CHINA: JINAN - QUFU - MOUNT TAI - QINGDAO | SHANDONG AIRLINES

- The tour leader will welcome you at Tan Son Nhat Airport to check in for flight  SC8074 SGN – TNA 01:30 - 07:20 to Jinan (light meal served on board).

- Upon arriving in Jinan, the group will complete immigration procedures, and the tour guide will welcome the group, then depart for Qufu – a sacred land famous as the birthplace of Confucius, a symbol of Confucian culture, and home to many historical, educational, and Eastern philosophical values. Qufu is not only a destination for culture and history enthusiasts, but also attracts visitors with its serene landscape, ancient architecture, and many unique cultural experiences.

- Upon arrival, the group will have lunch. Afterwards, visit Nishan Sacred Land – a sacred historic complex. Legend has it that over 2,500 years ago, Confucius was born here. Mount Ni gained renown for millennia because of him, and today this place is honored as Nishan Sacred Land. Visitors will feel as though having a “dialogue” with Confucius through every detail. At the 72 Sages Corridor, learn the spirit of respecting teachers and moral values, and enjoy traditional music featuring drums, zithers, end-blown flutes, and transverse flutes. At the five halls of “Benevolence – Righteousness – Propriety – Wisdom – Trust”, read “The Analects”, quiet the mind, and experience a Spring and Autumn Period classroom as in ancient times.

- You will continue to visit the University Hall – an ancient educational center, a place to train sages and preserve many Confucian cultural values. Afterwards, the group will visit the Confucius Statue – an important highlight, where you will learn more deeply about Confucius's life, thoughts, and profound influence on East Asian culture. The group will travel to Tai'an.

- The group will have dinner at a local restaurant. Afterwards, head to the hotel to check in and rest. Overnight stay in Tai'an.

- After breakfast, the group begins the journey to conquer Mount Tai: Located in Shandong Province (China), revered as the Supreme of the Eastern Sacred Mountain, the most sacred mountain among China's Five Sacred Mountains, and recognized as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.

- The group travels by round-trip cable car, slowly gliding over lush green pine forests, taking in panoramic views of majestic mountains appearing and disappearing amidst drifting white clouds.

- Visit the South Gate to Heaven – considered the “gateway to heaven”, a place where heaven and earth converge, blending the vastness of nature with human reverence.

- Visit Heavenly Street – a small street at the mountain top, where shops, shrines, and ancient tiled roofs intertw, creating a sacred yet welcoming atmosphere.

- The group has lunch, then visits Jade Emperor Peak – the highest point of Mount Tai, home to the Shrine of Heaven. From here, gazing into the distance, guests will see rolling seas of clouds and fully feel the majestic, sacred beauty of heaven and earth – where ancient emperors once performed solemn rituals to pray for the nation.

- Concluding the visit, the group descends the mountain by cable car and returns to Tai'an city center.

- Guests transfer to visit and shop at the Tai'an Wanda Plaza food street, freely enjoying dishes with local signature flavors. Dinner is at guests' own expense here.

- At the appointed time, the group transfers back to the hotel to rest. Overnight in Tai'an.

- After breakfast, the group checks out of the hotel. Then, the group travels to Jinan. You will visit Daming Lake – a green gem in the heart of the city, where the water surface reflects graceful weeping willows and ancient stone bridges. This is also a romantic rendezvous associated with many anecdotes of Chinese scholars and poets. Daming Lake is not only beautiful in scenery, but also linked to the romantic legend between Xia Yuhe and Emperor Kangxi, which was once adapted into the famous drama My Fair Princess.

(From March to April, you have the opportunity to admire magnolia flowers blooming around the lake – an ideal time to enjoy the beautiful spring scenery)

- The group has lunch and continues to visit Mo Spring – one of the most beautiful and serene springs in Jinan, featuring crystal-clear water and an ancient atmosphere.

- The group continues to visit Mingshui Ancient City – an ancient town rich in Shandong culture, with peaceful alleys, traditional shops, and landscapes recreating life of the past. This place is known as "half earthly bustle, half poetic dreamscape," faithfully recreating the atmosphere that female poet Li Qingzhao was once so enamored with that she was "lost and unwilling to return." The area is built along natural springs, harmoniously blending the poetic charm of Jiangnan water towns with the clarity and vitality unique to the spring city of Jinan.

- The group has dinner, then enjoys a special performance program (Note: outdoor shows are subject to weather conditions).

- Drone Light Show – a modern light stage where hundreds of drones combine to create unique effects and images against the night sky.

- Quanxiu Show – a unique art performance recreating spring culture and the story of Jinan city.

- Afterwards, the group transfers to the hotel to check in and rest. Overnight in Jinan.

- The group enjoys breakfast and checks out of the hotel. Departure for Zibo to visit Haidai Tower, known as the most beautiful library in China. Situated in the middle of Qisheng Lake, the entire building is elegantly designed, with a space filled with the aroma of books and an academic atmosphere, making anyone who sets foot here feel relaxed and captivated.

- The group visits the Badaju Food Market: Located in Zibo City, Shandong Province, this famous food market has become immensely popular in recent years. It brings together numerous local specialty dishes infused with the atmosphere of local life, making it an ideal spot to savor Shandong cuisine and experience local food culture.

- The group has lunch at a local restaurant.

- Afterward, the group travels to Weifang to visit the Weifang Kite Museum, located in the place known as the “Kite Capital of the World”. This is the world's largest specialized kite museum, displaying thousands of traditional and modern kite specimens from China and many other countries. The building features a unique architectural design mimicking a traditional dragon kite, serving as a venue to introduce the famous kite-making history, art, and culture of Weifang, a coastal city blending East and West cultures.

- The group continues to visit Yangjiabu Cultural Village, one of China's famous folk art villages with a history of over 600 years. It is renowned for Yangjiabu woodblock New Year paintings and traditional kite-making art. During the tour, visitors can learn about the process of crafting New Year paintings and discover the unique local folk culture.

- The group has dinner, checks into the hotel to rest, and stays overnight in Weifang.

- The group has breakfast at the hotel, checks out, and then travels to Qingdao. The group visits May Fourth Square, a coastal square located in the newly built commercial center in the east of Qingdao City in the late 1990s, highlighted by the famous sculpture "May Wind". The square is named "May Fourth" to commemorate the May Fourth Movement, when students stood up to defend Qingdao's sovereignty with patriotic spirit.

- The group continues to visit the Olympic Sailing Center. As the venue for the Beijing 2008 Olympic sailing events, Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center not only holds international sports significance but has also become a modern symbol of this coastal city.

- The group has lunch at a local restaurant.

- Guests transfer to visit Dabaodao Cultural District – an exquisitely restored old quarter featuring an array of art shops, cafes, theaters, and cultural spaces steeped in the atmosphere of old Qingdao. The district is famous for Zhongshan Road, the oldest and busiest commercial street, highlighted by European architecture, with St. Michael's Cathedral being a prominent feature. Guests enjoy afternoon tea in this district.

- Note: From April 6–20, the itinerary will add a cherry blossom viewing spot at Zhongshan Park – Qingdao, while maintaining the red maple viewing schedule at Badaguan from around mid-October to November every year. Particularly in October, visitors also have the opportunity to admire the red maple colors in Zhangjialou – Qingdao, creating a unique spring-autumn journey along the Qingdao coast.

- Afterwards, the group travels to visit Taidong Pedestrian Street, one of the busiest local commercial areas, bringing together shopping, dining, and entertainment. The lively, bustling atmosphere is ideal for visitors to experience the vibrant rhythm of life in Qingdao.

- The group has dinner at a local restaurant, then returns to the hotel to rest. Overnight stay in Qingdao.

- Guests have breakfast at the hotel and check out. The group departs to visit Zhanqiao Pier (Qingdao Zhanqiao) – a stunning check-in spot where visitors can watch seagulls.

- The group continues to Shazikou Beach, where colorful houses facing the beach provide an ideal spot for photos.

- The group visits the Tsingtao Brewery Museum (including beer tasting), the birthplace of the famous beer brand over a century old. Guests will learn about the production process, admire ancient memorabilia, and enjoy a cold glass of fresh draft beer right at the brewery – an unforgettable experience in the city of rich brewing heritage.

- The group has lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, continue to visit and shop at a large-scale outlet shopping mall in Qingdao, home to many famous brands at discounted prices, perfect for shopping and leisure.

- Then, the group transfers to the airport to check in for flight SC4645 SGN – TAO 20:05 – 00:30+1 back to Ho Chi Minh City (light snack served on board).

- Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, the tour guide bids farewell to the group. See you again on future trips!