A Pilgrimage Through Time: Imperial China & Sacred Tibet
A 9-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration
Itinerary Overview
This 9-day journey takes you through China's most significant cultural and natural landmarks, beginning in the capital city of Beijing before exploring the spiritual Mount Tai, Confucian heritage in Qufu, the spring city of Jinan, and finally the coastal beauty of Qingdao.
Day 1: Departure from Berlin to Beijing
- Board flight HU490 or AB5810 from Berlin to Beijing
- Flight duration: 9 hours and 10 minutes
- Departure times available every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
- Travelers from Hamburg or Bremen can connect through Berlin
Day 2: Beijing Arrival and Transfer to Tai'an
- Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport
- First-time visitors may extend stay for Beijing highlights (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace)
- For returning travelers: Transfer to Beijing South Railway Station via airport shuttle bus line 10
- Take afternoon high-speed train to Tai'an (approximately 2 hours)
- Check into Huatai Hotel (located at South Yingsheng Road and Leigushi Street crossing)
- Transportation options from station: Bus No. 17 to Huatai Hotel stop or taxi (approximately CNY20)
Day 3: Exploring Mount Taishan
- Early morning departure for Mount Taishan, one of China's Five Great Mountains
- Recommended route: Taxi to Tianwaicun parking lot (CNY6), then shuttle bus to Mid-heaven Gate (CNY30 one-way)
- Option to hike or take cable car from Mid-heaven Gate to summit
- Afternoon visit to Dai Temple via Bus No. 3
- Dai Temple features: Largest and most complete ancient building complex in region, historic imperial worship site
- Return to hotel via Bus No. 36 to Yingsheng Road North Section or taxi (CNY10)
Day 4: Journey to Qufu - Confucian Heritage
- Check out of hotel and transfer to Tai'an Railway Station
- Morning high-speed train to Qufu (20-minute journey)
- Check into Queli Hotel (4-star, near Confucius Temple and Family Mansion)
- Explore Confucius-related sites: Confucius Temple, Confucius Family Mansion, Cemetery of Confucius
- Battery cars available for transportation between sites
- Accommodation: Queli Hotel
Day 5: Qufu to Jinan - The Spring City
- Check out and transfer to Qufu East Railway Station
- High-speed train to Jinan (35-minute journey)
- Check into Shungeng Hillview Hotel (4-star garden-style hotel)
- Afternoon exploration: Baotu Spring Park and Daming Lake Park
- Transportation: Bus No. 66 from Huizhan Zhongxin to Baotuquan Dongmen Station
- Transfer to Daming Lake via Bus 41, 54, 66, K109, or Y777
- Evening visit to Shandong University (Qianfo Mountain Campus) and local dining
Day 6: Jinan to Qingdao - Coastal Transition
- Morning bullet train to Qingdao (approximately 3 hours)
- Check into Eastern Light International Hotel (3-star, Shandong Road)
- Afternoon exploration: Badaguan Scenic Area and No. 1 Bathing Beach
- Transportation to Badaguan: Bus No. 605 from Tushuguan to Wushengguan Road
- Features: Historic villas from 1920s, gardens, and clean streets
- Beach visit with swimsuits and sunscreen recommended
- Return taxi fare: Approximately CNY15
Day 7: Full Day at Mt. Laoshan
- Comprehensive exploration of Mt. Laoshan and Taiqing Palace
- Transportation: Bus No. 33 to Yuanyang Guangchang, transfer to Bus 104 or 304 to Dahedong Service Center (1.5 hours total)
- Shuttle bus tour covering: Liuqing, Taiqing, Qipanshi, and Yangkou
- Yangkou highlighted for best scenery
- Recommendation: Bring flashlight for cave exploration
- Return via reverse route
Day 8: Qingdao Coastal Exploration
- Morning visit to Zhan Bridge (historic pier built in 1892)
- Transportation: Bus No. 307 from Jintan Lubei to Zhanqiao
- Afternoon at Golden Sand Beach (Jinshatan)
- Transportation: Tourist Bus Line 2 from Coach Station near Qingdao Railway Station (CNY15, 50-minute journey)
- Departure times: Hourly between 7:00 and 16:00
- Return options: Tourist Bus Line 2 to terminus then taxi (CNY20) or direct taxi (CNY50, 45 minutes)
Day 9: Departure from Qingdao to Berlin
- Hotel check-out before 12:00
- Transfer to Qingdao Liuting Airport via taxi (50 minutes, approximately CNY60)
- Recommended flight route: MU5195 to Beijing (07:15/08:50), 4.5-hour layover, then HU489 to Berlin (13:20/17:30)
- Note: Beijing time is 6 hours ahead of Berlin time