The four most beautiful counties in Shandong, visiting two already feels like a big win!

The four most beautiful counties in Shandong, visiting them all is a total win This holiday, avoid the crowds and check in at four hidden gem counties in Shandong. A 4-day itinerary with a relaxed pace lets you enjoy secret mountain and water landscapes while immersing yourself in Qilu culture, easily gaining an enviable deep travel experience to share with your friends! Pre-trip preparations - Transportation: Prioritize high-speed rail (all four counties are accessible by high-speed rail, with Jinan/Qingdao as main transfer hubs). Renting a car for self-driving within the counties is recommended (flexible and convenient, some scenic spots require mountain road driving). Download offline maps on "Gaode/Baidu Maps" in advance. - Accommodation: Stay one night in each county, choosing hotels in the county center or near scenic spots, such as staying near Song City in Qingzhou or seaside homestays in Penglai, convenient for dining and saving commute time. - Items: Prepare comfortable hiking shoes, sun hats, and portable water bottles; bring a light jacket for Penglai’s seaside; check opening hours of each scenic spot in advance and prepare simple historical and cultural knowledge to enhance the tour’s fun. Daily itinerary: A perfect blend of scenery and culture Day 1: Qingzhou Ancient City — Traveling through a millennium of Song Dynasty charm - Morning: Arrive early to visit "Qingzhou Ancient City" (free admission, opens at 8:00), focus on walking "Ouyuan Street" and "Wei Street," see the Ming Dynasty Hengwang Mansion stone archway and Qing Dynasty Zhaode ancient buildings, and check in at the "Fucai Gate" city tower. - Noon: Eat local snacks at "Old Locust Tree Fried Buns" inside the ancient city, order fried buns, tofu pudding, and honey three knives, and experience the bustling local life. - Afternoon: Visit "Qingzhou Museum" (book one day in advance), see the treasures "Top Scholar Scroll" and "Jade Bi for Descendants," climb "Yunmen Mountain" at dusk, and check in at the "Longevity" stone carving. - Evening: Stroll the ancient city’s night scene, watch lanterns light up, and have barbecue on "Dongguan Street" to experience the ancient city nightlife. Day 2: Penglai Wonderland — Encounter mountain and sea romance - Morning: Check in at "Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area" (book one day in advance), walk the "Tianheng Mountain plank road" to view the sea, see the "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" sculpture, and climb the pavilion to feel the legend of the "mirage." - Noon: Eat fresh seafood at a "seafood food stall" near the scenic area, order steamed crab and oil-braised prawns, and avoid low-price traps. - Afternoon: Take a boat to "Changdao," stroll "Crescent Bay" to collect colorful pebbles, see the sea erosion landform at "Jiuzhang Cliff," and watch the sunset over the sea at dusk. - Evening: Stay at a homestay on Changdao, eat seafood noodles made by the owner, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Day 3: Qufu Ancient City — Exploring the roots of Confucianism - Morning: Visit the "Three Confucian Sites" (book two days in advance, combo tickets are more cost-effective), first go to the "Confucius Temple" to see the Dacheng Hall and Apricot Altar, then walk through the "Confucius Mansion" to feel the ancient noble residence, and finally visit the "Confucius Forest" to see thousand-year-old cypress trees. - Noon: Have a Confucius Mansion banquet at "Quelibinshe," order specialty dishes like "Poetry and Courtesy Ginkgo" and "Scallops Attending the Court," and experience cultural cuisine. - Afternoon: Visit "Nishan Holy Land," watch the live performance "Golden Sound and Jade Vibration," stand at the foot of the "Confucius Statue" to feel Confucian culture, and stroll "Nishan Academy" at dusk. - Evening: Stay in downtown Qufu, browse cultural and creative shops on "Wuma Temple Street," and buy Analects bookmarks and Confucian-themed accessories. Day 4: Yiyuan Mountain City — Unlocking secret mountain and water landscapes - Morning: Check in at "Lushan National Forest Park," walk the "forest trail" to breathe in negative oxygen ions, see "Lushan Waterfall" and "One Line Sky," and experience "forest rafting" (family-friendly). - Noon: Eat Yimeng cuisine at a "farmhouse restaurant" near the scenic area, order "Yimeng Stir-fried Chicken" and "Wild Vegetable Tofu," and drink "Yiyuan Apple Juice." - Afternoon: Visit the "Yiyuan Karst Caves," see the stalactite wonders of "Shilong Cave" and "Yangshen Cave," and feel the magic of underground caves; at dusk, take a walk in "Yi River Park" and watch the mountain city sunset. - Evening: Before returning, buy "Yiyuan apples" and "Red Fuji" as souvenirs to bring the taste of mountain and water home. Tips - Penglai Pavilion, Three Confucian Sites, and Nishan Holy Land require advance booking; set alarms to grab tickets during holidays to avoid no tickets on site. - The itinerary is flexible; pay attention to driving safety on mountain roads; hiring a guide in Qufu is recommended for a deeper understanding of Confucian culture. - Qingzhou and Qufu ancient cities have large crowds; keep your belongings safe; Yiyuan mountain area has big temperature differences, adjust clothing timely. Hope this trip lets you gain unforgettable and unique travel memories in Shandong’s ancient cities, mountains, seas, and secret places!