Live Your Best Lives
I still remember the last time I traveled to Qingdao, Yantai and Weihai was in 2013. These three coastal cities were like three dazzling sapphires, standing strikingly on the northern coastline.
At the end of this summer, beautiful memories and expectations of the European-style old city and the sea came back again. I set foot in the three cities of Yantai, Weihai and Qingdao again. I spent one and a half days in Yantai, one and a half days in Weihai, and three days in Qingdao. I wandered along the coastline of Shandong Peninsula for 6 days. It was still breathtakingly beautiful, intoxicatingly beautiful, and I was reluctant to leave!
Located at the magical 37° north latitude, Yantai is an underrated coastal city, a treasure trove that is both understated and striking. It boasts not only azure waters and refreshing sea breezes, but also romantic and classical European architecture. The jelly sea and the bustling atmosphere of the old town streets create a uniquely romantic element for this city!
I have to say, Yantai people are really good at being romantic. Spending a day strolling around Yantai City brought me countless surprises. This Citywalk treasure route is for everyone:
Suochengli: Suochengli can be regarded as the symbol of old Yantai. It is an ancient street in the old city that is very well preserved in the urban area. The memorial archways, green tiles, flower-shaped walls, love alleys, light boards...all kinds of literary and romantic elements have injected new romantic vitality into this ancient street. Wandering here is so exciting!
Climb up Xuanhua Gate and overlook the city. The entire Ximenli Street is in full view. Although it is located in a downtown area, the blue bricks and ancient tiles engraved with traces of time quietly tell the story of the old city.
In addition to the main street Ximenli, there are many small alleys crisscrossing the city. Today, the alleys are decorated with unique charm, with flower-shaped walls, love alleys, light boards... Various literary and artistic elements attract people to take photos and check in.
The streets are also dotted with a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, hot pot restaurants, tea houses... row upon row, and any one of them is very stylish. You can enjoy tea, coffee, and snacks... You can really spend an entire afternoon here quietly, feeling comfortable and relaxing!
There are also street markets selling cultural and creative products, handicrafts, and tourist souvenirs! After exploring the city, I leisurely strolled to Chaoyang Street, 900 meters away. This small street, located at the foot of Yantai Mountain, is full of exotic charm and is the root of the port city's opening culture. The entire street is lined with European-style castle buildings, which are both modern and fashionable.
Chaoyang Street was first built in 1872. More than a hundred years ago, merchants gathered here. It was the most prosperous commercial street in Yantai, carrying the memories of generations of Yantai people.
The newly renovated Chaoyang Street combines the local characteristics of Yantai to create Yantai's unique wine culture. The street is dotted with many domestic and foreign flagship restaurants, trendy bars, trendy brand stores, and trendy streetscape elements. Today, Chaoyang Street, with its rich history and cultural connotations, integrates modernity and fashion, and is once again prosperous.
In addition, there are various creative art markets and exhibitions on the streets. Walking here, it feels like traveling through time and space, looking back at the prosperous past of Yantai's opening port culture.
Next, I visited the Hongkou 1920 Historical and Cultural District, another stunning spot. It's small, uncrowded, and free. It boasts several unique restaurants and a wall covered in purple flowers, perfect for a stroll and photo opportunities. It's romantic, artistic, and adorable.
There are so many raspberry bears🐻 in the park. They can climb trees🌲, climb poles, and even climb up roofs‼ ️Super cute~
After visiting Hongkou 1920, it was already dusk. Xiao Yao planned to go to the First Bathing Beach to see the sea and feel the sea breeze.
Strolling along the No. 1 bathing beach, I came across 📍Island Diary Coffee. It was a small white house with red tiles, piles of raspberry bears, a large green lawn in the yard + camping chairs. I fell in love with it in an instant. Even if I imagined 100 sea-viewing copywritings in my mind, they would not be as romantic as the atmosphere facing the sea at this moment.
On a summer afternoon, there's nothing more satisfying than sitting by the window with a cup of fragrant coffee in hand, watching the waves lapping against the rocks 🌊 and feeling the sea breeze on your face 🎏.
On the second day of the trip to Yantai, Xiao Yao came to Haichang Fisherman's Wharf on Binhai Road. This "Prague on the Sea" is beautiful and romantic. European-style buildings stand under the blue sky and white clouds, giving you the illusion of being in Europe every minute.
The best vantage point for photographing Fisherman’s Wharf is the zebra crossing on Binhai Middle Road. You can sit on the stone pier or cross the sidewalk, feeling relaxed and casual.
After spending a relaxing and comfortable morning at Fisherman's Wharf, Xiao Yao returned to the hotel to pack her luggage and set off for the next city - Weihai.
Most of Weihai's attractions are distributed along the coastline. After screening, Xiaoyao plans to visit Yuehai Park, Haiyuan Park, Maotou Mountain and Torch Eighth Street in turn along the Ring Sea Road from south to north.
We left Yantai after lunch. There was only enough time to visit one scenic spot in the afternoon, so Xiao Yao chose to visit Torch 8th Street, the farthest and northernmost one, first.
We arrived at Weihai North Station at 3 pm. As soon as we got off the high-speed train, the weather was a bit bad. There was a dark cloud overhead. When we took a taxi to Torch 8th Street, it started to rain heavily. At this moment, the gene in the bones of the Chinese people awakened - since we are here, let's continue to have fun!
Traveling isn't always a smooth journey; encountering the unknown and the challenges along the way is part of the charm of travel. Life, too, isn't it? It's not always smooth sailing.
Fortunately, there are transparent umbrellas for sale on the street. It is the blessing of this transparent umbrella that makes Xiao Yao's Torch Eight Street Tour full of atmosphere.
There are colorful two-bedroom single-family houses on the road, and at the end of the road is the boundless sea with boats swaying on the sea. Against the backdrop of heavy rain, it is like a dream, with a unique charm!
Because of the rain, Xiao Yao hurried back to the hotel at Weihai Station to rest when night fell. Tomorrow's itinerary is to visit Yuehai Park, Haiyuan Park, and Maotou Mountain from south to north along the coastline, and try to watch the sunset at Maotou Mountain at 18:00.
I got up very early the next day and found that the weather in Weihai had finally turned from cloudy to sunny. I was so happy and the trip was worth it. I could finally enjoy the beautiful summer seaside.
There are many sea view parks on the Weihai coastline. Xiao Yao chose Yuehai Park with a lighthouse and Haiyuan Park where you can walk along the plank road to the sea.
Our first stop was Yuehai Park. This park, situated across the sea from Liugong Island, stretches 1.3 kilometers, bordering Weihai Park to the north and Haishang Park to the south. The park's central square features a landmark building: a 49-meter-tall sightseeing lighthouse. Beneath the lighthouse are a striking array of seaweed houses. These thatched houses are the traditional dwellings of Weihai fishermen, offering warmth in winter and coolness in summer, and lasting for centuries without rotting.
There is a path under the lighthouse leading to a small pavilion with a thatched roof. Promise me that you will come to this pavilion to feel the sea breeze.
Standing in the small pavilion and looking out, you can see greenery and vitality everywhere.
To the left of the lighthouse is the children's leisure and entertainment area, and to the right is the seaside swing park. You can also set up tents and camp in the park ⛺️ It's super cozy ~
After a short rest, Xiao Yao continued along the coastal highway to Haiyuan Park. As we entered the park, the first thing that caught our eyes was the boats floating on the sea. Although large dark clouds had drifted in, the unpredictable weather also added a unique sense of sadness to the photos.
After stopping for a while, the sun finally came out. Xiao Yao continued to walk left along the coastline, climbed up the wooden plank road, and finally saw the glass sea of Weihai.
There is also a memorial hall in the park. The large lawn and the glass platform next to it are both super beautiful. Looking down at the hall of the memorial hall from a high altitude, the sunlight pours in through the gaps, and the light and shadow are very beautiful. Standing on the glass platform next to it and basking in the sea breeze, I can't help but sigh - this is the feeling of summer on the island.
Continue walking forward, there is a wooden staircase leading to the beach, with lush trees planted on both sides. The summer sun shines through the leaves onto your face, and the mottled light and shadow are dotted, which is really beautiful for taking portraits.
After leisurely strolling through the two parks, it was just noon. After filling our stomachs, we headed to the most anticipated attraction in Weihai - Maotou Mountain!
Don't miss it when you come to Weihai. It has the most beautiful coastal road, the most beautiful viewing platform, the bluest sea, the most beautiful sunset 🌅, and the cutest cat-head mountain shape.
Among them, Observation Deck No. 3 has the best view and is the only observation deck that can go deep into the sea, with a 360-degree panoramic view and a direct view of Maotou Mountain.
The viewing route of Maotou Mountain is a one-way road. Friends who drive by themselves can start from Haiyuan Park, drive north along the coast, and visit from Maotou Mountain No. 1 Observation Deck to the end.
If time is limited and you only want to see the most beautiful and essential parts, and at the same time you want to view Maotou Mountain from beginning to end and from far to near, then you must navigate to Maotou Mountain Observation Deck No. 2, and then continue walking 100 meters to reach Observation Deck No. 3. The scenery here is also quite good‼ ️
Xiao Yao walked all the way from Observation Deck No. 2 to Observation Deck No. 3. Although it was only a short 100 meters, there was really a different view at every step.
Observation Deck No. 3 is truly amazing. I stayed there from 2 p.m. until sunset, admiring the changes in light and shadow at different times of the day on the sea level.
After enjoying the sunset, I reluctantly said goodbye to Maotou Mountain and boarded the high-speed train to Qingdao. I had a brief stopover in Qingdao in 2019 and was looking forward to seeing the new look of this top coastal city in the north.
Qingdao Xiaoyao arranged a three-day itinerary and chose the Dabao Island Cultural and Leisure District, Yunshang Haitian Scenic Area, Xiaomai Island, and Qingshan Fishing Village, which have both urban style and seaside charm.
The red tiles, yellow walls and German-style buildings in Qingdao's old city have always made this city full of exotic style. Today, the old city has been transformed into the Dabaodao Cultural and Leisure District, but in fact it is not a street, but an entire area.
This century-old block has been renovated and given a new lease of life. It not only retains Qingdao's unique courtyard-style buildings, but also has many literary and artistic shops, lively markets, and trendy exhibitions. It is decorated with Q-version cartoon elements. Walking through the entire block is super exciting.
As soon as you exit the subway, you'll see a German-style building with red tiles and yellow walls, and the spire of Qingdao's landmark church, St. Michael's Cathedral, is faintly visible.
The entire Dabao Island is made up of many crisscrossing blocks. Each street is different and has its own theme. The layout is very stylish and focuses on literature, art and fashion.
After strolling through these trendy and cute streets and alleys, there is a century-old courtyard hidden in Dabao Island. Qingdao’s courtyards, like Beijing’s courtyard houses and Shanghai’s alleys, exist in the memories of old Qingdao people!
A hundred years ago, the exterior outline of this "Chinese and Western eclectic" style of architecture was determined by the direction of the city streets. It was often square in shape, surrounded by buildings with a large courtyard in the center. The buildings were generally two to three-story wooden structures, and later there were also four to five-story brick-concrete structures. The ground floor was mostly used for commercial purposes, and the second floor and above were residential.
If you can only visit one place in Qingdao, you must not miss the Yunshanghaitian Scenic Area, which overlooks the entire Qingdao and the endless sea at an altitude of 330 meters. The second stop of Xiaoyao's Qingdao trip was Yunshanghaitian, where she encountered an intoxicatingly beautiful sunset.
The Yunshang Haitian City Observation Deck is located on the 81st floor of Qingdao Haitian Center. It takes less than a minute to get there by elevator. The Observation Deck has 360-degree floor-to-ceiling windows and three diamond corners of suspended glass. It overlooks the entire cityscape around Qingdao May Fourth Square and the vast ocean, with an excellent viewing angle!
Taking photos here at sunset is absolutely beautiful, especially Diamond Cape, where you feel as if you can touch the sky and clouds with your hands, and under your feet are old houses with red tiles and yellow walls and the vast sea!
I stayed here until sunset and enjoyed the beautiful sunset over the sea. The sunset glow reflected on the sea, the waves sparkled, and the sky gradually transitioned from light purple to warm orange. It was extremely romantic! It completely fulfilled all my fantasies about traveling to Qingdao.
After visiting the 81st floor observation deck, you can descend to the 80th floor to view art exhibitions. They regularly host exhibitions with different themes, including the current "H1 Keith Haring: Post-Pop Art."
The Observation Deck is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (last admission at 8:00 PM). Tickets: 160 RMB per person for the Observation Deck; 215 RMB per person for the 81st floor Observation Deck and the 80th floor Art Center.
On the second day of my Qingdao trip, I planned to visit only Wheat Island, a popular spot on the internet. Wheat Island is a small, circular island known as Qingdao's "Little Kenting." I waited from day to dusk and then again until sunset, and was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the purple sunset. This trip was truly a lucky one, as I didn't miss a single sunset.
Sailboats, reefs, sea, lawns, lonely trees, any shot is a beautiful scenery. I suggest sisters to bring a few more sets of clothes, Wheat Island is really worth taking multiple sets of portraits.
Today's Xiaomai Island has been appropriately extended on the original basis, with the addition of a Sea Love Park, where large areas of foxtail grass are planted. When the evening glow breaks through the clouds and splashes on the foxtail grass, it is as beautiful as an oil painting.
At sunset, feeling the sea breeze, watching the sea and listening to music on the grass, admiring a beautiful sunset is really healing!
On the third day of the trip to Qingdao, Xiao Yao chose to drive to the most beautiful fishing village - Qingshan Village. When you first see Qingshan Village, you may think it is the world of Andersen's fairy tales.
Or maybe you think this is a palette sprinkled by God, or you think this is the Cinque Terre in Italy. In fact, this is a village in Qingdao with a history of more than 600 years - Qingshan Fishing Village 🎏 Backed by Laoshan ⛰️ and facing the sea 🌊 It is a real-life version of the seaside paradise 🌸
Qingshan Village is a 1.5-hour drive from the city center. It is recommended to drive or take a taxi. The scenery along the coastal highway is stunning.
If you are driving, you can first locate the 📍"Yangkou Tunnel", and then navigate to the "Qingshan Fishing Village Archway" after passing the tunnel, otherwise it is easy to get lost.
If you choose public transportation, you can take Metro Line 11 to Puli Station, transfer to the bus to Yangkou, and then take the No. 618 tourist line to Qingshan South.
Here are some great photo spots for you: 1. Entrance of Huangshan Village 2. Archway of Qingshan Fishing Village 3. Qingshan Tea Plantation 4. Qingshan South Bus Station.
Xiao Yao’s portrait photos were all taken at the above four locations.
As time passed and night fell, the sky gradually began to turn into sunset. The blue sky and clouds were dyed purple and warm orange at once. The sea and sky were connected. It was so beautiful! I recommend that you must watch the sunset before leaving.
We waited until dark, then reluctantly drove off along the coastal highway from Qingshan Village. My 10-year trip to the eastern Shandong Peninsula had come to an end, but I felt a sense of elation. These six days offered so much beauty and so many touching moments! See you next time in Yantai, Weihai, and Qingdao!
