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Explore the diverse plant species, stroll through the themed gardens, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. The garden is perfect for photography, picnics, and relaxing walks. Be sure to check out the pond and the beautiful landscapes that offer scenic views of the surrounding area.
Qingdao Botanical Garden is located at the southern foot of Taiping Mountain in Qingdao city. It is adjacent to Zhongshan Park and the Zoo to the west, Julin Park to the north, the Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall and Zhanshan Temple to the east, and Badaguan to the south.
The park is rich in vegetation and in May, a variety of roses bloom. There are also large lawns where you can have a picnic.
Qingdao Botanical Garden is a national AA-level tourist attraction. It is a comprehensive tourist landscape that integrates scientific research, flower and tree cultivation, and sightseeing, focusing on ornamental plants such as trees and flowers.
The botanical garden includes forest park, botanical boutique garden, China-Japan Friendship Garden, Tingtao Pavilion and other attractions. From the garden, you can have a panoramic view of Qingdao Mountain, Huiquan Square, bathing beach and Badaguan.
In 2005, the Botanical Garden added a host of fitness, recreational, and stimulating activities, including rock climbing, car racing, pirate ship rides, a forest hunting ground, bullfighting, laser chariot racing, and a laser water battle boat. These adventurous and thrilling activities, while safe from danger, will make the Forest Park a popular weekend destination for young people in the island city.
Qingdao is located in the northern temperate monsoon region and has a temperate monsoon climate with humid air, abundant rainfall, moderate temperature and distinct four seasons.
It is recommended to visit for half a day
free
All day
Qingdao Botanical Garden was established in 1960 and is one of the most important botanical gardens in China. It plays a key role in plant conservation, education, and research. The garden showcases a wide variety of native and foreign plant species.
The Qingdao Botanical Garden is located in the southern part of the city, near the Laoshan Mountain area. It is easily accessible by taxi, and public buses also serve the area. Walking from the city center takes around 30-40 minutes.
The garden is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the plants are in full bloom and the weather is mild.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥30. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance on-site, and some online platforms may also offer tickets for advance booking.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons such as the Chinese New Year holidays or weekends.
It typically takes 2-3 hours to explore the main attractions of the garden, including walking through the themed gardens, ponds, and greenhouses. For a more relaxed visit, plan to spend half a day.
Highlights include the tropical and temperate plant zones, the beautiful pond with lotus flowers, the bonsai garden, and the lush bamboo grove. The rose garden and camellia collection are also popular during the blooming seasons.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. Audio guides in English may also be available at the entrance, but it's best to check in advance.
The best photography spots are the rose garden, the pond surrounded by lush greenery, and elevated areas with views of the city and Laoshan Mountain in the background.
Start by visiting the main entrance and explore the tropical plant section, then move on to the rose garden and bonsai collection. Don't miss the ponds and bamboo area before finishing at the top of the hill for panoramic views of the garden and surrounding landscapes.
The garden is not typically open at night, and there are no light shows. However, some special tours or events may be organized during the spring and autumn festivals.
The garden can be crowded during weekends, public holidays, and peak tourist seasons. The least crowded times are early in the morning on weekdays, especially during the off-peak seasons like winter and early spring.
There are toilets, rest areas, and a few small kiosks selling refreshments. There are also shops selling souvenirs related to plants and gardening, but there are no large restaurants inside the garden.
The garden is mostly accessible for children and elderly visitors, though some areas with steep inclines may be difficult for disabled visitors. It is recommended to check for wheelchair accessibility at the main entrance.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used, especially in the garden’s gift shops. Credit cards are not always accepted at smaller facilities.
There are a few small cafes and snack bars near the garden entrance, but for more variety, head to the nearby Qingdao city center, where you will find a wide range of dining options.
Vegetarian options are available in nearby restaurants in Qingdao. Halal food options may be more limited but can be found in specific eateries that cater to the Muslim population in the city.
There are several hotels and guesthouses near the garden, including mid-range hotels and boutique guesthouses. For more options, stay in Qingdao’s city center, which is a short drive away.
Nearby attractions include Laoshan Mountain, Qingdao Beer Museum, and the famous Zhanqiao Pier. You can combine a visit to the botanical garden with a trip to the Laoshan Scenic Area for a full day tour.
There are souvenir shops inside the garden selling gardening-related items, plant seeds, and local handicrafts. You can also find small gifts like postcards and plant-themed accessories.
After visiting the botanical garden, you can take a taxi, local bus, or use public transport to explore other attractions in Qingdao, such as the Qingdao Beer Museum or Zhanqiao Pier. Renting a bicycle or electric scooter is also a good option for getting around the city.
