Qingdao, the treasure guide to the seaside city, please keep it safe

Family, who understands! Qingdao is like a real-life fairy tale world, with red tiles, green trees, blue sea, and sky, every corner is so beautiful it makes people intoxicated😍. If you are planning a romantic seaside trip, then you must save this Qingdao travel guide!

Preparation

Documents

ID card is essential, and if you have student ID, senior citizen card, or other discount cards, bring them along.

Clothing

Qingdao is relatively cool in summer, but the sea breeze is strong, so bringing a light jacket is necessary. If you plan to play in the water at the beach, prepare swimwear, swim cap, and slippers.

Daily necessities

Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, the UV rays are strong by the sea, so take good sun protection measures. You can also bring a small backpack for carrying items conveniently while traveling.

Medicines

Common medicines such as stomach medicine, cold medicine, and motion sickness medicine, just in case.

Best travel time

Spring (March - May)

Cherry blossoms bloom, the cherry blossoms at Zhongshan Park and Badaguan are as beautiful as a painting, perfect for photos and check-ins.

Summer (June - August)

You can swim and wade at the beach, enjoying the cool seawater. In July and August, there is the Qingdao Beer Festival, where you can fully experience the beer carnival.

Autumn (September - November)

The weather is cool, seafood is plump and delicious, a great time to taste seafood. The leaves in Badaguan also start to change color, colorful and very beautiful.

Winter (December - February next year)

Although the weather is cold, you can go to Laoshan to see the snow scenery and experience the New Year atmosphere in Qingdao.

Recommended routes

Classic three-day tour

Day 1: Zhanqiao Pier - Catholic Church - Signal Hill Park - University Road - Xiaoyushan Park

Morning: After arriving in Qingdao, first go to Zhanqiao Pier, a landmark of Qingdao. Stroll on the pier, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the sea view.
Noon: Taste Qingdao specialties at restaurants near Zhanqiao Pier, such as spicy stir-fried clams and seaweed jelly.
Afternoon: Head to the Catholic Church, this Gothic building is very spectacular and great for photos. Then go to Signal Hill Park, climb to the top to overlook Qingdao’s red tiles, green trees, and blue sea and sky.
Evening: Visit University Road, which has many artistic cafes and shops, full of artistic atmosphere. Finally, go to Xiaoyushan Park to see Qingdao at sunset.

Day 2: Badaguan - Second Bathing Beach - May Fourth Square - Olympic Sailing Center

Morning: Tour Badaguan, which has architecture styles from various countries and is called the "World Architecture Expo." You can also go to the Second Bathing Beach to walk on the sand and play in the water.
Noon: Dine near Badaguan and try Qingdao’s mackerel dumplings.
Afternoon: Head to May Fourth Square, where the iconic "May Wind" sculpture is located. Then go to the Olympic Sailing Center to admire sailboats and sea views, and you can also take a sailboat trip.
Evening: Dine at a restaurant near the Olympic Sailing Center, then enjoy the dazzling night view of the center with splendid lights.

Day 3: Laoshan Mountain - Shilaoren Bathing Beach

Morning: Go to Laoshan Mountain, a famous Taoist mountain with beautiful scenery. Choose a hiking route that suits you and enjoy the natural landscape.
Noon: Have farmhouse dishes at a restaurant inside the Laoshan scenic area.
Afternoon: After descending, go to Shilaoren Bathing Beach, where the sand is fine and there is a reef rock shaped like an old man. Watching the sunset here is very romantic.

In-depth five-day tour

If you have more time, you can add two days to visit some lesser-known attractions.

Day 4: Qingdao Beer Museum - Taidong Pedestrian Street

Morning: Visit the Qingdao Beer Museum to learn about the history and brewing process of Qingdao beer, and taste fresh beer.
Noon: Have lunch near the museum.
Afternoon: Go to Taidong Pedestrian Street, one of Qingdao’s busiest commercial streets, with many snacks and specialty shops, perfect for strolling and eating.

Day 5: Lingshan Island

Take a ferry to Lingshan Island, the largest island in Qingdao, with beautiful scenery and fresh air. You can hike, fish, and enjoy the peaceful island life.

Food recommendations

Spicy Stir-fried Clams

A Qingdao specialty, the clams are tender and the spicy flavor is very appetizing.

Mackerel Dumplings

Made with fresh mackerel, the dumpling filling is tender and juicy, with a delicious taste.

Seaweed Jelly

A traditional Qingdao snack, smooth in texture and refreshing to beat the heat.

Qingdao Beer

How can you not drink Qingdao beer when in Qingdao? You can go to a beer house, drink fresh draft beer, and eat seafood, very cozy.

Potstickers

Potstickers with various fillings, crispy on the outside and full inside, taste very good.

Notes

1. Qingdao’s roads have many ups and downs, so wear comfortable shoes when traveling.

2. Pay attention to safety when playing by the sea, follow the rules of the scenic spots, and do not swim in dangerous areas.

3. When buying seafood, choose regular markets and vendors to avoid being cheated.

4. Qingdao has well-developed public transportation; you can choose to take the subway or bus, which is convenient and affordable.

Dear friends, Qingdao’s charm is far more than this. Hurry up and embark on this romantic seaside trip to discover more beauty! Share your expectations of Qingdao in the comments, and maybe you can find travel companions!