A true gold mine in Jinan!  Pizza, Mexican cuisine, gin & tonic, Guinness beer, cheesecake, you name it!  The entire staff can speak English, and the restaurant always feels warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  The bar is fully stocked and Jenny’s often updates its menu by using many of the suggestions and recommendations they receive from guests.

The infinite coffee refill for 25 yuan is the star of the show, so grab a book, your journal, and plan to relax for a few hours. Sip some coffee, munch on some decent Western food, hang out, and feel somewhat close to home.

Next door to Jenny's is the best import item store in Jinan, the U-Mart. Open up your wallets for some bread, cheese, butter, spices, spirits, or even Doritos. Jenny’s also delivers, and believe it or not, there is a non-smoking section.

Jenny's is right across the street from McDonald’s, KFC, and Da Run Fa Department store, which is the next best evil thing after Wallmart.

In order to maintain a happy, positive attitude during your stay in Jinan, I suggest staying close to the mountains and lakes. That way it is much easier to escape the traffic, congestion, and confusion that generally goes hand-in-hand with big Chinese cities.

The Han Lin has a grand clean appearance outside and in with art deco columns throughout the main lobby. There's an interesting histrionically colored dragon painting at the end of the hall as well as plastic flowers all over the place.

Train and airplane ticketing, internet access, as well as laundry and business services are available.

Prices start at 460 yuan for standard and single rooms. Business rooms, which include a computer with internet access and a fax machine are 700 yuan. If you negotiate you should be able to get the price down at least ten percent.

If you’ve spent any time at all in China or have a taste for foreign beers, you’ve probably heard of Tsingtao. While it’s not the most popular beer in China (that honour goes to Snow), it’s definitely China’s most famous malty export.

If you’re wanting to take your love affair with Tsingtao to a new level, you can pay a visit to the German-inspired beach town of Qingdao. Home to both the Tsingtao Brewery & Museum and the Qingdao International Beer Festival, it’s a place for a beer lover’s pilgrimage.

Beyond the suds, Qingdao is a picturesque city of beaches, clifftop art installations, German architecture, and good food.

If you need our guide/assistant/sourcing/interpreter, welcome to contact us.:)

We can custom your trip and guide you.

Please click my photo and add my contact. Let's talk details.

Thanks for reading.

Jessica In China (86-13570345653)

Canal cities might be more closely associated with Europe’s Venice, but China has a long history of settlements built on or around the water.

These water cities offer a charming glimpse into simpler times, and while some have become tourist traps, many retain much of their old world charm after hundreds of years.

Hongcun (mentioned earlier) is arguably the most famous of the water cities, but Tai’erzhuang in Shandong and Zhouzhang near Shanghai are also popular options.

If you’re looking for something a little more authentic, Tongli, Xitang, and Nanxun near Shanghai are better options.

If you need our guide/assistant/sourcing/interpreter, welcome to contact us.:)

We can custom your trip and guide you.

Please click my photo and add my contact. Let's talk details.

Thanks for reading.

Jessica In China (86-13570345653)

facing the Yellow Sea, Mt. Laoshan or Mount Lao is located to the east of Qingdao. This tall and majestic mountain is famous for its marvelous mountainous scenery and coastal landscape. It is regarded as the most recognized mountain of all mountains on the coast of China. It also holds significant importance in Taoism. Thus it is a must to see when traveling in Qingdao.

As the most famous mountain on the coast Mt. Laoshan caters well for tourists. Three lines lead the visitors to 220 scenic spots including historical and natural points of interest.

On the first line there are not only marvelous landscapes but also sacred Taoist Palaces. Significant points of interest include the Taiqing Palace, Xufu Islet and Longtan Waterfall (Dragon Pond Waterfall). The Taoist culture and temples of Mt. Laoshan are very famous. At the peak of Taoism, it was said that there were nine palaces, eight Temples and seventy-two nunneries. The number of Taoist had reached above one thousand. While later many buildings were destroyed, amongst those still remaining the Taiqing Palace is the largest. The Taiqing Palace also has the longest history of these buildings spanning more than two thousand years. Covering an area of 30,000 square meters (about 7 acres), the Taiqing Palace has 155 rooms. It has been well preserved and holds the typical architectural style of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). This form of architecture is quite rare in religious architectures in China.
 

The second line mainly focuses on Beijiushui. The name Beijiushui derives its meaning from  Laoshan Mountain that has nine crooks, thus making the river turn nine times. The river starts from the north side of the Ju Peak (the highest peak of Mt. Laoshan) and flows into the valley. So many beautiful things are on this line that it is called 'the Jiushui Gallery'. At every corner, totally different sights can be found. The current here is rather swift while further on the river flows very slowly. The flowers, trees and odd rocks on both sides of the river emphasize the elegant beauty of the water. The most famous sight of Beijiushui is Chaoyin Waterfall. During the rainy season the waterfall is quite majestic. The water crashes against the rocks, producing a huge sound similar to waves crashing against the seashore.

The third line includes the Taiping Palace, the Lion Peak, Huayan Temple, Naluoyan Cavern and other sights. Naluoyan Buddha Cavern is one such scene. It is located in the Naluoyan Hill to the east of Mt. Laoshan. It is a natural granite cavern 7 meters (about 23 feet) wide and 15 meters (about 49 feet) high. More than 100 people can stand inside at one time. Its structure is quite unique. The smooth walls and flat ground are just as they were pared. On the wall of the cavern protrudes a thin stone, like a Buddha niche. At the top of the cavern is a round and smooth hole. It was said that the hole was made by the supernatural power of Naluoyan Buddha. Through this hole sunlight can enter thus lightening the whole cavern.

Qingdao Tai Qing Taoism Temple is the essence of Mount Lao scenic spot. 

This is the most famous taoism temple in north China, and has a history of more than 2100 years old.

It is believed that Lao Zi, student of Confusious, has formed Taoism philosophy in West Han dynasty and soon after, his fellowships arrived in Mount Lao to live and continue their self cultivation. 

Once you arrive here and walk in this atmosphere you will instantly feel the tranquility and peaceful mindset within yourself. 

Here you will witness the marvellous combination of nature and human being. 

There is also a taoism restaurant which serves tasty food. 

Whether you are a single traveller or a large group, please do not hesitate to contact me for any travel advice. Click on my profile picture and you will find my contact information. Consultancy is free of charge and I will reply to you within 1 hour!

Qingdao Translator PRO JennySun