Beautiful scenery and delicious food in Shandong

OMG! This trip to Shandong is amazing! 😍 You'll regret not checking out this guide! Family, if you haven't been to Shandong yet, you're missing out on a super hidden gem of a travel destination! It boasts a rich history and culture, allowing you to experience the charm of a thousand years; stunning natural scenery, immersing you in the beauty of mountains and sea; and countless delicious foods to feast your taste buds on. Don't hesitate, follow this guide and start your Shandong adventure! Pre-trip Information📋 Documents ID card, student ID (discounts available), driver's license (if you plan to drive). Clothing Pack your clothing according to the season. For summer trips to the beach, bring lightweight, breathable clothes, swimwear, and sun protection; for spring and autumn when it's cool in the mornings and evenings, bring a jacket; for winter when it's cold, don't forget a thick coat, scarf, and hat. Other Items Toiletries, skincare products, high SPF sunscreen (UV rays are extremely strong at the beach), commonly used medications (cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc.), power bank, camera. Transportation Guide 🚗 External Transportation Airplane: Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport and Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport offer numerous routes; choose according to your needs. Train: Shandong has a well-developed railway network, with high-speed rail providing quick access to major cities. Internal Transportation Bus: Wide coverage, affordable prices, and some cities even have dedicated tourist lines. Subway: Jinan and Qingdao have subways, offering convenient and traffic-free travel. Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient but prone to congestion during peak hours; plan your time in advance. Car Rental: A good option for those who want to plan their trip freely, but be aware of traffic rules and parking issues. Accommodation Guide 🏨 Jinan Choose accommodation near Quancheng Square for convenient transportation, close to Baotu Spring and Daming Lake, and enjoy night markets and food. Qingdao Near May Fourth Square for beautiful sea views, numerous shopping malls and restaurants, and convenient living. Yantai Near Yantai Mountain Scenic Area for both sea views and historical charm. Weihai Near Weihai International Bathing Beach, the beach is beautiful, and you can even see the stars at night. Food Map 🍲 Jinan ● Fried Dough Twists: Crispy on the outside, fragrant with scallions, be sure to eat them while they're hot. ● Sweet and Sour Carp: Beautifully presented, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delicious sweet and sour flavor. ● Jinan Sweet Porridge: Savory porridge paired with fried dough twists, a traditional Jinan breakfast. Qingdao ● Qingdao Beer: World-famous, be sure to try the fresh draft beer when you come to Qingdao. ● Seaweed Jelly: Crystal clear, with a smooth texture, a Qingdao specialty cold dish. ● Gill Fish Dumplings: Chewy dumpling skin, delicious filling, full of the taste of the sea. Yantai ● Yantai Stewed Noodles: Made primarily with jelly noodles, seasoned with sesame paste, shrimp oil, and other condiments, fragrant but not greasy. ● Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallions: Soft and tender sea cucumber, rich in scallion flavor, and highly nutritious. Weihai ● Weihai Clear Broth: Made with carefully selected ingredients, this fresh and delicious broth is a traditional Weihai delicacy. ● Spicy Stir-fried Clams: The clams are tender and flavorful, with a moderate spiciness that's increasingly addictive. Itinerary ✨ Route 1: Classic Cultural Tour (5 days) Day 1: Jinan ● Morning: Arrive in Jinan, check into your hotel, and then visit Baotu Spring to see the flowing water and experience the charm of the "Number One Spring Under Heaven." ● Noon: Enjoy sweet and sour carp and Jinan sweet porridge near the scenic area. ● Afternoon: Visit Daming Lake and enjoy a boat trip on the lake. ● Evening: Sample various snacks on Furong Street. Day 2: Jinan ● Morning: Visit Thousand Buddha Mountain for panoramic views of Jinan city. ● Noon: Return to the city center for fried dough twists and braised pork. ● Afternoon: Visit the Shandong Provincial Museum to learn about Shandong's history and culture. ● Evening: Watch the musical fountain at Quancheng Square. Day 3: Tai'an ● Morning: Travel from Jinan to Tai'an, heading straight to Mount Tai. You can choose to hike or take the cable car up the mountain. ● Noon: Enjoy the "Three Delicacies of Mount Tai" on the mountain. ● Afternoon: Continue hiking, enjoying the scenery along the way. ● Evening: Camp at the summit and wait to watch the sunrise. Day 4: Qufu ● Morning: Head to Qufu, visit the Confucius Temple and Confucius Mansion, and experience the profoundness of Confucian culture. ● Noon: Enjoy a Confucius Mansion banquet. ● Afternoon: Visit the Confucius Cemetery and experience the solemnity of an ancient family cemetery. ● Evening: Stay overnight in Qufu city. Day 5: Return home, bringing back a wealth of experiences. Route Two: Romantic Seaside Trip (4 days) Day 1: Qingdao ● Morning: Arrive in Qingdao, check into the hotel, and go to Zhanqiao Pier to get close to the sea and feed the seagulls. ● Lunch: Enjoy seaweed jelly and gill dumplings nearby. ● Afternoon: Visit Badaguan Scenic Area and admire architecture from various countries. ● Evening: Watch the light show at May Fourth Square and experience the city's vibrancy. Day 2: Qingdao ● Morning: Visit the Qingdao Beer Museum to learn about beer culture and sample fresh beer. ● Lunch: Enjoy Qingdao barbecue with beer – super refreshing! ● Afternoon: Go to Shilaoren Beach and enjoy the sun, sand, and waves. ● Evening: Have a seafood feast by the sea. Day 3: Yantai ● Morning: Travel from Qingdao to Yantai, visit Penglai Pavilion, and explore this "fairyland on earth." ● Lunch: Enjoy Yantai braised noodles and braised sea cucumber with scallions. ● Afternoon: Visit Yangma Island and take photos of the stunning seascape. ● Evening: Stay overnight on the island and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Day 4: Weihai ● Morning: Head to Weihai and visit Liugong Island to learn about the history of the modern Chinese navy. ● Lunch: Enjoy Weihai clear soup and spicy stir-fried clams. ● Afternoon: Visit Weihai International Bathing Beach. ● Evening: End the trip and return home with wonderful memories. Helpful Tips💡 ● Book tickets for popular attractions online in advance to avoid delays. ● Eat seafood in moderation to avoid stomach upset; you can pair it with ginger and vinegar sauce. ● When playing at the beach, take precautions against sunburn and mosquito bites. ● When playing in mountainous areas, wear appropriate shoes and be careful. Friends, Shandong is so much fun, what are you waiting for? Take action now and start your wonderful Shandong trip! 👏