Located to the east of Qingdao, facing the Yellow Sea, Mt. Laoshan is the only mountain rises by the sea among all famous mountains in China.  As one of the symbol attractions in Qingdao, this tall mountain is not only famous for its marvelous and majestic mountainous scenery but also the beautiful coastal landscape.

Mt. Laoshan is a famous Taoist Mountain in China and during the period of its great prosperity it has nine palaces, eight temples and 72 convents. Legend has it that Qin Shi Huang (the first emperor of Qin Dynasty) and the Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty once came to Mt. Laoshan to seek for immortality. The famous Taoist Kiu Chang Chun and Zhang Sanfeng (the Tai-chi Master) both cultivated Taoism here as well.

As time goes by, most of the temples on the mountain were destroyed while the Taiqing Temple, the largest and oldest one was well-preserved. Built in 140 BC during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 24AD), the Taiqing Temple is regarded as the birthplace of the Taoism. Located at the southern foot of Laojun Peak, it faces the sea in the front and surrounded by mountains in three sides. Covering an area of 30000 square meters, the temple contains more than 150 rooms scattered in three courtyards. All of the rooms are well-preserved with enclosing walls and gate. As the symbol scenic spot on Mt. Laoshan, there are many other spots including the stone inscriptions, picturesque peaks and rocks, ancient trees and clear springs located next to the temple.

There are three routes to climb the peaks of Mt. Laoshan. Along the Southern Line there are not only marvelous landscapes but also sacred Taoist Palaces including the Taiqing Palace, Xufu Islet and Dragon Pond Waterfall. The Central Line mainly focuses on Beijiushui which consists of nine crooks, thus making the river turn nine times. The Eastern Line includes the Taiping Palace, the Lion Peak, Huayan Temple, Naluoyan Cavern and some other sights. Also there is a fourth route that involves taking a waterway into the base of the slope and reaching the scenic areas in ease and comfort.

Perfectly combine the beautiful natural scenery with the historical sites, Mt. Laoshan is an ideal place for sightseeing, recreation and patriotism activities. So during your tour in Qingdao, never miss this unique and majestic mountainous mountain.