Sipping on beer or wine, strolling down ocean-side promenades, munching on fresh seafood… This is all in a typical-days visit to the Shandong province. Whilst enjoying these superficialities of life, it is easy to forget that Shandong is the birthplace of Confucius himself: the almost mystical behemoth of thought and philosophy. Confucius is one of history’s most enduring and influential figures, so be sure to pay homage to the Confucian sites in-between meals and drinks…
Jinan
The provincial capital of Shandong, Jinan is a city steeped in history. This “City of Springs” (literally earning the nickname due to the large number of natural springs scattered throughout the city), is an aesthetically pleasing fusion of modern (and ancient) development alongside nature. The amount of land set aside for nature within this city is a real testament to the green-thumb attitude of the population.
Located smack-bang in the city centre, Baotu Spring Park is a 2000 year-old garden (and spring of course) not to be missed. Just as central, the Daming Lake Scenic Area is a fantastic integration of garden, water and ancient architecture. Venture just south of the city to the densely forest-covered Jiuru Mountain Waterfalls Scenic Area, and complete the great-outdoor adventure with a trip to the Red Leaves Canyon.
No visit to Jinan is incomplete without a visit to the Thousand Buddhas Mountain. Located on the outskirts of the downtown area, the city’s main scenic spot is somewhat misleading due to the fact that over 30,000 Buddhas have been recreated here!
Qingdao
This city is the true tourist drawcard of the province, and after visiting you’ll appreciate why. Seafood and beer is what this city is all about. The city has a unique German influence which is reflected in it’s architecture, beer and everything in-between. The annual Qingdao International Beer Festival (end of July to August) is, in typical Chinese fashion, huge.
The Qingdao International Beer Festival is the world’s unknown match to the Oktober Fest. If you miss the chance to ‘attend’ the festival don’t distress, the Tsingtao Beer Museum will provide you with an ample opportunity to get up to speed (and to learn a bit of history on the way).
Set just south of downtown, the villas of the Badaguan neighbourhood are a perfect demonstration of the German influence on the city. Cap off a visit here by exploring the equally German-styled Signal Hill Park.
Qingdao is not without it’s natural draw cards. Beside the miles of sand and shore, Mount Lao is beauty realized. Home to more temples than we dare try to list, this scenic area is one of the cradles of Taoism in China.
Yantai
A naturally-blessed coastal city, Yantai houses one of the “Four Great Towers of China”, the Penglai Pavilion. Furthermore, if Qingdao and its beer was not filling enough, Yantai is famous for its wine. Zhangyu wine is at the forefront of the Chinese wine industry, and a trip to the Zhangyu Wine Culture Museum will “explain” why. So beer or wine (both?), Shandong has you covered.
Qufu
With all the seaside and beverages on offer it is easy to forget that Shandong (and Qufu in particular) is the birthplace of Confucius and hence Confucianism. Confucius is a true titan of philosophy and history, so any visit to Shandong is fittingly capped-off with a visit to Qufu. Be sure to visit the Temple of Confucius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple here is built from the remains of Confucius’s old residence, and the scale of the construction is second only to the Forbidden City in Beijing.
It goes without saying that this is the burial site of Confucius and his descendants. Just east to the Temple of Confucius, the Kong Family Mansion (also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List) is the historical residence of the direct descendants of Confucius.
Taian
Located in the centre of the province, the area is home to China’s most sacred of mountains: Mount Tai. Swelling over 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level, Mount Tai is considered one of the most beautiful scenic spots in China. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Tai has been scaled by 72 Chinese emperors including Qin Shi Huang (the first unifying emperor of China).
