Yankou Scenic Area - Taiping Palace: A Hidden Gem in Qingdao

Location & Access

Yankou Scenic Area - Taiping Palace sits nestled on the eastern side of Laoshan Mountain, Qingdao (26 Wendeng Road, Laoshan District). To get there, take the metro to Licheng Station and transfer to bus 618 or 627—it’ll drop you near the entrance. If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot at the base, but be prepared for steep roads! The palace is a 30-minute hike from the bus stop, so wear comfy shoes.

Natural Wonders

This place is all about dramatic landscapes. Start with the sheer cliffs west of Taiping Palace—they tower over a massive stone cave etched with ancient symbols. The cave, called “Sleeping Dragon Cave”, has a star-patterned ceiling and a giant rock dubbed the “Sleeping Dragon Stone”. Nearby, White Dragon Creek bubbles downhill; legend says locals once spotted a white dragon swimming here! Cross the “Immortal’s Bridge”—a natural stone arch—to see ancient poems carved into boulders by Qiu Chuji, a famous Taoist poet.

For panoramic views, hike up to Lion Peak. This rocky summit looks like a roaring lion (hence the name) and often glows golden at sunrise. On foggy days, it’s like a “lion lying in clouds”—a scene that’ll make your Instagram pop!

Cultural Treasures

Taiping Palace isn’t just nature—it’s history