Day Two: touring Mount Tai in Tai'an

It takes around three hours from Qingdao to Tai'an by high-speed train.

With an elevation of 1,545 meters, Mount Tai is the highest peak in Shandong. It is reputed as the "Chief of the Five Sacred Mountains" and the "First Mountain Under Heaven".

Mount Tai was the object of an imperial cult for nearly 2,000 years, and the artistic masterpieces found there are in perfect harmony with the natural landscape. It has always been a source of inspiration for Chinese artists and scholars and symbolizes ancient Chinese civilizations and beliefs. 

The Dai Temple stands silhouetted against an orange-tinted evening sky in Tai'an, Shandong province. [Photo by Shi Yunpeng/ WeChat account:sdtxta]

You can tour Mount Tai via the classic middle Red Gate Route, which is the highly recommended way to experience the most cultural and natural landscape of the mountain.

With more than 7000 winding paths of 9.5km, the Red Gate Tour Route effortlessly blends ancient and modern China. Known as the "scenic area to heaven," it has for many centuries hosted mountaineers and is a tranquil area with secluded scenery along the way. 

You will begin from Dai Temple to Red Gate Palace, then get to Wanxian Tower, and then finally the main peak Jade Emperor Summit for about four to six hours' hiking. Along the climbing paths, you will drop by scenic spots such as Daizong Archway, Doumu Palace, Hutian Pavilion, Southern Heavenly Gate and Confucius Temple.

Day Three: touring Jinan

It only takes less than 20 minutes from Tai'an to Jinan by high-speed train.

The iconic Baotu Spring of Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Jinan, capital of Shandong province, is known as the "City of Springs" because over 700 natural springs run through it, of which 72 are widely known.

You can explore and experience the true essence of the city by visiting a number of renowned scenic spots, such as the iconic Baotu Spring, the Daming Lake, the Spring City Square and the Qushui Pavilion Street, all in the downtown area.

In the afternoon, you may take the return train to Qingdao. The trip is around three hours by high-speed train.