A Dual-City Liquor Journey in Shandong ~ Set Sail and Enjoy Qingdao, Indulge in Daming Lake in Jinan

Text provided by Qidou Travel Network Images by shutterstock.com and Xihong Holidays

Travel can be incredibly artistic too！ For literary and artistic souls, the natural and historical journey they love most is none other than Shandong. Enjoy the thrill of sailing in Qingdao, savor premium locally brewed beer, then explore the historic city of Jinan and admire the beauty of Daming Lake — an experience full of joy.

▲ Image by shutterstock.com

Located on the northern part of China’s coastline, Qingdao sits on the southern side of the Jiaodong Peninsula, adjacent to a vast inland area to the west. With its superior geographical position and rich historical and cultural heritage, it is a charming city that blends the ancient and the modern.

Blessed with an extensive coastline, Qingdao was the top choice as the venue for the 2008 Olympic sailing competitions. After the Olympics, the Olympic Sailing Center and May Fourth Square became new landmarks and havens for artistic travelers, especially the Olympic-themed park on the west side of the Sailing Center. From there, you can see the main harbor basin of the Sailing Base, where the sight of sailboats dotting the water gives the city an exceptionally unique charm.

Known for strolling along the coast, sipping craft beer, and soaking in maritime culture, Qingdao ranks as one of China’s premier coastal cities. To gain a deeper understanding of the city’s nightlife, be sure to visit the Qingdao Beer Museum. Through its development history, cultural narratives, brewing processes, brewing workshops, and environmental performances, you’ll discover the world of this iconic beverage. The museum also boasts rich collections and cultural exhibits, alongside Jinan’s distinctive local flavors and the unique brewing techniques of German lager. It vividly showcases the differences between the two cultures. (Photography by Qipin Chen, provided by Xihong Holidays)

▲ Image by shutterstock.com

Scenic spots abound in Qingdao, but the top of the Qingdao Ten Scenic Spots — Zhanqiao Pier — is truly one of a kind. Stretching 400 meters in length and 8 meters in width, the pier extends from the coast into the crescent-shaped Qingdao Bay. At its end stands the “Huilan Pavilion,” with its upturned eaves and traditional Chinese architectural style.

Strolling along Zhanqiao, you can admire Qingdao’s coastline, which curves like a crescent moon, while the pier itself resembles a rainbow stretching across the bay. The famed description “a long rainbow stretching into the distance, a pavilion reflected in rippling waves” is truly fitting.

▲ Image by shutterstock.com

Not far west of Qingdao lies Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province. It is best described by the phrase “lotus flowers on all sides, willows on three; a city half-surrounded by mountains, half by lake.”

The willows mentioned in the poem are those by Daming Lake. With swaying willow branches dancing in the breeze, they bring dynamic charm to the lotus-filled Daming Lake. Countless literati and poets throughout history have visited Daming Lake, each more notable than the last: Su Zhe, the younger brother of Su Dongpo, loved to explore the lake with colleagues; Du Fu famously wrote, “Of all pavilions by the eastern sea, this one is the most ancient; in Jinan, there are many celebrated scholars.” Others such as Zeng Gong, Li Qingzhao, and Wang Shizhen also held special memories of Daming Lake. Through their poetry, lyrics, songs, and essays, they seem to invite readers to visit Daming Lake and experience the breathtaking scenery of Shandong.

More related information
Recommended Itinerary:
Light Travel in Shandong ~ Explore Two Cities, Yangjiabu Folk Village, Zhoucun, Thousand Buddha Mountain, Wine Tasting for Five Days (Upgrade One Night to 5★ Wanda Hyatt) [No Shopping, Tax Excluded]
Xihong Holidays 412-8618 (add 02 for mobile)
Websitehttp://www.besttour.com.tw/web/detail_page.asp?travel_No=TAO05BR161124W