Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center

Introducing Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center

The Olympic Sailing Center is located on the shore of Fushan Bay in the eastern new district of Qingdao, on the former site of the Beihai Shipyard, adjacent to the May Fourth Square and Donghai Road. The city’s famous scenic spot "Yandao Autumn Tide" is located in the southeast corner of Yanerdao Mountain within the base. The sailing competitions of the 29th Olympic Games and the 13th Paralympic Games in 2008 were held here.

In order to welcome the Olympic sailing competition and build a "Sailing City", the Qingdao Municipal Government relocated the Beihai Shipyard as a whole to Haixi Bay in Huangdao District, and built the International Sailing Center into a unique architectural area with marine sports characteristics in Qingdao, embodying the concept of "Green Olympics, Technological Olympics, and Humanistic Olympics".

There's also a cruise ship terminal here, where sightseeing cruises dock, offering a chance to admire the ocean and coastal scenery. Each cruise lasts about an hour, with one departure each in the morning and afternoon on weekdays, and night cruises in the evening. The frequency is generally increased during national holidays, such as National Day.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended play time: 1-3 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Peak season : May 1st to October 31st, 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Visitors can only leave the park from 10:30 PM.

Off-season : November 1st to April 30th of the following year, 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Visitors are only allowed to leave but not enter after 9:30 PM.

Cruise: 08:30-17:30

Night Tour: 20:00-21:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and served as the venue for the Olympic sailing competitions. Today, it is a symbol of Qingdao's maritime heritage and a hub for water sports and leisure activities. The center has become an iconic landmark in the city, attracting both international tourists and local visitors.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center is located in the Shinan District, close to the coast. It can be reached by metro (Line 3, Olympic Sailing Center Station), bus, or taxi. Walking from downtown Qingdao takes about 15-20 minutes.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The Olympic Sailing Center is open to visitors year-round, typically from 9 AM to 6 PM. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities, as well as during major sailing events.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entrance to the Olympic Sailing Center is free for the general public. However, there may be entrance fees for special events, the sailing museum, or boat rentals. Tickets for events can be purchased online or at the venue.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For general visits, no advance booking is required. However, for sailing events or boat rentals, it's recommended to book tickets at least 1-2 days in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It usually takes about 1-2 hours to explore the main areas of the Olympic Sailing Center, including the waterfront and museum. If you wish to engage in sailing activities, allocate additional time depending on the experience you choose.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The stunning waterfront, offering picturesque views of the sea and the city skyline.
• The Sailing Museum, which provides insight into Qingdao's Olympic sailing history.
• The sailing docks, where you can watch or participate in sailing activities.
• The nearby Marina Square, a popular spot for dining, shopping, and relaxing by the water.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available at the Sailing Museum in Mandarin, with some tours offered in English during peak times. Audio guides are also available in various languages.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The piers and boardwalks along the waterfront offer fantastic views of the marina and the city skyline.
• The top floors of nearby buildings provide panoramic views of the Sailing Center and the sea.
• The Sailing Museum's balcony offers great photo opportunities with views of the harbor and surrounding area.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start your visit with a walk around the Sailing Center’s piers and marina, followed by a visit to the Sailing Museum. You can end the day at Marina Square for a meal or a drink, enjoying views of the waterfront.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

While the center itself doesn't host nightly events, the area is beautifully lit at night, and you can enjoy a stroll along the water. Special night sailing events may occur during peak seasons or festivals.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The Sailing Center is relatively busy during weekends, holidays, and peak tourist seasons (summer). To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays or during the off-season (autumn and winter).

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Toilets are available at various locations throughout the center.
• Several restaurants, cafes, and snack stalls are located near the marina and within the Sailing Center.
• Shops selling local souvenirs and sailing-related products are available.
• Rest areas along the waterfront provide a place to relax and enjoy the views.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The center is generally accessible, with ramps and wide pathways for easy movement. The museum and outdoor areas are suitable for elderly visitors and families with children. However, some parts of the pier may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted throughout the Sailing Center. Cash is not commonly required.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Several seafood restaurants offering local dishes are nearby the Sailing Center.
• Cafes along the waterfront provide light snacks and drinks, perfect for enjoying the sea breeze.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are widely available, especially in local restaurants. Vegan and halal food options may be limited but can be found in some nearby restaurants.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• The Shangri-La Hotel Qingdao, located a short drive away, offers luxury accommodations with sea views.
• Several mid-range and budget hotels are available in the nearby area, including hotels by the waterfront.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The Qingdao Beer Museum and the nearby May Fourth Square are popular spots to combine with the Sailing Center.
• The Tsingtao Brewery is another nearby attraction worth visiting for beer enthusiasts.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops at the Sailing Center offer nautical-themed items, such as model boats, clothing, and Qingdao-branded merchandise.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Taxis and ride-sharing services (like Didi) are available to continue your trip around the city.
• Public buses and the metro offer convenient connections to other parts of Qingdao.