Stand at the intersection of the right bank of Guhe Greenway and Laoshan Road and turn northeast: the path leads into Qingdao Lakeside Ecological Park, where the water opens out and the city feels suddenly far behind you. That short walk is a fair introduction to Laixi, a county-level city of Qingdao in Shandong Province known as "Qingdao's Back Garden".
Laixi suits travellers who are already in Qingdao or passing through on the high-speed line and want lakes, orchards, hot springs and local culture without a long detour. It also works well for families, with farms, puppet shows and easy green space, and for anyone interested in the area's early history and revolutionary past.
This guide covers the sights and experiences worth your time, followed by a one-day plan and answers to common questions.
Top things to do in Laixi
1. Laixi Lake
Laixi Lake, also written 莱西湖, is the scenic lake about 10 km outside the city, near Lakeside Park, 150 meters west of Laoshan Road. It is surrounded by landscapes, restaurants and hotels, and it sits next to the largest reservoir on the Jiaodong Peninsula, with the surrounding area keeping its original rural atmosphere.
It is open 24 hours and is free. Because it is outside the city, plan it as a half-day rather than a quick stop, and combine it with a meal at one of the lakeside restaurants.
2. Qingdao Lakeside Ecological Park
Qingdao Lakeside Ecological Park, or 青岛湖滨生态园, is the largest lakeside ecological park on the Jiaodong Peninsula, positioned in the center of the four tourist cities of Qingdao, Weifang, Yantai and Weihai. Reach it by going northeast from the intersection of the right bank of Guhe Greenway and Laoshan Road.
It opens 05:00-19:00 and admission is ¥30. An early start gives you the coolest hours on the water; pair it with Laixi Lake, which lies in the same direction.
3. Xianzu Mountain Scenic Area
Xianzu Mountain Scenic Area, 仙足山风景区, sits at the intersection of Weilai Expressway and Shenhai Expressway, about 10 km northwest of Laixi. It is known for natural beauty, historical legends and cultural significance, and includes the "Fairy Footprints" left by Zhang Guolao, historical sites from the Sino-Japanese War, and Laixi's only temple, the Guanyin Temple.
There are also orchards for fruit-picking, including chestnut, cherry and tea gardens, so the area suits both sightseeing and a slower leisure day. Admission is free; the contact number is +86 13806396306. If you want to pick fruit, ask about the season before you set out.
4. Moon Lake Park
Moon Lake Park, 月湖公园, is in the center of Laixi at No. 17, Wenhua East Road. It was formed after the reshaping of the original Su River, and its crescent shape gives it the name "Moon Lake". It sits conveniently between major open cities such as Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai and Weifang, and the park has a clean environment that appeals to locals and visitors alike.
It is open 24 hours and free, with a phone number of +86 53288485388. It is the easiest place in the city for a stroll at any hour, and it pairs naturally with the museum across the road.
5. Laiyi Culture and Music Museum
Laiyi Culture and Music Museum, 莱夷文化礼乐博物馆, is at No. 38-1, Yantai Road, in the center of Laixi and opposite Moon Lake Park. You can hear live performances of traditional Laiyi music and try your hand at playing various instruments, while exhibits of porcelain and stone carvings highlight the deep cultural heritage of Laixi.
It opens 08:30—18:30 and admission is ¥45, with a contact number of +86 13396429639. Because it faces Moon Lake Park, the two make an obvious pairing: museum first, then a walk around the water.
6. Lacey Puppet Art Museum
Lacey Puppet Art Museum, 莱西木偶艺术馆, at No. 107-6 Yantai Road, is the best place to explore and experience the local intangible cultural heritage of Laixi. You can look at intricately crafted puppets and then try operating them yourself, bringing them to life with gestures like blinking, turning heads and speaking.
It opens 08:00-17:30 and admission is ¥30; the phone number is +86 53288462888. This is a hands-on stop rather than a viewing-only one, so allow time to actually try the puppets.
7. Bailuhu Hot Spring Resort
Bailuhu Hot Spring Resort, 白鹭湖温泉度假区, is at No. 1, Changguang Road, Guhe. It is a well-known leisure resort in Laixi, known for natural hot springs and lakeside scenery, with a variety of therapy pools, indoor and outdoor pools and private hot spring rooms.
It also provides complete resort facilities, including high-end restaurants, lakeside trails and family entertainment activities, making it an ideal place for leisure, health and sightseeing. It opens 09:30-22:00, so it works as an evening wind-down after a day of sightseeing.
8. chateau nine peaks
chateau nine peaks, 九顶庄园, is a vineyard at Shankou Mountain, Yuanshang Town, known for cultivating classic Bordeaux grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot. It features an underground wine cellar where you can taste wines of different vintages and learn about the winemaking process.
With its beautiful surroundings, the estate is suited to photography, social media posts and even camping. The contact details are +86 532-86406767 and info@greatriverhill.com. Laixi is known for its high-quality grape cultivation, and this is the place to experience the journey from orchard to wine glass.
9. Shuanglongquan Family Farm
Shuanglongquan Family Farm, 双龙泉家庭农场, is about 350 meters south of the intersection of S215 and Weilai Expressway on the east side of the road. It is ideal for family outings and corporate team-building, with fruit picking, fishing, suspension bridges, shout fountains and rainbow slides.
These activities offer relaxation, bonding and fun for all ages. It opens 09:30-17:30 and costs ¥40; the contact details are +86 15966933337 and linglinghanghang@126.com. Family farms like this one offer immersive rural experiences such as vegetable planting, fruit picking and interacting with farm animals.
10. Luxiangge Museum
Luxiangge Museum, 卢乡阁博物馆, is on Nanjing North Road, Wangcheng Street, and showcases local history, art and heritage. It is also an excellent spot to buy unique souvenirs, including traditional crafts and memorabilia that reflect Laixi's rich cultural legacy.
It opens 09:00-17:00. Come here when you want something to take home rather than another view, and check the displays before you choose your souvenirs.
11. Nanlan Ruins
Nanlan Ruins, 南岚遗址, on 307 Provincial Road, is an important historical and cultural site recording the ancient civilization of the late Neolithic Age. Rich archaeological relics have been found there, including pottery, stone tools and architectural remains, showing the lifestyle and craftsmanship of humans at that time.
It is open 24 hours and free. As a window to explore ancient culture, it is an important place to understand the history of Laixi, and it appeals to history enthusiasts and researchers in particular.
12. Laixi Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery
Laixi Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery, 莱西革命烈士陵园, is at No. 23 Zhifu Road. It is a solemn place built to commemorate the heroes who sacrificed their lives for national independence and people's liberation, with a martyrs' monument, exhibition hall and mausoleum area that display the revolutionary history of Laixi and the heroic deeds of the martyrs in detail.
It is open 24 hours, with a contact number of +86 532 88411617. 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; many tourists and students come to pay homage and learn, so visit quietly.
13. Pocket Parks
Pocket Parks, 口袋公园, on Qingdao Road North, are small urban green spaces in Laixi that give residents and tourists room to relax. Although small, they are full of greenery, with trails, seats and small landscapes.
They are open 24 hours and free, making them ideal for strolling, a short stop or socializing with family and friends. Use them as breathing space between the larger sights rather than as a destination in themselves.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start early at Qingdao Lakeside Ecological Park when it opens at 05:00, walking in from the intersection of the right bank of Guhe Greenway and Laoshan Road. Continue to Laixi Lake nearby for the rural lakeside atmosphere, then head back into the city for Moon Lake Park.
Afternoon: Cross to the Laiyi Culture and Music Museum opposite Moon Lake Park for the traditional Laiyi music and instrument demonstrations, then go to the Lacey Puppet Art Museum on Yantai Road to try operating a puppet yourself.
Evening: Finish at Bailuhu Hot Spring Resort on Changguang Road, which stays open until 22:00, for the therapy pools and an evening meal at the resort restaurant.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Laixi?
The city is served by Laixi railway station on high-speed lines. Laixi South railway station sees infrequent service from conventional trains on the Lancun–Yantai railway.
Which sights are free?
Laixi Lake, Xianzu Mountain Scenic Area, Moon Lake Park, Nanlan Ruins, Pocket Parks and Laixi Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery are all free. Qingdao Lakeside Ecological Park charges ¥30, the Laiyi Culture and Music Museum ¥45, the Lacey Puppet Art Museum ¥30 and Shuanglongquan Family Farm ¥40.
What can I do with children?
Shuanglongquan Family Farm offers fruit picking, fishing, suspension bridges, shout fountains and rainbow slides, and family farms in Laixi offer immersive rural experiences such as vegetable planting, fruit picking and interacting with farm animals. The Lacey Puppet Art Museum lets children try operating puppets, and Bailuhu Hot Spring Resort has family entertainment activities.
When are local festivals celebrated?
Laixi marks the Spring Festival with dragon dances and fireworks, the Mid-Autumn Festival with moon-viewing and lantern displays, Tomb-Sweeping Day with traditional ancestor worship, and the Dragon Boat Festival with dragon boat races and zongzi.
Decide which lake, orchard or hot spring matters most to you, check the opening times above, and start planning your days in Laixi.