# Laiyang

Laiyang is a city in coastal Shandong. Laiyang is located in the middle of Shandong Peninsula. Laiyang has become a tourist destination because of its natural landscape, rich historical culture and local characteristics.
Laiyang is a low mountain and hilly area with gentle undulations and crisscrossing gullies. By the end of 2023, Laiyang has a permanent population of 795,000.
Laiyang apples are produced in abundance here, and the delicious and abundant fruits are well-known. Picking in the orchard has become a favorite experience activity for tourists. Laiyang is also rich in history and culture. The ancient ruins, temples and traditional folk customs make people feel as if they have traveled through time and space and felt the long heritage of this city. In addition, Laiyang's unique geographical environment makes the mountain and sea scenery here unique. Whether it is hiking, hot springs, or strolling on the beach, it makes people relax. Laiyang's natural, historical and delicious food are integrated, making it a unique attraction as a fun tourist destination.

## Understand
### Districts

Laiyang Subdistrict：As the urban area of Laiyang, Laiyang Subdistrict is the core of politics, economy and culture. It is a gathering place for government agencies, commercial centers and infrastructure, and undertakes the administrative management, public services and regional coordination functions of the whole city.
Suburban town：Suburban town connects urban and rural areas and plays a role in urban-rural integration. It is not only an important base for agricultural production, but also plays a key role in modern industry, infrastructure construction and urban expansion.
Zhuwu Town：Mainly based on agriculture, it has significant advantages in the cultivation of agricultural products such as apples and grapes. The town is of great significance in promoting agricultural modernization, increasing the added value of agricultural products and farmers' income.
Fenggezhuang Town：Relying on its rich agricultural resources, Fenggezhuang Town has promoted the diversification of the local economy through the promotion of agricultural technology and the extension of the industrial chain.
Yangjiabu Town：Famous for its traditional crafts and folk art, Yangjiabu Town is of great significance in cultural tourism and handicraft production. It is the inheritance place of local culture and an important node for the development of tourism.
Shaojia Town：Shaojia Town relies on agricultural resources to develop characteristic industries, especially agricultural product processing and rural tourism. It plays an important role in promoting rural economic development and improving farmers' living standards.
Xiaobei Town：The town is mainly based on agriculture and agricultural product processing, and is committed to agricultural modernization and rural economic development. It promotes rural industrial upgrading by developing agricultural cooperatives and industrial chains.
Duanjiadian Township：Based on traditional agriculture, It promotes the planting and breeding of agricultural products, while paying attention to environmental protection and sustainable development, promoting ecological agriculture and green development in rural areas.
Zhanggezhuang Town：It focuses on agricultural production and deep processing of agricultural products, and promotes agricultural industrialization and diversification of farmers' income. It is of great significance in improving agricultural production efficiency and developing rural economy.
Yangjiadian Township：It relies on rich agricultural resources and focuses on developing characteristic planting and breeding industries. At the same time, the township has also played a positive role in promoting rural infrastructure construction and improving farmers' living conditions.
Beigou Town：It is based on agriculture, especially fruit tree cultivation and agricultural production and processing. It has played a demonstration role in promoting agricultural science and technology innovation and increasing agricultural output value.
Nangou Town：It is mainly based on agriculture, and vigorously develops agricultural industrialization and tourism, especially the combination of characteristic agricultural products and rural tourism, which promotes economic diversification.
Xiaojiazhuang Town：It relies on agricultural resources to develop specialty agricultural products, such as apples and grapes, while promoting ecological agriculture and rural green development, which has improved the income level of local farmers.

### History

In the Xia Dynasty, it was the land of Laiyi; in the Shang Dynasty, it was the land of Laiguo; in the Western Zhou Dynasty, it was the land of Laihouguo; in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty and Qin Dynasty, it was the eastern border of Qi County.
In the sixth year of Lu Xianggong (567 BC), Qi State destroyed Lai and built a new city in the area of Guchengzhuang to replace Lai State's rule over Jiaodong area.

### Climate

Laiyang is located in the Southeast Asian monsoon zone of the northern temperate zone. It has a continental monsoon type semi-humid climate. There is sufficient sunlight and four distinct seasons. In winter, it is cold and dry with low temperature and slight humidity; in spring, the earth warms up, with strong winds and prone to drought; in summer, it is warm, humid and rainy with abundant rain; in autumn, the temperature and humidity drop sharply, and the sky is high and the air is refreshing.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to travel to Laiyang, especially spring from April to May and autumn from September to October. The climate in these two seasons is mild and pleasant, suitable for travel and outdoor activities, and the scenery is the most charming.

## Get in
### By plane

The nearest airport is in Yantai. Access by sea is also available via the city of Yantai. A bus drive from Yantai will bring you to Laiyang in about 2 hours. Taking the train is another choice. High-speed trains from Yantai take only 30 minutes to get to Laiyang.

### By car

The self-driving route from Qingdao to Laiyang mainly passes through the Qingyin Expressway. The entire journey is about 120 kilometers and takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes.

### By train

Train is a very convenient means of transportation to Laiyang. You can reach Laiyang Station by taking a high-speed train. The transportation around the railway station is very convenient. The station is connected to the city's bus system and is surrounded by major highways and railway trunk lines, making it convenient for passengers to arrive from the city and other places.
* 37.6348120.74851 LaiYang Station (莱阳站), No. 1 Jingshan Road（荆山路1号）, ☏ +86 0535 7316534. 06:00-22:00. It is the main transportation hub of Laiyang City and It is the intermediate station between Lanyan Railway and Qingrong Intercity Railway. (updated Dec 2024)
* 37.5561120.73342 LaiYangNan Station (莱阳南站), Northeast of Hucheng Village, Gaogezhuang Town（高格庄镇胡城村东北侧）, ☏ +86 0535 6258998. 06:00-22:00. It is an intermediate station of Laiyang-Rongcheng High-speed Railway. (updated Dec 2024)

## Get around
### By taxi

Taxis are a convenient means of transportation in Laiyang. Taxis have a low starting price and can easily take you to major attractions, such as Laiyang Pear Garden, historical and cultural sites, etc., making it convenient for tourists to travel short distances.

### By self-driving

Laiyang has important traffic arteries such as Wenhua Road. The Laiyang to Weifang section of the S16 Rongwei Expressway is undergoing a renovation and expansion project, which will further improve the traffic efficiency and safety of this section.

### By bus

Laiyang bus routes connect the city and some tourist attractions or transportation hubs. Tourists can choose the appropriate route according to their needs. The relevant information of bus routes can be found on the bus stops in the city and Laiyang local tourism websites and apps, which is very convenient.

## See

Laiyang Chi Pear, which is generally called Liayang pear, is one of the traditional rare species of Shandong pears. Laiyang Pear Flowers, due to its large number of pear trees, Laiyang city is referred to as the "City of pears".
* Pictures of Laiyang Museum37.5654120.71811 Laiyang Cretaceous National Geopark (莱阳白垩纪国家地质公园), Jingangkou Village, Lügezhuang Town (吕格庄镇金岗口村) (head to Laiyang Central Bus Station, get a bus bound for Lügezhuang (吕格庄) or Xuanfang (穴坊), then alight at JIngangkou Village; the park is about 8 km from Laiyang Railway Station), ☏ +86 535 7986789, +86 535 7551001, lydzgyglc@126.com. As of March 2022, the park is temporarily closed; normal opening hours are 08:30-17:00. A park rich in fossil deposits from the Cretaceous Period. Major attractions at the park include a large fossil museum, a garden comprised of petrified wood collected from around the world, and an excavation pit where a complete skeleton of a dinosaur species known as Tsintaosaurus spinorhinus was discovered in 1951. General entry to the park is free; the museum charges ¥40 and the petrified wood garden charges ¥30; combo tickets are ¥50. (updated Mar 2022)
* 37.6498120.71962 Li Xiang Style travel zone (梨乡风情旅游区), Zhaowangzhuang Town（照旺庄镇）, ☏ +86 535 7619638. 24 hr. t is the origin of Laiyang Pear and the main venue of the annual Pear Blossom Festival and Laiyang Pear Cultural Festival. It is a comprehensive rural tourism resort based on history, humanities, natural environment and agricultural planting, featuring rural folk experience, outdoor activities and ecological picking. The pear orchard in the scenic area covers an area of more than 10,000 acres, with the "Pear Tree King" and "Gong Pear Tree" with a tree age of more than 400 years. The famous historical and cultural landscapes such as "Dan Ya Chun Xue" and "Wu Long Hui Zhang" are all within the territory. The scenic area has more than 10 attractions such as Shuanghe Pond, Lilac Courtyard, Cultural Monument Corridor, Wedding Square, Folk Museum, Four Seasons Garden, Guanyun Bridge, etc. A series of activities such as the Pear Blossom Festival, Laiyang Pear Cultural Festival, Pear Orchard Self-Picking Tour, Pear Champion Selection, Farmhouse Experience, etc., attracts a large number of Chinese and foreign tourists to visit. The scenic spot is open to the public free of charge. (updated Dec 2024)
* 37.6722120.74373 XianHe park (蚬河公园), Jingqi Road, Chengxiang Street（城厢街道旌旗路）. 05:00-17:00. It is a comprehensive cultural and leisure park with spring flowers as the main feature, pear blossoms as the main body, and water and green blending together. Close to the Xian River, the park has many trails, lakes and green spaces, with more than 100 species of garden plants and 54 garden pieces. The scenic spot is open to the public free of charge. (updated Dec 2024)
* 37.6311120.74244 Zhuo village (濯村), Zhuo Village, Jiangtuan Town（姜疃镇濯村）. 24 hr. It is one of the earliest villages in Laiyang. It was formed in the late Yuan Dynasty (around 1300 AD) and has a long history. As a traditional rural village in Shandong, the village has preserved a large number of historical relics and folk culture. Zhuo Village still retains a wealth of folk activities and traditional festivals, especially traditional festivals such as the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. The villagers will hold a variety of celebrations, such as dragon dances, lion dances, temple fairs, etc. The scenic spot is open to the public free of charge. (updated Dec 2024)
* 37.634120.7445 LaiYangShi museum (莱阳市博物馆), The middle section of Dasi Street in the city center（市中心大寺街中段）, ☏ +86 535 7214498. 08:00-11:30, 14:00-17:00. Founded in 1984, it is a public cultural institution established by Laiyang to display and protect local cultural heritage. Since its establishment, the museum has been committed to collecting and displaying historical relics, folk art, natural heritage, etc. related to Laiyang and its surrounding areas, becoming one of the local cultural business cards. Free. (updated Dec 2024)

## Do

Laiyang has many beautiful natural landscapes, picturesque mountains and clear waters, and pleasant scenery. It is a good place for mountaineering, photography, and walking, where you can relax, enjoy nature, and visit natural scenery.
* Pictures of Laiyang Wulong River Water Conservancy Scenic AreaPictures of Niangniang Mountain Scenic Area37.5421120.62341 Laiyang Wulong River Water Conservancy Scenic Area (莱阳五龙河水利风景区) (Wulong River（五龙河）). 24 hr. The scenic area is built on the basis of the Muyu Reservoir. It has beautiful natural scenery, unique cultural landscape and rich ecological tourism resources. The Muyu Reservoir in the scenic area is a large-scale comprehensive reservoir with multiple functions such as flood control and urban water supply, as well as power generation, irrigation, aquaculture, forestry and fruit development, and tourism. (updated Dec 2024)
* 37.6143120.65822 Niangniang Mountain (娘娘山) (Daxue Village, Gaogezhuang Town（高格庄镇大薛村）). 24 hr. The screen stands on the edge of the South China Sea. The mountains are in the shape of one mother and seven sons, with Niangniang Mountain in the middle, high and steep, lush forests and a wide view. There used to be a temple dedicated to the Queen of Heaven on the top of the mountain, and the remains of the ancient temple still exist on the top. The seven mountains around the main peak are regarded as her seven children, and many legends about the mother and sons relying on each other have been circulated. Later, this place became a scene in Laiyang, "Seven Sons Peaks in a Row". (updated Dec 2024)
* 37.5087120.63643 Dingziwan Coastal Tourist Resort (丁字湾滨海旅游度假区) (Yangjun Town（羊郡镇）). 24 hr. It is a provincial tourist resort, bordering Yantai in the northeast and Qingdao in the southwest, with a coastline of 27.5 km. It covers a total area of about 100 square kilometers and is open to the public all day. It has vast land, rich tidal flats and freshwater resources, vast ecological wetlands and rich historical and cultural heritage. (updated Dec 2024)

### Festivals

* Chinese New Year（春节）：Like other cities in China, the Spring Festival is one of the most important festivals in Laiyang. In addition to the traditional New Year's Eve dinner, firecrackers, spring couplets and lanterns, there are some special customs in Laiyang. On New Year's Eve, many families will prepare "fried crispy meat" and "fried spring rolls". This traditional dish is very popular among locals and symbolizes the prosperity of "fried year after year". In addition, Laiyang still retains the folk activities of "welcoming the spring and receiving blessings". Many villages will organize dragon and lion dances and yangko teams to pray for good weather and good harvests in the new year.
* Dragon Boat Festival（端午节）：During the Dragon Boat Festival, the traditional "making zongzi" is an indispensable custom in Laiyang. The zongzi in Laiyang has a rich filling. In addition to the common red dates and salted egg yolks, there are also some local specialties, such as using Laiyang's specialty apples as fillings, which have a unique taste. Locals will also hang wormwood and calamus during the Dragon Boat Festival to perform a ritual of "exorcising evil spirits and avoiding diseases." In addition, some villages in Laiyang will also hold dragon boat races. Although not as grand as some areas in the south, it is still a traditional event that villagers look forward to every year.
* Winter solstice（冬至）：On the day of the winter solstice, families in Laiyang will gather together to eat dumplings. In particular, there is a saying that "dumplings on the winter solstice are like noodles on the summer solstice". Dumplings are particularly important in this festival. The dumplings in Laiyang have a variety of fillings, including traditional pork and green onion fillings, as well as local seafood fillings, which are delicious. The celebration of the winter solstice is simple but warm, and it is an important moment for family reunion and expression of blessings.
* Laiyang Temple Fair（莱阳庙会）：The temple fairs in Laiyang are an important part of the local traditional culture, especially during important festivals such as the Spring Festival and the Double Ninth Festival. Temple fairs are usually accompanied by sacrifices, artistic performances, folk activities and other links, forming a unique festive atmosphere. Many temple fairs have traditional performances such as "dragon and lion dances", "yangko", and "stilt walking", which attract a large number of tourists and local residents to participate. Temple fairs are not only a way to pay homage to gods, but also an important way to display folk art and pass on local culture.
* Laiyang Apple Culture Festival（莱阳苹果文化节）：Laiyang apples are famous for their sweet taste and high-quality varieties. Every autumn, Laiyang holds an Apple Culture Festival. During the festival, in addition to the display and promotion of apples, there are also a variety of farmers' handicrafts, local delicacies and folk performances. The Apple Culture Festival not only promotes the development of local agriculture and tourism, but also becomes a window for Laiyang farmers to show their harvest results and spread apple culture.

## Buy

Laiyang pear is a famous fruit variety and one of the four famous pears in China. Laiyang pear is famous for its rich water content, crisp and sweet taste, and delicate flesh. It has become a delicacy that local and foreign tourists are eager to taste.
Laiyang apple is one of the most famous specialties of Laiyang, known for its sweetness, juiciness, crispness and tenderness. Laiyang apple cultivation has a long history, and the unique climate and soil conditions make the apples here of excellent quality. Whether eaten fresh or made into juice or apple pie, they are very delicious.
Laiyang wine is highly regarded in the domestic and international markets because Laiyang has a long history of grape planting and winemaking. Laiyang wine has a unique taste and rich local flavor and can be bought in wineries and specialty stores.
Laiyang jujube is one of the local specialties, known for its sweet taste, thick flesh and thin skin. Jujube not only has high nutritional value, but is also regarded as a tonic food in traditional Chinese medicine, making it a good choice for gifts or personal use.

## Eat

Laiyang cuisine is a traditional local cuisine of Laiyang, Shandong Province. It is part of Shandong cuisine and has distinct local characteristics. Laiyang cuisine is deeply influenced by local natural resources and historical culture. It is based on seafood, agricultural products, and local specialties, and highlights delicious taste, color, aroma and taste. Laiyang cuisine focuses on the freshness and local characteristics of ingredients, especially combining the unique agricultural and marine resources of the Laiyang area, and has a strong local flavor.
* Laiyang Wangjiayuan Restaurant 莱阳王家大院饭庄 ：Located in Zangjiatuan Village, 300 meters west of Lidu Villa, it provides authentic Laiyang cuisine.
* Laiyang Longkelai Hotel 莱阳隆客来饭店：Building 6, Junmin Road, is the sixth restaurant in Laiyang's hotel reputation list
* Huang's Restaurant, Yangjun Town 莱阳市羊郡镇黄家饭店：335 meters west of Fengshun Hotel, Yangjun Town, providing a variety of catering services ‌1
* 莱阳小肠宋：No. 180, Wulong South Road, specializes in local cuisine and is listed in the Laiyang Restaurant Popularity List‌.
* Laiyang noodle soup 莱阳打卤面：No. 72, Fushui North Road,providing authentic noodle soup

## Drink

Laiyang's apple juice is natural and additive-free. The freshly squeezed apple juice has a very rich taste, with a strong fruity aroma and a hint of refreshing sourness.
Shandong is a major beer-drinking province in China, and Laiyang also has beer produced by local breweries. Locals often drink beer with barbecue and other foods, especially in summer, when iced beer is one of the most popular drinks.
There are many tea restaurants and beverage shops in Laiyang, so there are various traditional tea drinks, such as green tea, oolong tea, black tea, etc., as well as some innovative tea drinks that are paired with fruits, flowers and herbs.

## Sleep

Laiyang is a city full of natural beauty and historical culture. It has comfortable and convenient accommodation facilities and provides a variety of accommodation options to suit tourists with different needs.
* Laiyang International Hotel 莱阳国际大酒店：This is a four-star hotel in the center of Laiyang, close to the commercial center, convenient transportation, convenient for shopping and dining. The hotel is fully equipped with various guest rooms, conference facilities and catering services.
* Laiyang Ramada Plaza Hotel 莱阳华美达广场酒店：Located in the commercial centre of Laiyang, close to Laiyang Railway Station, this hotel offers a luxurious accommodation experience. The hotel's modern facilities and high-standard services are its highlights.
* Laiyang Sheraton Hotel 莱阳喜来登酒店：This hotel combines traditional and modern design, providing comfortable accommodation and surrounded by many attractions. The hotel's dining and service quality is also good, suitable for travelers and business people.
* Laiyang Haiyue Hotel 莱阳海悦酒店：The hotel has clean and comfortable rooms and provides exquisite dining services. The hotel has considerate services and complete facilities, making it an ideal choice for leisure and vacation.

## Go next

* Yantai: Yantai is located in the northeast of Shandong Peninsula. It is a city integrating seaside, mountains, forests, wine culture and historical relics. Yantai's Penglai Pavilion, Changdao and Yantai Wine Culture Tourism Area are all must-see attractions, especially for tourists who like natural scenery and food.
* Qingdao: Qingdao attracts numerous tourists with its beautiful seaside scenery, fresh climate, German colonial relics and world-famous beer culture. Visitors can enjoy the sea breeze, beach and natural beauty in scenic spots such as the Zhanqiao, Badaguan and Laoshan, or experience the unique local beer culture in the Qingdao Beer Museum.
* Jinan: Jinan is known as the "City of Springs" and has many famous spring attractions, such as Baotu Spring, Daming Lake and Black Tiger Spring. Jinan is a city that perfectly integrates nature and humanity. You can not only enjoy the beautiful spring landscape, but also visit the long-standing historical sites, such as the Literati Gathering by Daming Lake and Thousand Buddha Mountain.
* Zibo：Zibo is a historic city in Shandong Province, located in the central part of Shandong, with rich cultural heritage and unique natural landscape. As the birthplace of ancient Chinese Qi culture, Zibo not only has a profound historical heritage, but also beautiful natural landscape and modern urban charm.
* Tai'an: Tai'an is home to Mount Tai, one of the Five Sacred Mountains in China. Mount Tai has attracted countless tourists with its majestic mountains, profound cultural background and unique mountaineering experience. Climbing to the top of Mount Tai, visiting the Dai Temple and appreciating the sunrise are classic tourist projects in Tai'an.