Laoshan Tickets 2026: Prices, Routes & Which Pass to Buy
Every Laoshan ticket type compared for 2026 — the $13.50 Yangkou line, the $19.50 Taiqing ticket, the 3-day al…
Read guide崂山风景区Qingdao · Open daily 7:00 – 17:30
Where the Granite Mountain Meets the Yellow Sea
Laoshan — “the famous mountain on the sea” — rises 1,132.7 m straight from the coast of Qingdao. Sunrise above a sea of clouds at Jufeng, 2,100 years of Taoism at Taiqing Palace, waterfalls tumbling through Beijiushui, tea terraces above a fishing village, and a cliff-hugging road with the Yellow Sea on one side. Plan the perfect visit: tickets, routes, itineraries and honest traveler tips.
1,132.7 mJufeng summit — the tallest coastal mountain in China
446 km²Protected scenic area of granite peaks, valleys and coast
7Major scenic zones from Jufeng to Beijiushui and the coast
2,100+ yrsOf Taoist heritage — Taiqing Palace dates to 140 BC
崂山风景区Mountain, sea & Tao
The Famous Mountain on the Sea
Thirty kilometres east of downtown Qingdao, the granite domes of Laoshan climb straight out of the Yellow Sea — the only coastal range in China whose main peak tops a thousand metres. Ancient pines cling to salmon-pink cliffs carved with giant red calligraphy; streams drop through green valleys; and monasteries hide in the folds, the oldest of them, Taiqing Palace, worshipping continuously since the Western Han dynasty.
Laoshan gave China its northernmost famous tea, its best-loved mineral water and — as Pu Songling set parts of “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio” here — a fair share of its immortal legends. Travelers rank it 4.7/5 across more than 26,000 Trip.com reviews and #1 of 312 things to do in Qingdao on TripAdvisor. Whether you come for a summit sunrise or a waterfall picnic, one thing is certain: give it more than half a day.
- Watch sunrise and a sea of clouds from the 1,132.7 m Jufeng summit
- Stand inside Taiqing Palace, 2,100 years of living Taoist heritage
- Ride the Yangkou cableway over the sea to Longevity Cliff and Mitian Cave
Photo highlights
A Glimpse of the Mountain by the Sea
What to see
Mountain Highlights You Cannot Miss
Jufeng Summit & Sea of Clouds
The 1,132.7 m main peak — sunrise decks, sea of clouds on overcast days and the giant inscribed boulders of the ridge line.
Taiqing Palace
A 2,100-year-old Taoist monastery on a quiet bay — courtyard ginkgos, the Laozi statue and the legends of Pu Songling.
Beijiushui Valley
Eighteen pools linked by cascades over smooth granite — the most refreshing walk on the mountain, best after rain.
Yangkou & Mitian Cave
Ride the cableway over turquoise water, squeeze through the narrow Mitian Cave and meet the giant Longevity Cliff.
Plan your visit
Everything You Need Before You Go
Opening hours, the smartest route choices across seven zones and a few mountain-smart tips make all the difference.
Opening hours
Open daily 7:00 – 17:30. Ticket windows stop selling at 15:30 and final admission is at 16:30 — start early; each main route deserves most of a day.
Getting there
Metro Line 4 from downtown Qingdao to Dahe East — the southern-line transfer hub — or Line 11 toward Beijiushui. About 30–50 minutes from the city centre; day tours include door-to-door pick-up.
Good to know
Expect hundreds of stone steps — bring real walking shoes, water and snacks. Cableways pause in high wind or storms, and the Jufeng summit area is ticketed separately from the coastal lines.
Traveler reviews
What Visitors Say About Laoshan
4.7
/ 5
Read more on Trip.comJiushui Scenic Area is definitely one of the places worth visiting in Laoshan, Qingdao. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, crystal-clear streams, waterfalls, and lush greenery, it offers a peaceful escape from the busy city. The sound of flowing water, the fresh mountain air, and the scenic walking trails make the whol…
I visited Laoshan Scenic Area with one goal in mind: skip the cable car and hike up instead. The trail winds through forests, rocky slopes and mountain scenery, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views over the coastline. The climb can be tiring, particularly on the steeper stone steps, but the sense of…
Laoshan Scenic Spot was the highlight of our trip in Qingdao — mountain climbing and the fishing village were unforgettable. The mountain ranges I have seen, like Lao, and the local people were amazing too.
Laoshan is absolutely gorgeous, no doubt about it. But honestly, half a day is NOT enough! The scenic area is huge — like, really huge — with all the good spots spread far apart. If you only have an afternoon, you’ll basically just hit the edge and miss the real vibe. My biggest tip: set aside at least one full day her…
This place is worth your attention, especially if you want to see mountain streams, small waterfalls, and, most importantly, a huge number of wild cats. They weren’t aggressive. It’s a very pleasant place and suitable for solo travel.
The place is amazing. Please be prepared to walk, walk and again walk — including lots of stairs up and down. The funicular might be closed due to the weather (wind). I would advise taking a lot of water with you and comfortable shoes. Note that what you see on the map is just a tiny part of the possible trekking route…
From the blog
Travel Tips & Mountain Stories
The Best Time to Visit Laoshan: Seasons, Sunrise & Crowds
Season by season, month by month: when the tea terraces glow, when the waterfalls roar, when to chase the sea…
Read guide12 Must-See Highlights of Laoshan Scenic Spot
Jufeng’s summit loop, 2,100 years of Taiqing Palace, the eighteen pools of Beijiushui, Yangkou’s cliff-cave co…
Read guide
How to Get to Laoshan from Qingdao: Metro, Bus, Taxi & Tours
Every way to reach the mountain: Metro Line 4 to Dahe East, Line 11 for Beijiushui, taxi fares, airport angles…
Read guideLaoshan Itineraries: Perfect 1-Day and 2-Day Plans
Hour-by-hour plans: the classic coastal day, the summit weekend, the family edition and the honest half-day sa…
Read guideHiking Laoshan: Trails vs Cable Cars & the Jufeng Summit Climb
Boot-report from the mountain: the Jufeng forest climb, the Yangkou cliff paths and Mitian Cave, the Beijiushu…
Read guideQuick answers
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es el horario de apertura del Parque Natural de Laoshan?
La zona turística está abierta todos los días de 7:00 a 17:30. La venta de entradas finaliza a las 15:30 y la última entrada es a las 16:30, así que llega con tiempo suficiente para llegar a la entrada que hayas elegido: la montaña es grande y cada ruta merece casi un día entero.
¿Cuánto cuestan las entradas para Laoshan?
Las tarifas online para viajeros internacionales parten de US$13,50 para el billete de la línea de Yangkou, mientras que el billete combinado en dirección a Taiqing cuesta unos US$19,50 y el pase de acceso ilimitado de 3 días, US$31,50. Los trayectos en teleférico cuestan a partir de US$5,25 por trayecto. Los niños menores de 6 años (o que midan menos de 1,4 m) entran gratis, y el acceso a la cima de Jufeng se paga por separado.
How long should I spend at Laoshan?
The recommended sightseeing time is 1–2 days. Treat each main route — the coastal southern line (Liuqing–Taiqing–Yangkou), the Jufeng summit area and the Beijiushui valley — as a full day. Many travelers buy the two-day combo ticket precisely because one day only scratches the surface.
How do I get to Laoshan from Qingdao?
From downtown Qingdao, Metro Line 4 runs east to Dahe East (大河东) station, next to the main visitor transfer hub for the southern line; Line 11 serves the northern side toward Beijiushui. The ride takes roughly 30–50 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing are comfortable alternatives, and Day-trip tours with door-to-door pick-up are widely available.
Is the Jufeng cable car or hiking better?
Both work. The cableway saves your legs and the views on a clear day are superb; hiking the stone paths through forest takes longer but many reviewers call it the most rewarding way up. Check the weather — cableways suspend service in high wind, and the Jufeng area requires its own ticket plus internal sightseeing bus.
What should I bring to Laoshan?
Comfortable walking shoes (expect hundreds of stone steps), water and snacks, sun protection in summer, a light layer for the summit, and some cash or a working mobile payment for small mountain villages. If you plan to squeeze through Mitian Cave at Yangkou, a phone flashlight helps.
Ready to Climb the Mountain by the Sea?
Secure your e-ticket from $13.50 on Trip.com — instant confirmation, book-for-today availability and free cancellation on most dates.