Poetic Laoshan, Poetic Life | Shazikou, a Wonderful Place!

When Shazikou Subdistrict in Laoshan is mentioned, the strongest impression is that it's Qingdao's seafood hub. Little do people know, apart from the seafood, along its nearly 30-kilometer coastline, captivating natural scenery and rich cultural heritage are scattered.

Photo by Guo Xin

Shazikou is a wonderful place.

This brief praise sums up life in Shazikou. Nestled at the southern foot of Laoshan, surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the sea, it is the gateway to the Laoshan Scenic Area. With crystal-clear waters and verdant hills, mild winters and cool summers, it is truly a blessed spot on Qingdao’s eastern edge.

Photo by Liu Mingyuan, Laoshan special contracted photographer

From here, we can head directly to the Laoshan Visitor Center and transfer to a scenic shuttle to explore Jufeng Scenic Area. Jufeng, the summit of Laoshan, offers visitors an all-encompassing view of mountain and sea, letting them feel the unique aura of the highest peak on China’s coastline.

Photo by Wang Shouzeng, Laoshan special contracted photographer

Drawing on its mountain and sea resources, Shazikou Subdistrict is home to many alluring landscapes: the seaside mountain homes of Ximaiyao, the celestial dwellings of Dongmaiyao in Laoshan, and the Nanjiushui Cherry Valley where you can enjoy blossoms and pick fruit all in one trip… allowing visitors to fully appreciate the charm of “all of Laoshan is a scenic area.”

· Celestial Laoshan – Dongmaiyao ·

Dongmaiyao Community sits by the Liuqing River and is a must-pass point on the southern route into Laoshan. It is a “National Model Village for Rural Tourism” and a “Shandong Province Characteristic Tourism Village.”

Built to 3A scenic spot standards, it is a beautiful village with distinctive Laoshan character. Here you can experience the local fishing culture firsthand at Xianju Laoshan, the largest guesthouse cluster in Laoshan, and the upscale Yushang Shan Jian guesthouse.

· Seaside Mountain Homes – Ximaiyao ·

With the reform and opening up, Ximaiyao Village, rich in authentic Laoshan fishing village flavor, embarked early on the path to prosperity through tourism.

Embracing the enchanting mood of Liuqing River Beach, Ximaiyao created the “Seaside Mountain Homes” brand, opening family-run seafood feasts that treat visitors to genuine delicacies and breathtaking sea views, letting them soak up the bond between mountain and sea.

· Nostalgic Folklore – Dengying ·

The “Dengying Pear Snow” was once among the “Ten Old Scenes of Qingdao,” captivating countless hearts, and Dengying, where those pear blossoms bloomed, became a well-known scenic countryside.

Today, near Dengying, you can still catch glimpses of that legendary pear snow landscape. Plans are underway for “Maiyao Pear Snow,” along with a “Folk Custom Park” rich in local Laoshan characteristics, giving visitors a hands-on taste of rural life and folk culture.

Beyond these beautiful villages, with the overall growth of Laoshan tourism, new Instagram-worthy spots have emerged in Shazikou Subdistrict, enticing travelers and enriching the region’s all-for-one tourism offerings.

· Tourism Reception Hall ·

Following principles of balanced layout, easy access, cohesive style, and refined elegance, Shazikou Subdistrict thoughtfully designed and built Shazikou Square. Now completed, the square serves as the “reception hall” for the subdistrict and even for Laoshan tourism, showcasing Shazikou’s unique mountain-and-sea cultural charm to visitors.

Photo by Ji Chunzhang

As the “Home of Spanish Mackerel,” Shazikou Subdistrict is famous for the annual Mackerel Festival every April. The mackerel gift rituals, using the fish as a carrier to transmit family bonds and filial piety, embody profound Confucian cultural genes and are a vital part of Shazikou’s filial culture.

Photo by Wang Hua, Laoshan special contracted photographer

· Urban Hideaway by Mountains and Sea – Liuqing River ·

Follow the dedicated Laoshan tourist road for less than 30 minutes by car, and you will encounter Liuqing River. Liuqing River Beach lies just a stone’s throw from the bustling city, yet it preserves nature’s most innocent and romantic side.

Under bright skies, the sea is crystal clear. There are no towering buildings here, no fast-paced urban rush—just a tranquil little fishing village, emerald-green groves, a seemingly endless coastline, and countless seashells scattered on the sand…

· Laoshan Academy ·

Nestled amid the picturesque mountains and waters at the southern foot of Laoshan, Laoshan Academy is a venue where Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism converge. The academy has transplanted precious old residences from Anhui, the hometown of Laozi, and houses over ten themed venues. With its unique geographical advantages, it is the perfect choice for experiencing traditional folk culture or a family outing.

Photo by Jiuzhou

· Huadong-Parry Winery ·

Set against the scenic Laoshan mountain range, this is a “National Industrial Tourism Demonstration Site” and “National AAAA Tourist Attraction.” It’s also a trending spot for wedding and romance photography. Stroll through vineyards draped in grapevines, watch the springs of Jiulong Pool gushing forth, while graceful black swans sing on the water and two peacocks nearby fan their colorful tails and strut proudly… This serene, elegant place is Huadong-Parry Winery.

The owner personally surveyed 29 ancient European castles and invited a dozen seasoned stonemasons to spend 12 years shaping a giant boulder into a castle hidden among the mountains and sea of Laoshan. It has become a favorite photo spot for couples capturing their “oaths of everlasting love” in Laoshan.

Walk on, stay or turn back—

Different journeys reap the same rewards.

“Vibrant Coast, Enchanting Scenic Town”

is worthy of the time you entrust to it.