# Laixi

Laixi (莱西, Láixī) is a city in coastal Shandong, offering a unique blend of urban development and natural beauty. Located in the heart of Shandong Province, it is surrounded by the bustling cities of Qingdao, Laiyang, Yantai, and Weihai, making it an ideal gateway for exploring the region. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and proximity to both mountains and the sea, Laixi attracts visitors with its diverse offerings. From scenic parks to traditional architecture, Laixi provides an authentic experience of Shandong's charm.

## Understand

Laixi is a county-level city in eastern Shandong Province, administratively under Qingdao. It is located between Qingdao, Yantai, and Weihai, serving as a regional hub with convenient transportation connections. The city is known for its agricultural production, particularly apples and grapes. Yuehu Park (Moon Lake Park) and other green spaces provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Laixi's industrial sector has grown alongside its agricultural development. Laixi’s urban area reflects a mix of traditional and modern features, with infrastructure supporting both local residents and business activities. The city's location within the Qingdao economic region contributes to its development and connectivity.

### History

The history of Laixi can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period. According to Zuo Zhuan, in the 20th year of Duke Zhao of Lu, Yan Ying, the prime minister of Qi, once mentioned to the Duke of Qi that "the east of Liaoshe and the west of Guyou are all Qi territory." According to the annotations of Qi Cheng, the area around Gushui and Youshui (today's Dagu River and Xiaogu River) was the eastern boundary of Qi. From these historical materials, it can be seen that during the reign of Duke Jing of Qi (547-490 BC), the Laixi area was located on the western boundary of Donglai State. Therefore, the name of Laixi comes from "the west of Donglai", rather than the common saying "the west of Laiyang" in modern times, and has a deep historical origin.

## Get in

Laixi is about 80 km from Qingdao Airport, with several bus routes connecting the two. It is 90 km from Qingdao Harbor and 120 km from Yantai Harbor, which serve ferries from Japan and Korea. These transportation hubs provide convenient access to Laixi from international locations

### By plane

Laixi does not have a civilian airport. The nearest airports are Qingdao Liuting International Airport (about 80 km away) and Yantai Penglai International Airport (about 120 km away).

### By train

* 36.8239120.52981 Laixi Railway Station (莱西站), Intersection of Wuhan Road and Yantai-Shanghai Highway, Wangcheng Street, ☏ +86 532-82974090. A key railway station in Laixi, connecting the city to major locations like Qingdao and Yantai. It serves high-speed and regular trains. (updated Dec 2024)

### By bus

There are buses connecting Laixi to nearby cities like Qingdao and Yantai.
* 36.861120.51342 Laixi Central Bus Station (莱西汽车总站), No. 70 Qingdao Road, ☏ +86 53266899995. (updated Dec 2024)

### By taxi

Taxis in Laixi have a starting fare of ¥10 for the first 3 km, with an additional ¥1.5 per kilometer thereafter.

## Get around

Laixi offers a convenient bus system for getting around the city. Taxis are also available, with a starting fare of ¥10 for the first 3 km and ¥1.5 for each additional kilometer. This makes transportation within the city straightforward for both locals and visitors.

## See

* 36.931120.45381 Laixi Lake (莱西湖), Near Lakeside Park (150 meters west of Laoshan Road). 24 hr. The scenic lake, located 10 km outside the city, is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, restaurants and hotels and is a popular leisure destination. It is adjacent to the largest reservoir on the Jiaodong Peninsula and the surrounding area retains its original rural atmosphere. free. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.937120.47632 Qingdao Lakeside Ecological Park (青岛湖滨生态园), Go northeast from the intersection of the right bank of Guhe Greenway and Laoshan Road. 05:00-19:00. Qingdao Lakeside Ecological Park is located in the center of the four tourist cities of Qingdao, Weifang, Yantai and Weihai. It is the largest lakeside ecological park in Jiaodong Peninsula. ¥30. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.8951120.43473 Xianzu Mountain Scenic Area (仙足山风景区), Intersection of Weilai Expressway and Shenhai Expressway, toll-free: +86 13806396306. The Xianzu Mountain Scenic Area, located 10 km northwest of Laixi, is known for its natural beauty, historical legends, and cultural significance. The area includes various attractions such as the "Fairy Footprints" left by Zhang Guolao, historical sites from the Sino-Japanese War, and Laixi’s only temple, the Guanyin Temple. The area also features multiple orchards for fruit-picking, including chestnut, cherry, and tea gardens. This scenic spot combines cultural heritage with natural landscapes, making it suitable for both sightseeing and leisure activities. free. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.8592120.52874 Moon Lake Park (月湖公园), No. 17, Wenhua East Road, ☏ +86 53288485388. 24 hr. Moon Lake Park, located in the center of Laixi, Qingdao, is a uniquely shaped park formed after the reshaping of the original Su River. Its crescent-like shape gives it the name "Moon Lake." Conveniently positioned between several major open cities such as Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai, and Weifang, it offers both scenic beauty and easy access. The park features a clean environment, making it an attractive spot for locals and visitors alike. free. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.8579120.52365 Laiyi Culture and Music Museum (莱夷文化礼乐博物馆), No. 38-1, Yantai Road, toll-free: +86 13396429639. 08:30—18:30. Located in the center of Laixi, opposite Moon Lake Park, this museum offers a rich cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy live performances of traditional Laiyi music and try their hand at playing various instruments. The museum's exhibits of porcelain and stone carvings highlight the deep cultural heritage of Laixi ¥45. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.91120.53026 Luxiangge Museum (卢乡阁博物馆), Nanjing North Road, Wangcheng Street. 09:00-17:00. A cultural museum showcasing local history, art, and heritage. It is an excellent spot to buy unique souvenirs, including traditional crafts and memorabilia that reflect Laixi's rich cultural legacy. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.8656120.43517 Bailuhu Hot Spring Resort (白鹭湖温泉度假区), No. 1, Changguang Road, Guhe. 09:30-22:00. Bailu Lake Hot Spring Resort is a famous leisure resort in Laixi City, famous for its natural hot springs and beautiful lakeside scenery. Visitors can relax in the hot springs and enjoy a variety of therapy pools, indoor and outdoor pools and private hot spring rooms. In addition, the resort also provides complete resort facilities, including high-end restaurants, lakeside trails and family entertainment activities. It is an ideal place for leisure, health and sightseeing. (updated Dec 2024)
* 37.0128120.45768 Nanlan Ruins (南岚遗址), 307 Provincial Road. 24 hr. Nanlan Ruins is an important historical and cultural site in Laixi City, recording the ancient civilization of the late Neolithic Age. Rich archaeological relics have been found in the site, including pottery, stone tools and architectural remains, showing the lifestyle and craftsmanship of humans at that time. As a window to explore ancient culture, Nanlan Ruins has attracted many history enthusiasts and researchers, and is an important place to understand the history of Laixi. free. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.9131120.5029 Pocket Parks (口袋公园), Qingdao Road North. 24 hr. Pocket parks are small urban green spaces in Laixi that provide a space for residents and tourists to relax. Although small in size, these parks are full of greenery, with trails, seats and small landscapes, making them ideal places for strolling, a short stop or socializing with family and friends. free. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.81120.513310 Laixi Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery (莱西革命烈士陵园), No. 23 Zhifu Road, toll-free: +86 532 88411617. 24 hr. The Qingdao Laixi Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery is a solemn place built to commemorate the heroes who sacrificed their lives for national independence and people's liberation. The cemetery has a martyrs' monument, exhibition hall and mausoleum area, which displays the revolutionary history of Laixi and the heroic deeds of the martyrs in detail. It is not only an important place to remember the martyrs and receive patriotic education, but also a window to understand the revolutionary history of Laixi, attracting many tourists and students to come and pay homage and learn. (updated Dec 2024)

## Do

In Laixi, visitors can experience a variety of cultural festivals such as the Spring Festival (celebrated with dragon dances and fireworks), Mid-Autumn Festival (marked by moon-viewing and lantern displays), Tomb-Sweeping Day (traditional ancestor worship), and Dragon Boat Festival (with dragon boat races and zongzi).Laixi is famous for its high-quality grape cultivation. Laixi is renowned for its high-quality grape cultivation, where visitors can enjoy grape picking and winemaking, experiencing the journey from orchard to wine glass. The city also preserves traditional puppetry art, allowing visitors to both appreciate performances and try their hand at operating puppets. Additionally, family farms in Laixi offer immersive rural experiences, such as vegetable planting, fruit picking, and interacting with farm animals—perfect for family activities.These events provide an excellent opportunity to experience local traditions and cultural heritage.
* 36.8634120.30061 chateau nine peaks (九顶庄园‌), Shankou Mountain, Yuanshang Town, ☏ +86 532-86406767, info@greatriverhill.com. This vineyard in Laixi is known for cultivating classic Bordeaux grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot. It features an underground wine cellar where visitors can taste wines of different vintages and learn about the winemaking process. With its beautiful surroundings, the estate is ideal for photography, social media posts, and even camping. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.873120.52242 Lacey Puppet Art Museum‌ (莱西木偶艺术馆‌), No. 107-6 Yantai Road, ☏ +86 53288462888. 08:00-17:30. This is the best place to explore and experience the local intangible cultural heritage of Laixi. Visitors can marvel at intricately crafted puppets and enjoy the hands-on experience of operating them, bringing the puppets to life with gestures like blinking, turning heads, and speaking. ¥30. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.9202120.52743 Shuanglongquan Family Farm (双龙泉家庭农场), About 350 meters south of the intersection of S215 and Weilai Expressway on the east side of the road, toll-free: +86 15966933337, linglinghanghang@126.com. 09:30-17:30. This destination is ideal for family outings and corporate team-building activities. It offers a variety of recreational experiences, including fruit picking, fishing, suspension bridges, shout fountains, and rainbow slides. These activities provide opportunities for relaxation, bonding, and fun for all ages. ¥40. (updated Dec 2024)

## Buy

Laixi is famous for its high-quality grapes and Laixi ginger, and visitors can buy fresh agricultural products at the local farmers' market and shopping plaza. In addition, traditional handicrafts are also worth seeing.
* 36.878120.52021 Liqun Laixi Shopping Plaza (利群莱西购物广场), Junction of Shanghai Road and Yantai Road. 08:30—21:00. A modern shopping mall located in the heart of Laixi, offering a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. It's a convenient destination for shopping, dining, and leisure activities, suitable for both locals and tourists. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.8868120.5122 Laixi Wangfujing Shopping Center (莱西王府井购物中心), No. 548, Beijing Middle Road, toll-free: +86 17685577300. A modern shopping destination in Laixi, offering a variety of local and international retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities. It's a vibrant spot for shopping and leisure, popular among locals and visitors alike. (updated Dec 2024)

## Eat

* 36.8688120.51091 MOMO Fusion Restaurant (MOMO融合餐厅), 100 meters southeast of No. 8 Qindao West Road, toll-free: +86 18353278555. 09:00-14:00,16:00-21:00. A trendy fusion restaurant in Laixi offering a creative mix of cuisines, blending local flavors with international culinary styles. Known for its stylish ambiance and diverse menu, it's a popular choice for casual dining and special occasions. ¥94. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.8829120.5262 Old flavor pimple soup (老味道疙瘩汤), No. 9 Chongqing Road, Hongyuan Changan Renjia East, toll-free: +86 13864843609. 10:30-14:00,17:00-21:00. This cozy eatery in Laixi specializes in traditional Chinese Geda Soup (dumpling soup), offering a taste of authentic local cuisine. Known for its hearty flavors and nostalgic atmosphere, it’s a favorite among residents and visitors seeking comfort food. ¥51. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.9211120.45043 Dingfeng Stone Pot Fish (鼎丰石锅鱼), About 140 meters northeast of Aote New City, Longkou East Road, toll-free: +86 15898853799. 09:00-21:30. This popular restaurant in Laixi is renowned for its stone pot fish, a flavorful dish prepared using fresh ingredients and cooked in a traditional stone pot for a unique taste. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a great spot for gatherings with family and friends. ¥65. (updated Dec 2024)

## Drink

* 36.888120.54481 Tipsy Bar (微醺清吧), Area C, Zhuhe Living Room, opposite Seinebofei, Beijing East Road, toll-free: +86 13969757578. 18:30-02:00. A cozy and stylish bar in Laixi, offering a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy drinks and unwind. Known for its unique cocktails and chill vibe, it's a great spot for socializing or spending a quiet evening. ¥45. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.888120.52632 Qinxin Teahouse (沁心茶馆), No. 100, Lvyin Huating, Beijing Middle Road, toll-free: +86 15269272988. 08:00-20:00. A peaceful and traditional tea house in Laixi, offering a wide selection of teas in a serene environment. It’s an ideal spot to relax, unwind, and enjoy tea ceremonies while immersing in the local tea culture. ¥30. (updated Dec 2024)

## Sleep

* 36.89120.50811 Yi Lai Hotel (怡莱酒店), No. 88 Hong Kong Road, ☏ +86 532 85481111. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A comfortable and well-located hotel offering modern amenities and a convenient stay for business or leisure travelers. It is situated near key areas in Laixi, providing easy access to local attractions and transportation. ¥199. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.865120.51272 Laixi Yingkelai Hotel (莱西迎客来旅馆), Qingdao Road Lanshang Apartment Building 1, toll-free: +86 13012507267. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A budget-friendly guesthouse offering a simple and comfortable stay for travelers. It provides basic amenities with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a suitable choice for those looking for an affordable and convenient accommodation option in Laixi. ¥60. (updated Dec 2024)
* 36.8801120.523 Xi'an Qingya Hotel (希岸·轻雅酒店), 1st Floor, Unit 1, Building 1, Liqun Pedestrian Street, No. 118 Yantai Road, ☏ +86 53283960888. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A stylish hotel that combines modern design with comfort, offering a tranquil and pleasant stay for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel features well-equipped rooms and various amenities, providing a relaxing environment for guests. ¥173. (updated Dec 2024)

## Connect

Internet cafes (often called "cyber cafes") in Laixi are scattered throughout the city and main town streets, and usually cost ¥5-10 per hour. Internet cafes offer high-speed Internet connections and high-performance computers, and many also have separate smoking areas or well-ventilated areas. Most computers run the Chinese version of Windows 10, with Chrome and Edge as the main browsers. Some Internet cafes offer printing and copying services, which you need to ask at the front desk.
In addition, most hotels and cafes in the city offer free WiFi, and some require a mobile phone number for verification. Public places, such as stations and parks, often have wide-ranging free wireless networks.

## Go next

After exploring Laixi, you may want to visit nearby destinations such as Qingdao, famous for its beaches and Tsingtao Brewery, or Yantai, known for its coastal scenery and wine culture. You can reach these cities via train or bus.