Qingzhou Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local customs in Qingzhou, China, with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Qingzhou

Located in the north of Shandong Province, Qingzhou is an ancient city with a history that dates back more than two thousand years. Surrounded by three mountains and crossed by the Xiaoqing River, Qingzhou offers a beautiful natural landscape with plenty of cultural and historical attractions to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Qingzhou

Whether you’re interested in culture, history, nature, or outdoor adventure, there is something for everyone to see and do in Qingzhou. Here are some of the top places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Qingzhou Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Qingzhou at this museum, which has a large collection of ancient artifacts, ceramics, and paintings.
  • Yunmen Temple: Explore this ancient Buddhist temple, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and see its magnificent stone-carved statues.
  • Longxing Temple: Visit this historical temple, which is famous for its well-preserved ancient architecture and beautiful scenery.

Natural Attractions of Qingzhou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Yuluzhai National Forest Park: This park offers stunning views of mountains, forests, and rivers, as well as various outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
  • Liuyuan Garden: Visit this beautiful garden, which features a large collection of rare plants and flowers, as well as a serene lake.
  • Mangrove Nature Reserve of Qingzhou Bay: This nature reserve boasts a vast area of mangroves, as well as a wide variety of bird species for bird-watching enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Qingzhou

  • Xishan Park: Take the scenic route up the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Qingzhou from the top.
  • Qinglong Mountain: Located in the east of Qingzhou, this mountain offers several hiking and biking trails that wind through forests, streams, and waterfalls.
  • Xiaoqing River Bike Trail: Follow the river and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way on this well-paved bike trail.

Best Things to Do in Qingzhou: Activities and Tours

  • Watch the Yunmen Mountain Lantern Festival: Every year, on the night of the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the Yunmen Mountain Lantern Festival is held, where thousands of lanterns light up the night sky.
  • Attend the Qingzhou International Kite Festival: Held every April, this festival attracts participants and spectators from all over the world to showcase their kite-flying skills.
  • Discover the Ancient City Walls: Walk around the well-preserved ancient city walls and feel the history of Qingzhou come alive.

Week-Long Itinerary for Qingzhou

Day 1: Visit the Qingzhou Museum and Yunmen Temple. Day 2: Explore the Yuluzhai National Forest Park. Day 3: Visit the Longxing Temple and Mangrove Nature Reserve of Qingzhou Bay. Day 4: Hike or bike on Qinglong Mountain. Day 5: Tour the Liuyuan Garden and attend a local minstrelsy show. Day 6: Take a day trip to nearby Weifang and visit the Kite Museum. Day 7: Walk around the ancient city walls and enjoy the local cuisine.

Food and Drink Scene of Qingzhou

Must-Try Dishes

  • Qingzhou Roast Chicken: This local specialty is marinated with various spices and slow-roasted to perfection.
  • Steamed Fish with Soy Sauce: Fresh fish is steamed with soy sauce and garlic, resulting in a flavorful and healthy dish.
  • Qingzhou Pancakes: These thin pancakes are typically filled with savory or sweet ingredients such as minced pork, scallions, or red bean paste.

Local Beverages

  • Shandong Tea: Qingzhou is known for its high-quality tea, including green tea, black tea, and oolong tea.
  • Jinan Du Kang: This locally-produced liquor is made from glutinous rice and features a strong aroma and a smooth taste.

Where to Stay in Qingzhou: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Qingzhou City Hotel: This hotel is conveniently located in the city center and offers comfortable rooms and friendly service.
  • Qingzhou Jinshuiwan Hotel: Situated by the river, this hotel boasts beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Qingzhou Pujin Hotel: This hotel offers affordable rooms and basic amenities, perfect for budget travelers.

What to Buy in Qingzhou: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Blue and White Porcelain: Qingzhou is famous for its blue and white porcelain, which features intricate designs and delicate craftsmanship.
  • Qingzhou Peanuts: These locally-grown peanuts are large, sweet, and full of flavor.
  • Local Tea: Bring home some high-quality Shandong tea to share with family and friends.

Local Culture and Customs of Qingzhou

Qingzhou has a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. Visitors should respect local customs and traditions, such as taking off shoes before entering homes, greeting elders first, and showing appreciation for local food and hospitality.

Best Time to Visit Qingzhou

The best time to visit Qingzhou is between March and November, when the weather is mild and comfortable. Avoid visiting during national holidays, when popular attractions can be overcrowded.

Do’s and Don’ts of Qingzhou

Do:

  • try the local cuisine and drinks
  • visit the historical attractions and museums
  • appreciate local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • litter or vandalize public spaces
  • disrespect local customs and traditions
  • haggle too aggressively at markets and shops

Safety and Health

Safety in Qingzhou

Qingzhou is generally a safe city, but visitors should still take precautions such as keeping valuables secure and avoiding empty streets at night.

Health in Qingzhou

Visitors should be aware of the air quality in Qingzhou, which can be poor at times due to industrial pollution. Bring appropriate protective masks if necessary and stay alert to any health advisories in the area.

Getting to Qingzhou: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Qingzhou

  • Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport: Located about 170 kilometers from Qingzhou, this airport offers domestic and international flights.
  • Weifang Airport: Located about 30 kilometers from Qingzhou, this airport offers domestic flights to major Chinese cities.

Bus Stations Near Qingzhou

  • Qingzhou Bus Station: Located in the city center, this station offers regular buses to nearby cities and towns.
  • Weifang Bus Station: Located in nearby Weifang, this station offers buses to major Chinese cities.

Other Options

  • Train: Qingzhou does not have a train station, but visitors can take a train to nearby cities such as Weifang and Qingdao and then transfer to a bus or taxi.
  • Car Rental: Visitors can rent a car and drive to Qingzhou from nearby cities, but should be aware of Chinese traffic laws and road conditions.

How to Get Around in Qingzhou

Visitors can get around Qingzhou by taxi, bus, or rental car. Taxis are affordable and convenient for short trips, while buses offer a more sociable and cost-effective option. Rental cars are available, but visitors should be aware of the Chinese traffic laws and road conditions.

Where to Go Next from Qingzhou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Weifang: Visit this nearby city and enjoy its traditional kite-making culture and natural scenery.
  • Qingdao: Explore this vibrant coastal city, famous for its beer, seafood, and beaches.
  • Jinan: Discover the capital city of Shandong Province and its many historical, cultural, and natural attractions.

Conclusion

Qingzhou is a charming and historic city, offering a wealth of cultural, historical, natural, and outdoor attractions. With its beautiful scenery, delicious food and drink, and friendly locals, Qingzhou is a must-visit destination for any traveler to China.

Qingzhou Museum Qingzhou Museum