West Coast New Area Travel Guide! (2025 Edition)

I. Coastal Route Exploration Guide

1. East Ring Island Road Eco-Route

🌊Route: Golden Beach → Silver Beach → Yumingzui Village → South Tangdao Bay

🚴Activities: Cycle through "Qingdao's Most Beautiful Coastline", stop by Whale Fall Café for ocean views, or enjoy camping picnics at Big House Coffee. Golden Beach's fine sand is perfect for family sandcastle building, while Yumingzui's rocky area offers tidepooling for crabs.

⚠️Tips: The hilly East Ring Island Road is best tackled with e-bike rentals. Free rinsing stations are available near South Shore parking.

2. Tangdao Bay Vitality Route

🎡Route: North Tangdao Bay → Pier Leisure Village → Eye of Qingdao Ferris Wheel → Jimiya Fishing Port

🏀Activities: Jog or fly kites along North Shore boardwalk, picnic under the Ferris wheel. At dusk, watch fishing boats return to Jimiya Port and buy fresh seafood for processing (try "Fisherman's Feast" steam pot). Commercial hub near Jinggangshan Road Metro offers dense snack options.

📸Hidden Gem: From the Ferris wheel's peak, enjoy panoramic views of the "West Lake on Sea".

3. Starlight Island Resort Route

🏝️Route: Star Beach → Starlight Island → R&F Mall → Redwoods Resort

🛍️Activities: Secluded Star Beach offers 5km full-ocean-view cycling. R&F Mall features water park, ice rink, and nightly fountain light shows. Redwoods' European architecture is photo-worthy, with German beer halls for "Qingdao Tipsy Nights".

🏨Accommodation: Affordable island homestays with direct sea views available.

4. Dazhu Mountain Cultural Route

⛰️Route: Navy Park → Ancient Town University Stadium → Dazhu Mountain

👟Activities: Navy Park displays decommissioned warships for military enthusiasts. Easy Dazhu Mountain trails lead to panoramic views, with stunning spring azalea blooms.

🚌Transport: Take bus L6 directly to Dazhu Mountain.

II. Shopping District Guide

1. Xiangjiang Road Nightlife Route

🍢Route: Xiangjiang Road → Zijinshan Road → Haowa Night Market

🔥Highlights: Qingdao's largest night market features Wangjie BBQ and Lao Liu's Iron Plate Duck Intestines. Zijinshan Road's Korean restaurants cluster around "Original House" BBQ with rice wine.

⏰Hours: Night market opens after 18:00, crowded on weekends.

2. Jinggangshan Road Trend Route

🛍️Route: Jijiayuan Mall → Jusco → Changjiang Road Food Street

💄Highlights: Jijiayuan's basement "Snack Universe" offers Taidong Buns and 13-in-1 Crispy Balls. Jusco's Japanese supermarket stocks imported snacks.

🚇Transport: Metro Line 13 Jinggangshan Station direct access.

3. Jimiya Youth Hub

🎮Route: Aeon Mall → Wuyue Plaza → Jimiya Metro Station

📱Highlights: Connected malls feature LEGO stores and petting zoos. Wuyue's rooftop "Sky City" has viral swing sets.

🚖Tip: Metro Line 13 Jimiya Station Exit B direct access.

4. Chaoyangshan Road Family Route

🎠Route: R&F Mall → Oriental Movie Metropolis Outdoor Set

👨👩👧👦Highlights: R&F houses "Qingdao's Largest Indoor Playground" with summer water park. Movie set offers 1% celebrity spotting chance.

III. Transportation Guide

1. Metro Network

🚇Line 13: Connects core areas including Golden Beach and shopping districts. Line 1 directly links downtown Qingdao (Taidong, May Fourth Square).

🎫Discount: "Qingdao Metro APP" offers free bus transfers within 1 hour.

2. Bus System

🚌Highlights: Covers all attractions. East Ring Island Special Bus (L3) goes to Golden Beach. Tunnel buses (e.g. Tunnel 3) connect to downtown.

3. Taxi/Rideshare

🚕Fares: ¥15-30 for short trips, ¥40 cross-district (e.g. Golden Beach→Jimiya).

🛫Airport: Jiaodong Airport→West Coast costs ~¥120 via rideshare or 2 hours via Metro Line 8 transfer.

IV. Food & Lodging Recommendations

1. Local Eateries

🦞Seafood: Jimiya's "Fisherman's Banquet" (¥80/pax, must-try steamed turbot).

🍢BBQ: Haowa's "Old Three BBQ" (chicken hearts, grilled mantou).

🍜Korean: Zijinshan's "Jujube Horseback Rib Soup" (perfect with rice).

2. Accommodation

💰Budget: Starlight Island homestays (¥200/night sea-view). Wuyue Plaza chain hotels (e.g. Hanting).

💎Luxury: The Lalu (private beach, >¥2000 off-season). Redwoods Coral Hotel (German castle style).

V. Cycling Routes

A. East Ring Island Challenge

🚴10km coastal route past "China Photography Island" viewpoint for advanced riders.

B. Tangdao Bay Leisure

🌳5km rubber-track route through wetlands and playgrounds, ideal for families.

C. Starlight Island Loop

🏙️360° ocean views, best at golden hour.

D. Navy Park Military

⚓Features decommissioned submarines and aircraft for educational rides.

📌 Ultimate Tips

• Sunscreen! Coastal UV is 1.5× stronger.

• Rent Hello e-bikes (¥4/15min) for easier travel.

• Seafood allergy meds recommended. Confirm night market prices before ordering.