Lingshan Island (灵山岛) is located in Qingdao City, within Lingshan Bay, standing opposite Dazhu Mountain. Covering an area of 7.66 square kilometers, its main peak rises to an elevation of 513.6 meters, making it the third-highest island in China. The island hosts 12 natural villages. Historical texts such as the “Jiao’ao Gazetteer” refer to it as “Shuiling Mountain Island,” while the ancient “Jiaozhou Gazetteer” notes its name “Lingshan” due to its unique weather patterns, such as heralding dawn before other places and being cloud-covered before rain.
Renowned for its serene beauty and tranquil environment, Lingshan Island boasts a forest coverage rate of over 70%. The island can be reached by a passenger ferry from Jimiya Port. From a distance, the island appears as a faint ink painting emerging from the sea and sky. As one approaches, the verdant peaks seem to rise directly from the ocean, creating a picturesque scene with the interplay of mountain shadows and water reflections. The island’s green peaks, ridges, slopes, and valleys are lush with trees, and the red-tiled houses and small buildings are nestled within this natural greenery, creating a stunning contrast.
Lingshan Island features 56 peaks, each with its own unique artistic shape. The first sight upon arrival is the towering Elephant Trunk Hill, resembling a giant elephant with its face and long trunk vividly outlined. Following the coastal road southwards, one encounters peaks that look like giant bamboo shoots rooted in the sea. The highest peak, “Wai Tou Ding” (Crooked Head Top), is characterized by a slightly bent “bamboo shoot” tip. In front of Wai Tou Ding stands a massive rock resembling a half-body human statue. Further south is the “Stone Scholar” peak, alongside several other peaks that appear as though engaged in conversation, playing chess, resembling animals in a state of alarm, or like frogs singing to the sky.
The island’s terraced fields stretch from the sea up to the mountains, with stone terraces winding gracefully along the terrain, creating beautiful, historical landscape engravings. Upon setting foot on the island, visitors are greeted by scenic bays, fishing villages, and a glimpse into the daily life of the island’s residents. Notable natural sculptures include Elephant Trunk Hill, Wai Tou Ding, Stone Scholar, Tiger Mouth, Sword Testing Stone, and the sea-eroded cliffs. These formations are awe-inspiring examples of nature’s artistry.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Ferry Ticket | 80 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0532-82171017 |
Location and Transportation
Lingshan Island is located in the southeast of Lingshan Bay, Huangdao District, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, standing opposite Dazhu Mountain. The island is 5.7 nautical miles from the nearest point on the mainland. To reach the island, visitors must take a ferry from Jimiya Port (积米崖码头), with the journey taking approximately 30 minutes each way.
Two ferry companies operate at Jimiya Port: Lingshan Island Fast Ferry (Ling Shan Hao) and Lingshan Island High-Speed Passenger Ferry (Yong Shun Da). The one-way fare is 30 RMB, while a round-trip ticket costs 60 RMB. It is recommended to purchase round-trip tickets at Jimiya Port to ensure availability for the return journey, as tickets may not always be available for purchase at Lingshan Island’s dock.
