Qingdao 7-Day Travel Guide

**Itinerary Overview**
- **Budget Allocation**: Accommodation about 2500 RMB (luxury sea view hotel + unique homestay), dining about 2000 RMB (including seafood feast), tickets/experiences about 1500 RMB, transportation/others about 1000 RMB.
- **Season Recommendation**: August is the Qingdao Beer Festival (experience the festive atmosphere), but be mindful of sun protection and crowds; to avoid peak times, early September is a good choice.
- **Transportation**: Prioritize subway + taxis (download the "Qingdao Metro APP"), for Laoshan/Huangdao areas, car rental is recommended (about 500 RMB/day).

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**Daily Detailed Itinerary**

**Day 1: Old Town Stroll & First Encounter with the Coast**
- **Morning**: Arrive in Qingdao, check in at **The St. Regis Qingdao** (cloud-level sea view room, about 1200 RMB/night) or **Badaguan Sea View Homestay** (such as "Qihai," about 600 RMB/night).
- **Afternoon**:
- Feed seagulls at **Zhanqiao Pier** (winter only; summer for photos and check-ins).
- Walk along **Zhongshan Road** to see German-style architecture and check in at **St. Michael's Cathedral** (a Gothic photo hotspot).
- **Evening**: Dine at **Chunhelou** (a century-old Shandong cuisine restaurant) or **Kaihai Hongdao Seafood Shrimp Dumplings** (about 150 RMB per person).

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**Day 2: International Architecture & Seaside Romance**
- **Morning**: Visit **Badaguan Scenic Area** (Princess House + Flower Stone House, ticket about 30 RMB), take wedding-style photos on the tree-lined avenue.
- **Afternoon**: Swim at **Second Bathing Beach**, or watch the sunset and picnic on the lawn at **Xiaomai Island Park** (free).
- **Evening**: Enjoy the **Olympic Sailing Center Light Show** (starts at 7:30 PM), have a drink at Lover’s Wharf bar.

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**Day 3: Explore the Wonderland of Laoshan**
- **All day**: Rent a car to **Laoshan Yangkou Scenic Area** (ticket + cable car about 170 RMB), hike to the summit for mountain and sea views, visit **Taiqing Palace** (Taoist culture).
- **Lunch**: Laoshan farmhouse feast (recommended mountain vegetable buns + Laoshan cold noodles, about 60 RMB per person).
- **Evening**: Return to the city, visit **Taidong Pedestrian Street** night market (grilled squid, sea intestine rice).

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**Day 4: Huangdao Golden Beach & Tangdao Bay**
- **Morning**: Visit **Golden Beach** (one of Asia’s most beautiful beaches), try jet skiing (about 150 RMB per person).
- **Afternoon**: Bike around **Tangdao Bay Park**, take photos among the reeds.
- **Evening**: Stay at Huangdao **Mangrove Tree Resort World** (with hot springs, about 800 RMB/night).

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**Day 5: Artistic Qingdao & Beer Culture**
- **Morning**: Take photos at **University Road’s popular walls**, check out nearby cafes.
- **Afternoon**: Visit the **Tsingtao Brewery Museum** (VIP tasting ticket includes draft beer, about 80 RMB).
- **Evening**: Drink at **Dengzhou Road Beer Street** (recommend the original brew from Factory No.1).

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**Day 6: Hidden Gems & Tide Pooling Experience**
- **Morning**: Visit **Yan’er Island Caves** (take silhouette photos at low tide).
- **Afternoon**: Buy seafood at **Tuandao Market** for self-processing (about 100 RMB per person), experience local eating styles.
- **Evening**: Enjoy the night view at **May Fourth Square**, or have a drink at **The St. Regis Qingdao Bar** overlooking Fushan Bay.

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**Day 7: Free Activities & Departure**
- **Morning**: Capture any missed scenic spots or shop (recommend **Hisense Plaza** for souvenirs).
- **Afternoon**: Return according to flight/train schedule.

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**Food Do’s and Don’ts**
✅ **Must-Try**: Spicy stir-fried clams, mackerel dumplings, sea intestine rice, Wang Jie BBQ (squid), draft beer.
❌ **Avoid**: Seafood stalls near tourist spots (overpriced), pearl jewelry (not a local specialty).

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**Helpful Tips**
1. **Sun Protection**: Strong UV by the sea, use SPF50+ sunscreen and wear a sun hat.
2. **Transportation**: Many one-way streets in the old town, be cautious if driving; subway covers main attractions.
3. **Beer Festival** (August): Book accommodation early to enjoy the night festivities.

This guide balances comfort and depth; a 7000 RMB budget easily covers a high-quality experience. For adjustments or customization, feel free to reach out!