As Double Ninth Festival arrives, Qingdao's Laoshan Mountain offers a perfect blend of autumn colors and coastal grandeur for this traditional climbing holiday. The ancient peaks display their finest seasonal attire — golden ginkgos, crimson maples, and evergreen pines create a breathtaking tapestry against the deep blue sea below.

This year's festival sees both locals and visitors embracing the mountain trails, where the crisp autumn air carries laughter and conversation. Along the paths, families pause to admire the unique combination of rugged rock formations against the sparkling coastline, while elders share stories of past festivals spent climbing these same slopes.

The mountain's cultural heritage shines during this special time. Visitors discover historic Taoist temples nestled among the autumn foliage, their curved roofs framing panoramic views of the Yellow Sea. At sunrise, the summit becomes a gathering place where people observe the tradition of climbing high for blessings and longevity, watching sunlight blanket the coastline.

As the Double Ninth Festival arrives, Qingdao's Laoshan Mountain offers the perfect blend of autumn colors and coastal grandeur for this traditional climbing holiday. [Photo by Wang Shengliang/WeChat account: yuexinglaoshan]

The ancient peaks display their finest seasonal attire — golden ginkgos, crimson maples, and evergreen pines create a breathtaking tapestry against the deep blue sea below. [Photo by Wang Shengliang/WeChat account: yuexinglaoshan]

This poetic Qingdao landscape blends majestic mountains, vast ocean, and rich cultural traditions into an unforgettable scenic experience. [Photo/WeChat account: yuexinglaoshan]