
Shandong is the birthplace of Confucius and has served as a pivotal cultural and religious center for Taoism, Chinese Buddhism, and Confucianism. The sacred Mount Tai was the object of an imperial cult for nearly 2,000 years, the artistic masterpieces found there are in perfect harmony with the stunning natural landscape. Starting in Beijing, visit Yantai, to witness the mystique of Penglai and the port city Weihai, a popular trade route with neighboring Korea. In Qingdao, follow the steps of Qinshihuang to Laoshan, rumored to contain the secret to eternal youth. Traveling onward to Taian, explore Mount Tai, then visit Qufu, the hometown of Confucius and famous for its Sankong, the Three Confucian Sites, and finally ending in Jinan, famous for its 72 Springs, a statue in the Chuancheng Square is its landmark, celebrating its status as “Spring City.”
Itinerary at a glance
Fly to Beijing, the starting point for your Shandong adventure.
On arrival at Beijing, meet your guide at Beijing airport and relax with a convenient transfer to your luxury hotel for a well deserved rest.
Free at leisure before transfer to the airport for a flight bound for Yantai. Upon arrival, our city tour immediately begins with an excursion to Penglai*, a fairyland-like resort on the northernmost tip of Shangdong Peninsula. The mystique of Penglai is mostly ascribed to the mirages that occur beyond the sea, and the Penglai Pavilion proves an ideal place for watching the sea, the sunrise, and the sunset. Later, return to Yantai and check in to hotel.
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
★★★★★ HILTON YANTAI OR SIMILAR
Our sightseeing tour of Yantai today starts with a visit to Zhangyu Winery Museum*. The Zhangyu Winery was established in 1892, mainly produces brandy and red wines, and now is the largest winery in Asia. Enjoy the chance to sample the wine. Next, Yantai Hill* is visited. Located in the north part of the city, Yantai Hill with its” Yantai Stone” Lighthouse has become the symbol and one of the must-see in Yantai. In the afternoon, we tour toward the famed port city Weihai by coach.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today take a boat to Liugong Island* known as “Fence in the East”, a state forest park. During the Sino-Japanese War, the commander’s headquarters of the Chinese Beiyang Navy was built on the island. Later visit the Jiawuzhanzheng Museum* and Huancui Park* before departing for Qingdao, a beautiful harbor city on the Yellow Sea. Numerous European style villas and churches have turned this city into a veritable museum of world architecture. After a full day of sightseeing, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner
★★★★★ Le Meridien or Similar
Our day starts with a visit to Laoshan*, the “Top Spectacular Mountain on the sea”. Renowned of the visits of Qinshihuang and Emperor Wudi of the Han, Laoshan is famous as the cradle of Chinese Taoism as well. Taiqing Palace*, the most famous Taoist temple in Laoshan, is visited as well. Qingdao Beer is one of the finest brands in China. The Qingdao Beer Museum* was built in celebration of the 100- year anniversary of the brand. We visit the museum and have a chance to sample the beer. In the afternoon we take a boat ride* to the sea and overlook the beautiful Little Qingdao Isle far away. Zhanqiao Pier and Zhanshan Temple* are visited before we end up the day with a Shandong specialty cuisine dinner.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner
★★★★★ Le Meridien or Similar
After visits to Xiaoyushan Park *(Little Fish Hill), the May Fourth Square and Sculpture Museum, depart Qingdao and drive to Taian, an ancient city renowned for Mount Tai.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today enjoy a whole day excursion to Mount Tai*, a site of major historical and cultural significance located north of Taian. As one of the “Five Sacred Mountains” in China, Mt. Tai has been a place of worship for emperors for at least 3,000 years. In 1987 was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Your first stop will be the Dai Temple* at the foot of Mt Tai, it is the largest and most complete ancient building complex in the area. From here, travel up to the summit via cable car*.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today features an excursion to Qufu, the hometown of Confucius. Explore the three most famous cultural sites of the city, collectively known as Sankong (The Three Confucian Sites), the Temple of Confucius*, the Cemetery of Confucius*, and the Kong Family Mansion*. Together, these three sites have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Before driving back to Taian, enjoy a Kong Family Banquet.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner
Proceed to Jinan with a stop at Lingyan Temple*. Upon arrival at Jinan, a city tour will reveal famous attractions including Bao Tu Springs*, Black Tiger Springs, Daming Lake*, and Chuancheng Square. For dinner tonight enjoy Shangdong specialty cuisine.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner
Your Shandong adventure draws to a close as you depart Jinan and board a high speed train bound for Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure.
Included: Breakfast
Board your international flight back home.
Included: Breakfast
Experienced and knowledgeable tour guide throughout China.
Fine meals as specified in itinerary including daily breakfast in hotels and local specialty cuisines:
Qingdao....... Shandong Snack Food, Seafood Cuisine
Qufu................Kong Family Banquet
Jinan................Shandong Traditional Cuisine
Daily comprehensive sightseeing program as outlined in the itinerary.
Air-conditioned tour coach with professional driver service.
A bottle of mineral water is provided on the bus every day.
Easy recognized luggage tag, badge, and document holder are provided for your convenience.
Select city packages are available for you to extend your trip before or after the tour. See City Packages for more information.
Create your ideal getaway with the following upgrade options. Extensions and upgrades can be added during the booking process or speak to one of our travel advisors to tailor your perfect trip.
Airfares included in the advertised Land + Air Package prices are from Los Angeles(LAX)/Houston(IAH)/San Francisco(SFO)/Washington Dulles Interna(IAD) on Air China(CA), including fuel surcharge and taxes/fees, including any baggage fees or seat assignment fees.
Departures from other gateway cities, please add appropriate U.S. domestic add-on fares. For time zone of your gateway city, please call Peony Tours.
Air China:
*Fares are subject to availability; for detailed gateway fares please view our dates & pricing
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Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong, a five-star international hotel with a distinctive exterior, is located in the heart of Beijing, China. A long history of exceptional service assured by the New Otani Hotel Management of Japan, your Beijing experience begins at the moment you enter the oriental garden designed courtyard adjacent to the lobby.
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