6 Days Best of Shandong Tour

Full Itinerary Day by day

Day 1 Jinan Arrival

Welcome to Jinan, the City of Springs. Your private guide and driver will pick up you once you arrive at Jinan airport or train station, then transfer you to check in to your hotel in Jinan downtown area. The rest time is free for you to relax and explore this charming city.

Free time idea: you can go to hunt for local snacks at Kuanhouli food street, or enjoy a leisure stroll on Qushuiting Old Street, or explore bustling Quancheng Square.

How to get to Jinan? At present, travelers can get to Jinan by high speed trains from Beijing (about 1.5hrs), Shanghai (about 4hrs), Tianjin (1.5hrs), Zhengzhou (about 4hrs), etc. or domestic flights from Shanghai (about 2hrs), Xian (about 2hrs), Guangzhou (about 3hrs), Chengdu (about 2.5hrs), etc.

Day 2 Jinan - Mount Tai (B, L)

After breakfast, you will go to visit Black Tiger Spring first which ranks No. 2 among all 72 springs in Jinan. The spring water emerges from a natural limestone cave in a cliff and cascades from three giant stone tiger heads into a wide and open pool. The sound of spring water is similar to the roar of a tiger, so it is called Black Tiger Spring. The spring water is drinkable and rich in medicinal properties. You can also see locals collecting water with jars and jugs. There is also many chances to enjoy some relaxing stroll and find some peace and calm.

Next, you will take an interesting boat cruise along the city moat to Baotu Spring Park. Enjoy beautiful views of architecture, river and living scenes along the moat sides. The Baotu Spring is probably the most famous spring in China that every Chinese student should learn in textbook of primary school. It has been a well-known attraction since Shang Dynasty (1600 BC ~ 1046 BC), and visited by many celebrities and emperors including Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty (1644~1911) who claimed Baotu Spring as “the No. 1 spring under heaven” after his pleasant visit. Today it is the icon of Jinan where you can marvel at beautiful springs as well as a number of ancient shrines, pavilions, memorial halls, bridges and steles full of cultural and historical value.

Lastly, you will be taken to visit Daming Lake which is dotted with small islands and framed with thick willows. Relaxing yourself with the picturesque scenery, enjoying walking crossing stone-carved bridges, stopping by peaceful pavilions, watch fish swimming among lotus flowers… there are many ways to seek fun time.

After the city highlights exploration, you will be transferred to Tai'an which is located at the foot of Mount Tai. Before checking in to your hotel, you will take a cultural visit to Dai Temple which is the epitome of Mount Tai's history and culture with important historical and artistic values. Originally built in the Han Dynasty, it is the place where ancient Chinese emperors worship the gods of Mount Tai and hold the ceremony of sacrifice. Dai Temple also acts as a national museum. It preserves the sacrificial utensils, offerings and handicrafts of the emperors of past dynasties to worship the God of Mount Tai.

Accommodate in Tai'an city.

Optional evening activity: enjoy the live show "Fengchan Ceremony" which is grand and magnificent in scale, integrated with beautiful music and dances, representing you the vivid scene of how ancient emperors of different dynasties paying homage and offering sacrifice to the God.

Day 3 Mount Tai - Qufu (B, L)

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver in your hotel and drive about 30 minutes to Mount Tai (1524m). Mount Tai is the holiest of all mountains in China. Because of its history, majesty and stunning scenery, it was listed as World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site (the first one of its category) in 1987, and was announced to be a World Geopark later in 2006. Mount Tai has been a significant place of worship for over 3000 years. It was regarded by the ancients as the heaven of "direct access to the throne". From Shihuang Emperor of Qin Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, there were 13 emperors came to Mount Tai to offer sacrifices. The great sage Confucius once hiked the mountain and claimed “the world is small”.

You will arrive at the Tourist Center first, then shift on to a sightseeing bus (about 30mins) and head along a zigzag but stunning road to the halfway point of the Mount Tai – Zhongtianmen (Middle Heaven Gate 800m). The hiking trail starts from here to Nantianmen (South Heaven Gate), which is the most highlighting part of Mount Tai hiking with more than 6000 uprising steps The steep trails demand much energy and time. You can lower your pace with stops to visit the ancient temples, historical relics, spectacular pine trees and stone inscription of different times. Finally, you will get to Nantianmen (South Heaven Gate 1460m), which means you have already put your steps on the top of Mount Tai. It’s time to slow down your steps to explore the essence of Mount Tai. You can wander leisurely on the Heavenly Street, worship in the Jade Emperor Hall which has a centuries old altar used for worshiping ceremony, appreciate rock inscription of Chinese calligraphy, look out over the peaks, enjoy the sea of clouds, etc.

After about 2 hours’ exploration on Mount Tai, you will descend the mountain by a cable car. Take the sightseeing bus back to the tourist center. Your driver is ready to escort you to Qufu which is about 1.5 hours' drive from Mount Tai. Accommodate in Qufu City.

Day 4 Qufu to Qingdao by High Speed Train (B, L)

Today you are going to explore the life story of the great sage Confucius and his influential Confucianism.

After breakfast, you will go to the South Gate of Confucius Temple to watch the grand ceremony of the city gate opening which usually starts at 8 AM, with grand performances of ancient music and dance. Then start to explore Confucius Temple which is the largest and most influential temple of Confucius in East Asia. It was originally constructed on the former residence of Confucius in 478 BC. Today, the Confucius Temple is not only a popular site to learn about Communism culture, but also an important site to hold many ceremonies, festival and events about Communism. The history of the tradition of paying homage in the Confucius Temple can be traced back to 205 BC when the emperor Gao of West Han Dynasty offered sacrifices to memorize Confucius and blessed for good fortune for his empire. Since then, many emperors and high officials followed Gao’s example. In total, there were 12 emperors of different dynasties came to Qufu Confucius Temple personally to worship Confucius.

Next site to the Confucius Cemetery which is the private cemetery of Confucius, his more than 100,000 descendants and some of his disciples. The oldest graves can be traced back to Zhou Dynasty, and the most recent graves belong to the 78th generation of Kong family. They are the witnesser of the dominant position of Confucianism in the long feudal society of China with great value to the study of the evolution of China's tomb system and ancient politics, economy, culture, customs, calligraphy and art.

After the Confucian sites exploration, you will be provided a rare chance to experience the First Writing Ceremony, also known Enlightenment Ceremony, was a very important ceremony for every ancient Chinese student before they were admitted to school. During the ceremony, you will wear traditional costumes, get a red dot on your forehead (meaning opening the wisdom eye), toll the bronze bell and learn to write Chinese characters.

After the full day tour, go to catch your high speed train to Qingdao. You will arrive at Qufu after about 3 hours' train ride, and be welcomed by your local tour guide who will accompany you to check in to your hotel in Qingdao downtown.

Day 5 Qingdao Laoshan Mount Tour (B)

After the breakfast, you will go to take an interesting visit to Tsingtao Brewery Museum, where you can watch the exhibition of the complete process of making the beer and taste the freshly brewed beer. Since Qingdao is famous for the Tsingtao Brewery, you will have a better understanding about the beer and the city after today's visit. Before leaving, you will take a fresh sip of 2 glasses of Qingdao beer in the museum.

After the special beer experience, drive about 1.5 hour to beautiful Laoshan Mountain, which is known as the Most Famous Mountain on the Sea. This trip focus on Taiqing Scenic Area - the highlight of Laoshan Mountain today. As you arrive, a big statue of Laozi - the founder of Taoism will come into your eyes. Your sightseeing journey starts with a nice hike from Bashui River to Longtan Waterfall. Bashui River is named after the eight streams converging into the river and Longtan Waterfall is one of the streams. During your hike, you can get an enjoyable view of the waterfalls, peaks, rocks, various plants as well as the Yellow Sea from different perspectives. Then, you will continue your hike to Shangqing Palace and Mingxia Cave which are two featured Taoist Temples. In Mingxia Cave, you will get a breathtaking view of the mountain and sea from above. After the amazing sightseeing trip, you will take a cable car down to Taiqing Palace, the largest Taoist temple and the Taoism communication center in Qingdao. There are many Taoist buildings and statues in this temple delivering a cultural savory of Taoism.

After Laoshan Mountain exploration, drive back to your hotel in Qingdao.

Day 6 Qingdao Half-day Tour & Departure (B, L)

After breakfast in your hotel, you will first visit Badaguan Scenic Resort (also called Eight Passes Scenic Resort) which is named after 8 important military fortresses in China's history. In fact, it is not a resort and there are no passes here. It is a pretty neighborhood with about 200 old buildings in over 20 different countries’ styles, including German, Russian, French, American, Danish, Greek, Spanish, Swiss, Japanese... Take a nice stroll in the scenic streets and get some great shots. The landscape of Badaguan becomes most marvelous in spring when lots of flowers are in full blossom and in autumn when the leaves present a stunning mixed hue of yellow, orange, red, etc. To fully appreciate the buildings, you can walk into the Princess House, Butterfly House, Spanish Villa and Huashi House (optional).

Then you will visit Qingdao No.2 Bathing Beach, just near Badaguan Scenic Resort. In spite of its small scale, it enjoys a peaceful environment and gorgeous scenery. After that, take a short visit to Zhanqiao Pier, a symbol of Qingdao city. It was built in 1891 as a naval pier, and now is a famous landmark in the Qingdao Bay.

Lastly, you will be transferred to Qingdao airport or train station to catch your flight/train to next destination. Tour ends!

The quotation for this trip is from Request Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2024.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 6.85. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.

How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.

Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant

Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!

After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.

Local Tour Guides

Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.

Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!

The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services.

Hi Wonder,

The arrengements were very good and I'll willing to recommend your service. The perfect Guide.

Eliane

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costumEliane - 2023. 5. 30‚ Italy, May 30, 2023

Hello Mr. Wonder Wang,

We have arrived safely to Kuwait and are now cherishing our memories of China. We had a very positive impression of the country and its people in terms of organization, cleanliness, friendliness, beauty and convenience. We would definitely recommend your company to our family and friends. We were well cared for by your guides, which made us feel safe and comfortable the whole time. Regarding your specific questions, we have these remarks:

1. Most definitely Mr. Wonder Wang was quick to answer our many questions. He offered valuable advice and was patient through multiple emails between our first point of contact a month before departure, during the tour of China, and until we returned home.

2. The service of the guides was generally very good. They gave us insight into the history and culture of China, and explained the significance of sites along the way. We also felt safe with the designated drivers. At the end of each guide's service, (s)he asked us to fill a questionnaire, and we can see why this is important. Generally our comments were very positive, but we did not have time to adequately assess one guide who was not at the usual standard for this company. His English name is Waldener. We felt he slacked in sharing beneficial knowledge of his city, instead joking around and showing off his knowledge of American history and culture. He was too familiar for our taste and his comments were often immodest. We feel he might benefit from more cultural sensitivity training. The remaining tour guides were very engaging, knowledgeable, dignified and helpful. Jack (in Beijing), in particular, was exemplary in friendliness and helpfulness.

We also have a couple other minor comments. The cruise ship had very little and usually no Internet connection, which was frustrating. On the other hand, the cruise manager kindly asked us about any dietary restrictions and made sure we had food that met our requirements. Likewise, two of the tour guides understood that we only eat halal meat and took us to a halal restaurant for lunch -- this unexpected consideration was highly appreciated. (This is a very important service for most of your future Middle-Eastern guests!!)

Thank you, Mr. Wonder Wang, for your professional communication and friendly assistance throughout this experience,

Sincerely,

Yaser

Yaser - 2023. 5. 29‚ Kuwait, May 29, 2023

Dear Rita,

Thanks for asking. Wutaishan is very crowded but it is fine and quite interesting indeed. We enjoy our time very much

Cheers

Amanda

Amanda - 2023. 5. 26‚ Hong Kong (China), May 26, 2023

Good Morning Tracy,

Now we are back in the UK, back to work and nearly back to normal.

What a time we had in China. I would like to thank you and your amazing team for a wonderful time and experience. The team looked after us so well. Our holiday even though it was a hundred miles an hour was exciting, informative and we really enjoyed it. We experienced lots of new tastes, culture and knowledge.

I would like to say a massive thank you to Fang Fang, who looked after us at the beginning. Her knowledge, detailing & looking after us was exceptional. Nothing was too much trouble for her. Please say a massive thank you for the way she looked after us.

I would highly recommend yourselves as a travel company for any one thinking of venturing to your amazing country and last but not least a hugh thank you to you Tracy for your help all along the way in making our adventure truly rememberable and amazing. Thank you Tracy.

Lots of regards and love

Angela

Angela- 2023. 5. 25‚ UK, May 25, 2023

Dear Rita,

非常满意。船上来了个香港厨神，饮食方面好。客房很舒适。免费Wifi.

美芳

美芳 - 2023. 5. 24‚ Singapore, May 24, 2023

Check What our customers are saying about us on Tripadvisor.com.

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

Ilia G

"I have purchased a private tour from Lijiang to Shangri-la with a driver in the first week of May, 2023. Tracy Tan from China Discovery has organized..." read more »

Reviewed on June 7, 2023

aob1965

"Booked a multi city tour with China Discovery. They organised hotels, 4 -5*, all internal transport, Inc flights and high speed trains. Admission to attractions, a guide and a driver..." read more »

Reviewed on June 7, 2023