Langya Tower sits in Qingdao’s Coastal New Area, about an hour’s drive southwest from central Qingdao. The area feels tucked away, but it’s easy to reach by car or public transport. If you’re coming from Qingdao’s main city, take the metro to the end of Line 13 (Jiaozhou Gudong) and switch to a local bus—it’ll drop you near the entrance. Drivers can follow the coastline highway for stunning ocean views along the way.

Natural Landscapes

Langya Tower isn’t just a historic site; it’s also a nature lover’s paradise. The tower stands atop a hill, overlooking the Yellow Sea and surrounded by lush greenery. To the east, Long Bay Beach (part of the Langya Tower景区) has powdery white sand and crystal-clear water. What makes it unique? The “dragon-shaped waves”—when the tide comes in, the waves curl like serpents along the shore. It’s Instagram gold! Nearby, Zaitang Island (within the景区) is a tiny gem with rocky cliffs and quiet trails. Bring your swimsuit and hiking shoes—there’s something for everyone here.

Cultural Highlights

Langya Tower has been a witness to Chinese history for centuries. Back in the Spring and Autumn period, King Goujian of Yue (a king from what’s now Zhejiang) fled here after losing a war and later moved his capital to this region. Fast forward to the Qin Dynasty: Emperor Qin Shi Huang visited Langya Tower, leaving behind one of China’s rare ancient stone inscriptions (the Langya Inscriptions), which still stands in the景区. These carvings are like time capsules!

Inside the景区, don’t miss the Xufu Hall, dedicated to Xu Fu, the court official who sailed to Japan (legend says) in search of immortality. His story