Giving up Weihai, this place is really amazing

Originally planned to go to Weihai, but by a twist of fate ended up in Qingdao, and I was completely captivated by this city! From coastal scenery to historical heritage, from delicious food to street vibes, every aspect of Qingdao surprises you. This comprehensive guide will help you unlock the "charm" of Qingdao!

🔵 Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Qingdao is April to May and September to October 🌸! Avoid the summer crowds and heat; during these months, temperatures range from 18℃ to 25℃, with gentle sunshine and a cool sea breeze. The plane trees in Badaguan are just sprouting new leaves, the lawns at Xiaomai Island are soft as a carpet, and the seafood after the fishing season is plump and fresh. Strolling the streets is pure enjoyment~

🔵 Itinerary Planning
Day 1: Classic Qingdao City Tour → Holiday Inn Qingdao City Center (stay)
Arrive in the morning and head straight to Zhanqiao Pier 🌉 to watch seagulls circling (more abundant in autumn and winter), then stroll back to Huilan Pavilion to feel the century-old history. Next, visit the Former German Governor’s Residence Museum, with its red brick walls and green dome—every photo looks like a European masterpiece.
In the afternoon, explore Badaguan, where ten streets hide architecture from over twenty countries. The peach blossoms on Shaoguan Road and the ginkgo trees on Juyongguan Road create a scene like a world architecture expo at every step.
In the evening, check into Holiday Inn Qingdao City Center, within walking distance to May Fourth Square. The room offers views of the Fushan Bay nightscape—super convenient!

Day 2: Seeking Immortals in Laoshan → Laoshan Blue Sea Junhua Hotel (stay)
Early morning head to Laoshan 🗻, take the cable car to overlook the magnificent mountain-sea connection, listen to Taoist stories under the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree at Taiqing Palace, step on the waves at Yangkou Beach, and sip the crisp, sweet mountain spring water.
In the afternoon, enjoy seaweed buns and steamed crab at a Laoshan fishing village. The seafood is freshly caught—so fresh it’ll blow your mind!
In the evening, stay at a hotel at the foot of Laoshan, open the window to see the mountains, listen to the insects, watch the stars, and escape the city’s hustle and bustle.

Day 3: Artistic Qingdao Slow Life → Return
In the morning, visit Xiaomai Island Park 🌿, lie on the lawn staring at the sea or stroll along the wooden boardwalk—every shot is Instagram-worthy. Next door, Yan’er Island Mountain Park offers thrilling cliff trails perfect for photos.
In the afternoon, wander University Road’s famous red walls, where sunlight filters through plane tree leaves casting dappled shadows like an oil painting. Stop by Lao She’s former residence for a coffee and read a passage from "Rickshaw Boy."
Before leaving, pack two bags of Tsingtao beer and dried seafood to take the taste of Qingdao home with you~

🔵 Transportation Guide
✈️ Plane: Qingdao Liuting Airport (now relocated to Jiaodong Airport) has airport shuttles directly to the city. Metro Line 8 takes about an hour to May Fourth Square—super convenient!
🚄 Train: Qingdao Station is in the old city, a 5-minute walk to Zhanqiao Pier; Qingdao North Station has many high-speed trains, with Metro Line 3 directly to the city—travel is worry-free~

🔵 Accommodation Picks
🏨 City Convenience: Like Holiday Inn Qingdao City Center, convenient for sightseeing and dining, and you can hit the Taidong Night Market for skewers and beer at night.
🏡 Near Attractions: Laoshan Blue Sea Junhua Hotel, close to Laoshan Scenic Area, perfect for watching the sunrise in the mountains early in the morning for a more immersive experience~

🔵 Photo Spots
📸 Badaguan (Huashilou): Wear a floral dress and pose with European-style villas and crabapple blossoms as the backdrop to instantly become the star of a vintage magazine cover.
📸 Xiaomai Island Park (center of the lawn): Lay out a picnic blanket with the blue sea and sky behind you for a healing-style backshot.
📸 May Fourth Square (“Wind of May” sculpture): At dusk when the lights come on, use the red sculpture and Fushan Bay light show as your backdrop to capture Qingdao’s nightscape.

✅ Friendly Tips

• For seafood, go to Yingkou Road Market, pick your own, and have it freshly cooked at a processing shop—half the price of tourist restaurants!

• Rent a bike to explore Badaguan, 10 yuan/hour, easy and enjoyable~

• Don’t buy bottled beer; drink draft beer in bags at street stalls like the locals do!

From historic buildings to blue seas and green mountains, from beer and seafood to artistic corners, Qingdao’s romance is hidden in every detail. Once you come, you’ll know this "charm" is worth giving up all other options~ 💕