How is mountain biking in Qingdao?

qclabrat

Well-Known Member
Qingdao, this seaside town is often overshadowed internationally by the well know beer. But how is the biking culture there? I'll be there for 10 days, so I'm going to find out. First time there, but if anyone's been and in the know, LMK.

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So far, I've found a few videos on YT from a some guy who posted a few vids in 2014. Actually looks pretty decent. Like most trails in China, they are not designed as bike parks but instead multi use and mostly by hikers. Also getting a decent mtb may be a challenge as mtbing isn't very popular in China yet, also getting a bike up there is difficult as the taxis don't let you stow a bike. This one is right outside of the city at Lushan.


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There's also a national park an hour or two away with potential, Laoshan. "Shan" means mountain in Chinese.
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Worst case, get one of these bike shares and see how tough they are....
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rottin'

Well-Known Member
Staff member
Team MTBNJ Halter's
Dont know anything about mountain biking there, but ive crushed a ton of Tsing Tao.
 

Patrick

Overthinking the draft from the basement already
Staff member
i was thinking beer. ??
and i'm sure the tea is way better than the beer from your prior reviews....
 

qclabrat

Well-Known Member
Looks like the air quality is top notch!
Have you tried looking at Strava heatmaps? It looks like there is a MTB trail starting around Shuyuan Reservoir.
God, the internet is an amazing thing.
haha didn't even think about using Strava
Looks like Laoshan and Lushan has no tracking of rides, Shuyuan is a bit out of the way, but provides options.
The best air and water is in western China, namely around Kunming. I'd move there in a heartbeat
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qclabrat

Well-Known Member
Qingdao, beautiful resort town which was the site of the Beijing Olympics in 2008 for sailing.
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Being on the ocean and the Chinese fondness for seafood, everything was super fresh. Yesterday's dinner was a place which steams in front of you. Though I avoided the freakish sea penises.
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Qingdao, maybe better known by the beer Tsingtao, the non-pingyin pronouncation for the city, is a great drinking town as well. The famous beer in a bag was spectacular.
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Juggernaut

Master of the Metaphor
I guess beer in a bag isn’t too different than a red solo cup.... at least you get more. :)

Looks like a great place! Enjoy.
 

qclabrat

Well-Known Member
Made it to Laoshan for a hike. Not particularly difficult, though the heat was the primary obstacle. We went to the northside as recommended by the hotel as it was expected to be cooler with the water features.
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World class bouldering here
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Top of climb with wishes to heaven
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