2~3 days

Zhanqiao Pier - Qingdao

Qufu – Confucian culture & World Heritage Site

Qufu is known as the birthplace of the siege Confucius. It is a small historical city with many sites related to Confucius. The most famous one is the Temple of Confucius which was built on the home of Confucius. It is the best place to lean about the life story and philosophy of Confucius. Kong Family Mansion and Confucius Cemetery are also worthy exploring. There are many cultural activities for visitors to experience Confucius culture, such as offering sacrifices to Confucius, city gate opening, enlightenment ceremony, etc.

Location: western Shandong Province
Must-see: Confucius Temple, Kong Family Mansion, Confucius Cemetery
Duration: 1 day

Confucius Temples - Qufu

Jinan – the city of Springs

Jinan is famous for springs, not a single one but a group of springs. It is the second largest city in Shandong Province. One usually visit Jinan for 1 or 2 days relaxed cultural tour to see those drinkable springs, enjoy some leisure walking in local parks, learn about Chinese history in the museums, ride a boat through city canals, etc.

Location: western Shandong Province
Must-see: Baotu Spring, Black Tiger Spring, Daming Lake, Shandong Provincial Museum, etc.
Duration: 1~2 days

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Baotu Spring - Jinan

Weihai –golden beach

If you are looking for a summer resort, a family holiday, a photography tour or just wanting to escape the hustle and bustle, come to Weihai. It is the first city in China to win the UN Habitat Scroll of Honor award. It is only about 95km from Korea. You can easily find a cultural fusion as well as beautiful beach and delicious sea food here.

Location: northeastern Shandong Province
Must-see: Liugong Island, Chengshantou Scenic Area, Hilun Island, International Bathing Beach
Duration: 1~2 days

Weihai International Bathing Beach

Yantai – beautiful isles

Yantai is one of the largest cities in Shandong. It is famous for seascape, sandy beaches, wine, legends and modern architecture. You can stroll along the Binhai Road in the day time to enjoy seaside and dazzling neo-lit in the night, visit Changyu Wine Museum for a closer look into this most famous wine brand in China, also take a side trip to Penglai Pavilion, one of the Four Greatest Towers of China. Mount Kunyu, Yantai Hill… there are far more things to do here.

Location: northeastern Shandong Province
Must-see: Chanyu Wine Museum, Penglai Pavilion, Binhai Road, Yantai Hill
Duration: 1~2 days

Others Popular Places in Shandong Province

Above places stand for the classical destinations of Shandong. For some deeper exploration, visitors can also extend tours to Weifang – site of kite festival, Zibo – the ancient capital of Shandong region, Shouguang – China’s largest vegetable markets, etc.

▶ 9 Days Shandong Panorama Tour

Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area

Weifang International Sky Festival (April)

Where to Start Your Shandong Tour

A longer Shandong tour usually starts from Qingdao and ends in Jinan (or the opposite way). These two cities are transportation hubs of Shandong Province with flexible schedules of both flight and high speed trains. Qingdao has more international flights, while Jinan provides more high speed trains, and is closer to Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai.

For a shorter Shandong tour, or a single destination tour, you can get to Mount Tai, Qufu, Weihai, Yantai, Zibo, etc. directly by high speed train usually.

Qingdao Badaguan

How Many Days to Spend in Shandong - Recommended Itineraries

Shandong tour length depends on the places you want to go, the pace you prefer and the season you visit.

Classic Shandong Tour

Itinerary: Jinan – Qufu – Mount Tai – Qingdao
Highlights: Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, Confucius Temple, Mount Tai Hiking, Qingdao Beer Museum, Badaguan, Laoshan Mountain
Duration: 6~7 days

This tour presents you the past and present of Shandong is just one go, strongly recommended for the first-timers. Jinan and Qufu are two best place to experience local culture especially Confucius culture, while Mount Tai offers a chance to hike and Qingdao allows you to slow down to enjoy a true holiday. Accommodation, food and transportation are high-end standard in the province too. Generally you can finish this Classic Shandong Tour in 6 or 7 days.

✔ 6 Days Best of Shandong Tour

Mount Tai in May

Shandong’s Golden Triangle

Itinerary: Qingdao – Qufu – Mount Tai
Highlights: Qingdao Beer Museum, Laoshan Mountain, Badaguan, Confucius Temple, Kong Family Mansion, Mount Tai Hiking
Duration: 4 days

This is a classic Shandong tour which is recommended for those who are short on time. It goes to the Golden Triangle Destinations – Qingdao, Qufu and Mount Tai, three most visited places in Shandong with their own features. Qufu and Mount Tai are only about 75km from each other, and can be arrived by high speed trains from Qingdao in 3 hours. If you prefer more Chinese culture in your trip, this is the tour for you.

✔ 4 Days Qingdao Qufu Mount Tai Essence Tour

Laoshan Mountain in Qingdao

Shandong Panorama

Itinerary: Qingdao – Weihai – Yantai – Penglai – Weifang – Zibo – Qufu – Mount Tai - Jinan
Highlights: Qingdao Beer Museum, Laoshan Mountain, Weihai Liugong Island, Chengshantou Scenic Area, Yantai Golden Beach, Penglai Pavilion, Weifang Kite Museum, Zibo Ancient Qi City Relics Museum, Qufu Confucius Temple, Mount Tai
Duration: 9~10 days

This Shandong Panorama itinerary runs a circle from Qingdao to Jinan via the eastern and northern coastline of Shandong Peninsula. It takes you to explore all the highlights of Shandong Province, to dig deeper into its culture, history and nature. You will visit the most classic Jinan, Qingdao, Mount Tai and Qufu, but also explore its beautiful coastal lines, golden beaches, seascape in Shandong Peninsula, and experience interesting kite culture in Weifang and discover further history of Shandong in its former ancient capital Zibo. You will use high speed train and private cars as major transportation. Tour pace is slow and enjoyable.

✔ 9 Days Shandong Panorama Tour

Chengshantou - Weihai

Essential Shandong

Itinerary: Qufu – Mount Tai
Highlights: Qufu Confucius Temple, Mount Tai
Duration: 2~3days

If you do not have much spare time in Shandong, you can have an essential Shandong trip in Mount Tai and Qufu, which can be done in 2~3 days. A Mount Tai Qufu tour can be easily combine with your China tour to Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Zhangjiajie, etc.

✔ 3 Days Confucius Culture Exploration with Sidetrip to Mount Tai

Confucius Temple - Qufu

How to Get to Shandong

Shandong is mainly arrived by domestic flights, international flights and domestic trains. Qingdao and Jinan are two mostly used transportation hubs with many international flights as well as many domestic arrivals of trains and flights. You can get to Qingdao or Jinan first, then transfer to other places. Some popular destinations can also be arrived by domestic train or flights directly from Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Tianjin and other transportation hubs in China.

	International Flights	Domestic Flights	High Speed Trains
Qingdao	Seoul(2h), Tokyo(4h), Osaka(4h), London(15h), etc.	Beijing(1.5h), Shanghai(1.5h), Guangzhou(3.5h), Xian(2h), Chengdu(3h), Zhengzhou(2h), etc.	Beijing(4h), Shanghai (7h), Guangzhou (13h), Xian (8h), Tianjin (4.5h), Jinan (1.5h), Tai’an (2.5h), Yantai (1.5h), etc.
Jinan	Hong Kong(3h), Seoul(2h), Singapore(5h), Bangkok(8h), Tokyo(5h), etc.	Shanghai(2h), Xian(2h), Guangzhou(3h), Shenzhen(3h), Chengdu(2.5h), Chongqing(2h), Xiamen(2.5h), etc.	Beijing (2h), Shanghai (4h), Guangzhou (10h), Xian (6h), Tianjin (1.5h), Zhegnzhou(4h), Qingdao (2.5h), Tai’an (20mins), Qufu(30mins), etc.
Mount Tai	/	/	Beijing(2.5h), Shanghai(4h), Tianjin(2h), Xian(5.5h)
Qufu	/	/	Beijing(2.5h), Shanghai(4h), Tianjin(2h), Xian(5.5h)
Weihai	Asaka(2h)	Beijing(2h), Shanghai(h), Guangzhou(3h), Harbin(2h), Hangzhou(2h), etc.	Jinan(3h), Qingdao(2h), Yantai(1h), Qufu(5h), etc.
Yantai	/	/	Jinan(2.5h), Qingdao(1.5h), Weihai(1h), Qufu(4h), etc.

How to Get around Shandong

Shandong has built a fully-connected transportation network which consists of air lines, high speed rails, highways and waterways. Most of cities can be reached by high speed trains. Bigger cities like Qingdao, Jinan, Weihai all have their own airports.

Generally speaking, high speed trains are most widely used for traveling between destinations which are not close to each other, such as Jinan – Qingdao, Qingdao – Qufu, Mount Tai – Qingdao, Qingdao – Weihai, etc. Jinan, Qufu and Mount Tai are located closely, thus you can transfer among them by car. Flights and waterways are seldom used for city-to-city transfer in the province.

Highway from Jinan to Mount Tai

Shandong Weather and Best time to Visit

Shandong Province has a warm temperate monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. South wind prevails in Shandong in summer when it is hot and rainy, while north wind dominates the province in winter when it is cold and dry. The weather in spring changes frequently. It’s dry, windy and dusty. Autumn is always sunny and cool.

The average temperature in Shandong province is about 13 ℃. Southwestern area is warm (or hotter) than northeastern area. Among all the cities in Shandong, Jinan has the highest annual average temperature which is 14.7 ℃. Shandong Peninsula including Qingdao, Weihai, Yantai, etc. is relatively cool with annual average temperatures around 11.4-11.9 ℃, which makes the region best place for summer resort. In January, the average temperature of all parts of the province is below 0 ℃, which is the lowest in the whole year. The solar radiation is the strongest in summer, and the temperature is the highest in summer. July is the hottest month in the inland area, while the eastern and southern coastal areas of the peninsula are affected by the marine climate, and the temperature in August reaches the highest in the whole year. In August, the average temperature of the whole province was between 21.5 ℃ ~ 27.5 ℃. Jinan's average temperature in July is still the highest in the province which is about 27.5 ℃. The temperature gradually increases from January to July. After August, the temperature dropped month by month.

▶ Qingdao Weather | Mount Tai Weather | Weihai Weather
▶ Jinan Weather | Qufu Weather | Yantai Weather

The average annual precipitation in most areas of Shandong Province is between 600-750mm, and the rainy season is mainly from June to August. The annual average precipitation of Mount Tai is 1042.8mm, which is the highest among all places in Shandong.

When is the best time to visit Shandong?

Generally speaking, you can visit Shandong all year around because it has no extreme weathers, but the best time is from April to October. You can go to enjoy sakura in Jinan or pear flowers in Yantai in April, go to hike Mount Tai in May when you may have bigger chance to witness cloud sea and amazing sunset. June, July and August are hot, but you can the coastal cities, such as Qingdao, Yantai and Weihai, to escape the heat. Autumn days are cool and comfortable. It’s a great time to travel in most places in Shandong. The temperatures drop increasingly after November. If you travel in winter, you have to wear warmly but you can enjoy good rates of hotels, flights, tickets, etc.

Spring in Qingdao

Pingyao Ancient City Railway Station

Jinan in Autumn

Where to Stay & Shandong Accommodation

Finding a good hotel won’t be a problem during your Shandong tour because Shandong is one of the most developed places in China as well as a popular tourist destination in China. The most highlighting attractions are all conveniently located in or near cities where hotels of different classes fairly provided. Generally speaking, Qingdao and Jinan have the highest-end hotels with many international luxury hotels brands and domestic luxury hotels brands offering suites, deluxe rooms, standard rooms, etc. Smaller cities, such as Tai’an (Mount Tai), Qufu, etc., mainly serve Chinese hotels from guest houses to 5-star hotels. Coastal area, such as Weihai and Yantai, also provide great hotels, including some top-class resorts.

Accommodation areas are flexible in Shandong. You can choose places to stay according to your itinerary and budget. For independent travelers, you are suggested to accommodate near train stations, city centers, attractions so that you can find public transportation easily. For travelers preferring a packaged worry-free tour offered by travel agencies, you can accommodate around commercial center, or stay away from the crowds. Your travel agencies will find a well-located and well-equipped hotel for you.

▶ Where to Stay in Qingdao | Where to Stay in Mount Tai
▶ Where to Stay in Jinan | Where to Stay in Qufu
▶ Where to Stay in Weihai | Where to Stay in Yantai

Wyndham Qingdao

Shangri-La Hotel, Qufu

Extend Your Shandong Tour

Henan holds a tourist-friendly location in China. It is located in the middle of Beijing Shanghai high speed railway. It borders Henan Province in the west, share borders with Anhui Province and Jiangsu Province in the south, and connect with Hebei Province in the north. For an efficient Shandong regional tour, you can simply travel Shandong with Beijing, then extend to Shanghai, which is a classic China tour, or travel from Shandong to Henan for an in-depth Chinese culture exploration. If you prefer natural experience, travel southward to Anhui where the most beautiful mountain in China sits – Yellow Mountain. To explore the elegant part of Chinese culture, you can travel to Nanjing and Suzhou of Jiangsu Province which is close to Shanghai.

If you are keen on authentic Chinese culture, you are suggested to travel westward from Shandong to Henan to experience Shaolin Kung Fu and Buddhism culture, to Shanxi Province to explore traditional folk culture and appreciate architecture, to Xian to learn about Chinese history, to further Gansu to unlock the secrets of ancient Silk Road. Be fully connected to other parts of China by both flights and trains, you can also travel Shandong with Chengdu, the hometown of Giant Pandas and Sichuan Cuisine, Zhangjiajie, the famous Avatar world, relaxing, Yangtze River Cruise, even the holy land Tibet.

China Discovery is specialized in providing tailor-made China tours of different themes to different destinations. You will travel with a well-organized itinerary, don’t have to worry about hotels, transportation and food, be taken care of by your personal tour guide throughout your holiday in China. Contact us to customize your own China tour now!

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