Shandong Travel FAQs & Tips

1. There are so many places in Shandong. Which cities should I try?

Usually, the most popular destination in Shandong is Qingdao (seaside city), then Jinan (capital city), Qufu (birthplace of Confucius) and Mount Tai (first of the Five Sacred Mountains).

And some extend to Yantai, Weihai, Penglai, Zibo, Weifang, Linyi and Rizhao etc. Each place has its own characteristics and you could have much fun.

2. How to get to the major cities of Shandong, like Qingdao and Jinan?

Many visitors get to Shandong from Beijing and Shanghai. Taking airplane and train, especially high speed train is the most convenient way to reach Qingdao and Jinan.

If by air, you’ll land at Qingdao Liuting International Airport and Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport. If by high speed train to Qingdao from Beijing, it takes five and half hours by D-train and four and half hours by G-train. While, two hours are needed between Beijing and Jinan by high speed train. You could check the detailed information about Shandong Transportation on our page: How to Get to & around Shandong.

3. What to pack when planning my Shandong trip?

Pack normal clothes when you travel to Shandong as weather varies with season. However, if you plan to do some hiking there, please make sure to bring warmer coats; in the rainy season please also be sure to carry an umbrella. You should double check the weather forecast as some sites may close under special weather conditions.

4. When is the Qingdao International Beer Festival? Who can join in this grand event?

Every summer, starting the second weekend of August, Qingdao hosts the largest beer festival in Asia with international breweries from all over the globe flocking to the sandy shores of China’s Shandong Province. And everyone can join in this grand event during the time. You could check the detailed information about Qingdao Beer Festival on our page: Qingdao Beer International Festival 2024.

5. 3 nights in Qingdao – What are the best things to do?

Qingdao, the beautiful seaside city offers much to experience, the delightful Eupropean style architectures, the wonderful beaches, as well as the famous Tsingtao Beer.

Top Qingdao Attractions include Tsingdao Brewery Museum, Zhanqiao Pier, Little Qingdao Isle, Badaguan Scenic Resort, May Fourth Square, No.1 Bathing Beach, Mount Lao, Olympic Sailing Center, Luxu Park, Music Square etc.

6. Where can I taste the local Shandong cuisine in Jinan? Any recommended restaurants?

Shandong cuisine (Lu cuisine) is one of the Eight Culinary Traditions of Chinese cuisines and is also ranked among the Four Great Traditions.

In Jinan, you could taste Jinan style of Shandong cuisine. Furong Street is Jinan’s Mecca of snack food. The street is lined with countless restaurants, food vendors, little artsy shops and skate shop. If you want to eat in an atmosphere reminiscent of old China or simply grab a quick bite of stinky tofu, Furong Street is the place to go. As for restaurant, it is good to try restaurant called Southside Story, one of the best Chinese restaurants in Jinan. It provides provide the most authentic Jinan dishes, defends and unearths Jinan food culture, just like retaining springs, the soul of old Jinan.

7. How to get to Qufu & Taishan from Jinan?

Qufu and Taishan are located in the south of Jinan. High speed train from Jinan West Train Station could reach Qufu East Train Station and Tai’an Train Station within 2 hours.

Besides, traveling by coach is also good to transfer. If you reach Jinan by air, you could take bus from Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport to Qufu and Taishan.

8. Can I walk around Qufu city to explore the Confucius culture?

Yes. In Qufu city, it is good to take a walk to explore “Three Kong Sites” - Temple of Confucius, Family Mansion of Confucius, and Cemetery of Confucius.

9. What are the four routes for hikers to climb Mount Tai?

The Red Gate Heaven-reaching Route (or Eastern Route or Central Route). The main road taken by the Chinese emperors of the past ages when they climbed the mountains, this route spans some 6,600 steps and nine kilometers.

Tianwai Village Winding Mountain Route, or Western Route. Tourists may get on a tourism bus and go to Central Heavenly Gate via Tianwai Village along the winding mountain road. At Central Heavenly Gate, tourists may go to the summit by cableway or on foot.

The Peach Blossom Ravine Sightseeing Route. Tourists may get on a special bus at the railway station to the entrance of the scenic zone, and continue to travel five kilometers before reaching the Peach Blossom Ravine, where they can go to the mountaintop by cableway.