Xiaoyushan Park (小鱼山公园), located on Laiyang Road in Qingdao, sits at an elevation of 60 meters and covers an area of 2.5 hectares. It is the first classical-style hilltop garden park in Qingdao. The park is named after the nearby Yushan Road. Despite its modest height, the park offers expansive views. From its summit, visitors can gaze west to east and enjoy a series of coastal scenic spots, including Zhanqiao Pier, Xiao Qingdao, Lu Xun Park, the Aquarium, Huiquan Bay, the First Bathing Beach, and the Badaguan Scenic Area. It is renowned as the best vantage point for panoramic views of Qingdao’s cityscape and coastline.
In 1934, to promote Buddhism, lay Buddhist Wang Jinyu sponsored the construction of a lecture pavilion at the summit of Xiaoyushan, known as the “Zhanshan Monastery.” The pavilion, covering approximately 12 acres, was a two-story traditional-style building with black-tiled roofs. Its distinctive architecture stood out among the many buildings in Qingdao. After its completion, the “Buddhist Studies Society” and the “Dharma Propagation Office” moved into Xiaoyushan, making it a center for Buddhist learning and practice. Every Sunday afternoon, people from all walks of life came to listen to lectures, and Xiaoyushan became a significant site for the spread of Buddhist teachings. In 1959, the Zhanshan Monastery was demolished due to its dilapidated condition, and only the site remains today.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Xiaoyushan Park
- Vlog about Xiaoyushan Park
- Attractions near Xiaoyushan Park
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 0.5 – 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0532-82868532 |
Location and Transportation
Xiaoyushan Park is located at 24 Fushan Branch Road, in the Shinan District of Qingdao, Shandong Province. It is situated at the southeastern corner of the Yushan Campus of Ocean University of China. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 220 and get off at Xiaoyushan Stop (小鱼山站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Xiaoyushan Park is Huiquan Square (汇泉广场) on line 3. After getting out of the station from Exit C, walk about 500 meters to the west to reach the attraction.
Highlights of Xiaoyushan Park
Lan Chao Pavilion
The crown jewel of Xiaoyushan Park is the Lan Chao Pavilion. This main building stands majestically at the summit, reaching a height of 18 meters. It is a three-story octagonal structure adorned with green glazed tiles and intricate carvings. Unlike traditional eaves decorated with dragons and phoenixes, the eaves of Lan Chao Pavilion feature fish heads, a distinctive nod to its coastal surroundings. The pavilion’s plaques and door frames are decorated not with traditional wooden paintings but with porcelain panels that depict vibrant marine life, creating a colorful and lively ambiance.
Inside the pavilion, visitors can admire a lacquer mural titled “Ancient Ships” and a silk tapestry named “Compilation of Qingdao Architecture,” alongside a lead-corroded artwork called “Underwater World.” Ascending the spiral staircase to the second and third floors, each level has white marble railings and platforms that offer panoramic views. From these vantage points, one can marvel at Qingdao’s unique landscape characterized by “blue sky, azure sea, green mountains, lush trees, red tiles, and yellow walls.” The Lan Chao Pavilion also has a visual dialogue with Hui Lan Pavilion at Zhanqiao Pier, creating a harmonious architectural link across the bay.
Yong Cui Pavilion and Bi Bo Pavilion
Flanking Lan Chao Pavilion are two exquisite pavilions with green-tiled eaves: Yong Cui Pavilion to the east and Bi Bo Pavilion to the west. These pavilions provide perfect spots for visitors to enjoy the shimmering sea and the verdant mountains. The eastern platform also features a long corridor where visitors can rest and enjoy large, colorful glazed murals. These murals, inspired by mythological tales and stories from the famous Chinese classic “Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio” by Pu Songling, include depictions of “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea,” “The Cricket,” “The Fragrant Jade,” and “Xie Fangping.” These vivid and beautiful murals not only offer aesthetic pleasure but also imbue Xiaoyushan Park with a touch of mystical charm.
Miniature Qingdao Architectural Landscapes
On the southern slope of Xiaoyushan, visitors can find the “Miniature Qingdao Architectural Landscapes.” This area features scaled-down replicas of Qingdao’s famous buildings, such as the Governor’s Mansion, the Guest House, the Train Station, and the Catholic Church. These miniature structures are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, allowing visitors to appreciate the architectural heritage of Qingdao in a condensed form. This unique exhibit provides an educational and entertaining experience, showcasing the city’s rich architectural history.
