Zhangjialou's 'Maple' Scenery is Unparalleled
On November 1st, my best friend and I explored the thousand-acre maple forest in Zhangjialou, Huangdao. Currently, there are over 6,000 trees, including American red maples and autumn red maples, with vibrant colors. The red leaves have reached their peak viewing period!
Best Visiting Time: Early November (Updated on November 15, 2025: The leaves have fallen, and only fallen leaves remain to be seen.)
Travel Guide: See Image 3
Address: Thousand-acre Maple Forest, Zhangjialou Street, Huangdao District, Qingdao (Free Entry)
🚎 By Public Transport: Take Metro Line 1 to [Jinggangshan] Station, then transfer to [West Coast Express] for 13 stops, get off at [Zhangjialou], and walk about 15 minutes to reach the destination.
🚗 By Car: Navigate directly to [Zhangjialou Parking Lot], which is free, and you’ll arrive right at the spot.
Travel Tips:
1. There are four-seater cars available for rent at the entrance, but the flat roads in the scenic area are not very long, so renting a car may not be very cost-effective.
2. This year, there’s a creative touch at the entrance—a person-high water ripple box for collecting leaves. Filling the entire box would look stunning.
3. There are large props made of maple leaves, such as photo frames and animal shapes, perfect for taking pictures. The beige rabbit is particularly photogenic, and there’s often a lively little cat nearby that’s very relaxed and not afraid of people.
4. The area is not overly commercialized, with only a tea house offering tea by the stove. Local villagers sell their homegrown products nearby.
5. It gets very crowded on weekends, and traffic jams are common. For photography, it’s best to visit on weekdays and go early.
🧸 Tips for Families with Kids:
1. The main road is flat and suitable for all kinds of strollers.
2. There are no nursing rooms.
3. There’s one restroom at the parking lot and two more (one being a dry toilet) in the scenic area. Due to the crowds, they are not very clean, making it inconvenient for young children.
• Hotel Accommodation: It’s recommended to stay at Qingdao Magnolia Hotel (City Balcony China Railway Expo City Branch). The hotel is close to the metro station, with shared electric bikes available at the entrance and ample free parking, solving your travel and parking concerns. It’s only a 10-minute walk (or a 2-minute drive with 2 traffic lights) from the hotel to Haiwang Road Food Street. This place is a "foodie’s paradise," offering a wide variety of delicious options from day to night, bustling with vibrant local life. Here, you can not only indulge in great food but also immerse yourself in the warmth of the locals and the city’s nightlife (every restaurant serves Qingdao’s signature draft beer).
🍁 Take advantage of the good weather and plan an autumn outing with your best friends or family! Start preparing and share your food and travel tips. Please give me a like! 🍁 Wishing everyone a happy life~