Tour in Shandong

Shandong is on a pennisula on the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea. The Yellow River flowes through its northern part and joins with the Bohai Sea. It has been inhabited since neolithic times. Today, it is popular with tourists because of its charming islands, coastal cities, mountains and temperate weather.

Capital city, Jinan, is 15 km south of the Yellow River. It was the capital of a state in 6th century B.C.. Today, it is called "City of Springs" because of its over 100 springs. The springs are surrounded by lovely gardens and tea houses. The best one, Jet Spring, has 16 fountains. The quality of spring water is excellent.

Qingdao (Green Island), the province's largest city, is on the Yellow Sea. It is well-known for its tasty Qingdao Beer and mineral water. The city is pretty with hills, trees and red-tiled roofs. It has 6 beaches which are usually crowed in summer. 40 km east of Qingdao is the Laoshan Mountain, home of the 8 Taoist Immortals. The range is dotted with small Taoist temples and rushing waterfalls.

Yantai (Smoke Tower) is another coastal city on the Bohai Sea. It is one of the prettiest small cities in China, nestled between the sea and gentle hills. Penglai Pavilion is said to be where the 8 Taoist Immortals flew across the sea. Mirages have been seen on the sea surface by many people standing here. Yantai is a must for seafood lovers. It produces prawns, abalone, scallops and jelly fish. Also famous are its embroidery and wine. Yantai has 2 bathing beaches in the city proper.

Qufu, hometown of Confucius, may be of interest to people interested in history. Confucius lived in the 6th century B.C.. His philosophy was the official ideology in China for over 2000 years. Even today, his theories still influence most chinese's thoughts and behaviours. Qufu has Temple of Confucius, the largest temple in the world with an area of 20 hectares, and Mansion of Confucius, Tomb of Confucius.

Tai'an is a small city from where tourists can climb the Mt. Tai, 2 billion years old, one of the oldest mountain in the world. Emperors used to came to offfer sacrifices to Earth and Heaven. The summit can be reached by climbing over 7000 steep stone steps placed by human labor. There are ancient cypress trees, beautifully carved memorial arches, temples and breathtaking views of forests and crags. Sunrise on Mt. Tai is a heavenly scene dreamt by generations of Chinese.

An international kite festival is held the first 10 days in April in Weifang, a city in the center of Shandong province.