Laoshan Mountain Scenic Area lies in the eastern part of Qingdao, Shandong, bordering the Yellow Sea. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, national key scenic area and national forest park, covering 446 square kilometres with an 87.3-kilometre coastal line.
Known as “The No.1 Mountain on the Sea”, Jufeng, its main peak at 1132.7m, is the highest mountain along China’s continental coastline. It is one of the most important holy lands of Quanzhen Taoism, reputed as the Second Taoist Forest of Quanzhen. In ancient times, there were “nine palaces, eight temples and seventy-two nunneries” on the mountain. Taiqing Palace, built over 2,000 years ago, is the oldest Taoist shrine here, home to well-preserved ancient trees including Han cypresses and Tang elms.
The park is divided into several touring zones: Jufeng, Taiqing, Yangkou, Beijiushui and Hualou. Rugged granite rock formations, sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls and limpid mountain springs form a perfect combination of mountain and ocean scenery. The high-quality mineral spring water from Laoshan is used for brewing Tsingtao Beer. Many legends and stories from *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio* by Pu Songling originated here.