Qingdao | A Hidden Aesthetic Paradise, Few People and Beautiful Scenery at Hanbi Building

Upon arriving at the hotel, I immediately noticed that Hanbi Building, buffeted by the bleak sea wind, was a bit understaffed, and the staff generally seemed rather reserved. The legendary bell-ringing welcome ceremony was also not experienced. From a service perspective, this could be criticized. The shy and dull bellboy, the awkward front desk that couldn’t find a pair of scissors after searching all the drawers, and the housekeeping auntie loudly greeting you in a local accent all don’t quite match the hotel’s image. However, this also makes it feel simple and charming, genuinely being themselves without the pretense and tension often found in professional settings, and without fake smiles for guests.

All rooms are 100㎡ sea view suites, each facing the sea. The only differences are the floor and orientation. The rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass windows, offering a 180° sea view. The rooms are very open, and even the partitions are movable.

The rooms are wood-themed, giving a warm feeling. At night, when turndown service is done, a lemon-scented aroma diffuser is lit, which smells pleasant.

Hanbi Building’s hot springs are divided into private and public baths. The public bath is a sea view hot spring and includes a sweat steaming room. The SPA area is also located here, using the tidal rise and fall of seawater to bring the tidal landscape directly into the SPA’s view, blending this area with the ebb and flow of the sea. The scenery changes with the tide.

There are beaches on both the north and south sides of the hotel. Unlike other hotels in Qingdao, Hanbi Building exclusively enjoys two private beaches. The outdoor pool is designed to be filled to the brim, with water color matching the sea and sky, making swimming here feel like swimming in the ocean. This infinity pool uses water surface tension to keep the pool surface very calm, like a mirror, perfect for photos. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to swim in winter, so it’s only for taking pictures. There is also a dry landscape garden outdoors with a Zen vibe. The lobby bar offers vast sea views, making you fall in love again.

Photo Hotspots Mark:
Cliffside Infinity Pool – a must-shoot!
The glass pool extending into the sea, when the weather is good, blends water and sky. It’s recommended to shoot silhouettes against the backlight from 4 to 6 pm. If you can’t swim, come earlier because shadows from the building can spoil the view.

[Secret Staircase Garden]
The spiral staircase on the right side of the lobby is stunning! Geometric lines + interplay of light and shadow (wearing a long dress and spinning for a candid shot is even more lively).

[Private Coastline]
The rocky beach directly accessible from the hotel’s back door, at low tide you can shoot black rock scenes similar to those in Iceland!

Breakfast on weekends is at Eleven Kitchen all-day dining restaurant, and on weekdays at the French restaurant. Eleven Kitchen is very spacious with many seats, allowing you to see the sea while dining. The breakfast offerings are good, with a high proportion of dishes freshly made by the chef.

Post by MiaDreamer | Sep 3, 2025