Just got back from Qingdao, and here's the truth! Nanny-level travel guide

9 selected attractions and a 5-day, 4-night itinerary for Qingdao
✅ 9 must-see attractions

✅ Zhanqiao Pier Scenic Area

💸 Admission: Free
🍎 Highlights: Qingdao landmark, century-old history, Huilan Pavilion overlooking the sea, seagulls can be fed in winter, suitable for photo ops.

✅ Badaguan Scenic Area

💸 Admission: Free (some exhibition halls require tickets)
🍎 Highlights: World Architecture Expo, Princess House, Huashi House and other distinctive buildings, lush greenery, suitable for strolling and photography.

✅ Laoshan Scenic Area

💸 Admission: From ¥90 (Yangkou Scenic Area + Taiqing Palace)
🍎 Highlights: The first famous mountain on the sea, a sacred place of Taoist culture, take a cable car to overlook the mountains and seas, and don't miss the seafood feast in Qingshan Fishing Village.

✅ Xiao Qingdao Scenic Area

💸 Admission: ¥5
🍎 Highlights: Qin Yu Road Lighthouse, overlooking the panoramic view of Zhanqiao Pier, the sunset is gorgeous in the evening, suitable for couples dating and walking.

✅ Qingdao Beer Museum

💸 Admission: ¥60
🍎 Highlights: Renovated from a century-old brewery, visit the brewing process, get a free drink of raw beer, and experience Qingdao beer culture.

✅ Golden Beach Bathing Beach

💸 Admission: Free
🍎 Highlights: The first beach in Asia, with fine sand, suitable for swimming and beach sports. The VIP lounge area provides a more comfortable experience.

✅ May Fourth Square

💸 Admission: Free
🍎 Highlights: The city landmark "May Wind" sculpture, light show every night, the Lover's Dam of the Olympic Sailing Center has excellent night views.

✅ Xinhaoshan Park

💸 Admission: ¥10 (including the revolving observation deck)
🍎 Highlights: Overlooking Qingdao's red tiles, green trees, blue sea and sky, the 360° observation deck captures panoramic views of the old city.

✅ Haichang Polar Ocean World

💸 Admission: From ¥259
🍎 Highlights: Polar animal shows, underwater tunnels, suitable for family trips, VIP channel avoids queuing.

🏨 Accommodation Guide

High-end luxury hotels

Qingdao Haitian Hotel (Shinan District): Sea view rooms face the coastline, close to Zhanqiao Pier and Badaguan, suitable for business or vacation.
Qingdao Hanbi Building Hotel (Huangdao District): Cliffside sea view hotel, strong privacy, suitable for couples or high-end vacations.

Featured B&Bs/Design Hotels

Qingdao Mo Hai Boutique Villa (Laoshan District): Mountain and sea view B&B, close to Laoshan Scenic Area, suitable for families or art lovers.
Red House Musician Hotel (Shinan District): Music-themed design hotel, retro style, suitable for couples or art lovers.

Budget Accommodation

Qingdao Compass Youth Hostel (Shinan District): Close to Lao She Park, cost-effective, suitable for backpackers or students.
Qingdao Xinjiang Wyndham Hotel (Chengyang District): Four-star hotel, close to the airport, suitable for transit or tourists with limited budgets.

🗺️ May 4th Travel Itinerary
📅 Day 1: Old Town Style First Experience

Morning: Zhanqiao Pier Scenic Area (free)

🍎 Feed seagulls and photograph Huilan Pavilion and the sea view.

Afternoon: Badaguan Scenic Area (free)

🍎 Visit Princess House and Huashi House, and stroll along the tree-lined road.

Evening: Taidong Pedestrian Street (free)

🍎 Taste Wangjie barbecue and Shisanbukao dim sum, and experience the fireworks of Qingdao Night Market.

📅 Day 2: Mountain and Sea Wonders Day

Morning: Laoshan Yangkou Scenic Area (¥90)

🍎 Take the cable car up and down, visit Taiqing Palace, and experience Taoist culture.

Noon: Qingshan Fishing Village Seafood Feast (¥100 per person)

🍎 Taste Laoshan mushroom stewed chicken and sea water tofu.

Afternoon: Shilaoren Bathing Beach (free)

🍎 Relax on the beach and watch the sea from the VIP lounge area.

Evening: May Fourth Square Light Show (free)

🍎 Watch the light show of the "May Wind" sculpture.

📅 Day 3: Seaside Leisure Day

Morning: Xiao Qingdao Scenic Area (¥5)

🍎 Visit the lighthouse and overlook the panoramic view of Zhanqiao Pier.

Afternoon: Qingdao Beer Museum (¥60)

🍎 Visit the brewing process and get a free drink of raw beer.

Evening: Olympic Sailing Center Lover's Dam (free)

🍎 Have dinner at a sea view restaurant and enjoy the night view of Fushan Bay.

📅 Day 4: Cultural Exploration Day

Morning: Xinhaoshan Park (¥10)

🍎 Climb the revolving observation deck to photograph a panoramic view of Qingdao.

Afternoon: Haichang Polar Ocean World (¥259)

🍎 Watch polar animal shows and cross the underwater tunnel.

Evening: Xiaomaidao Park (free)

🍎 Visit the popular check-in spot during off-peak hours and photograph the sunset.

📌 Useful Tips

Transportation: It is recommended to use online car-hailing or chartered cars between attractions. The Qingdao subway covers the main areas.
Food: Must-eat spicy fried clams, mackerel dumplings, and Qingdao raw beer.
Tickets: It is recommended to book Laoshan and Polar Ocean World in advance to avoid peak crowds during holidays.
Dress: The temperature in Qingdao in May is 15-25℃, it is recommended to wear a thin coat, sunscreen clothing, and comfortable sneakers.

This route covers history, nature, culture, and cuisine, and is suitable for families, couples, or family trips!