Fun Things for the Whole Family at Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center

Qingdao International Sailing Center, also called Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center or simply Qingdao Sailing Center, was one of the must-visit spots on our family trip to Qingdao. So, what’s there to do at Qingdao International Sailing Center? Based on our firsthand experience, here are some highlights for your reference.

1. International Conference Center: Shaped like a seagull spreading its wings as it perches on the shore of the Yellow Sea, the main venue looks like a soaring bird when viewed from above. Mountains, city, sea, harbor, and seawall blend together, symbolizing “taking off to pursue dreams and setting sail to lead the way.” Inside, a collection of precious artworks awaits, and listening to the stories of the SCO summit makes the visit even more fascinating.

2. Olympic Sailing Museum: Located right inside the Olympic Sailing Center where the 2008 Olympic sailing events took place, the museum sits against Yan'erdao Hill and faces the sea, offering beautiful scenery. Covering an area of 9,359.8 square meters, it is a large-scale national-level Olympic heritage museum that focuses on the regatta and sailing culture, using artifacts, photos, and other materials as its foundation, supplemented by modern display techniques, and creating an interaction between indoor exhibitions and outdoor settings.

After the sightseeing spots, are there any hands-on fun things to do at Qingdao International Sailing Center? Next, let me introduce an especially thrilling and enjoyable activity.

3. Sailing: Our experience this time was wonderful. With step-by-step guidance from professional national-level coaches on how to hoist the mainsail and open the jib, our whole family worked together quickly and soon we were zigzagging across the sea, truly experiencing what it feels like to be sailors. A special reminder: there are plenty of unlicensed hustlers around, so don’t be tricked into taking a crowded sightseeing boat that only allows passive viewing. Professional clubs use keelboats (which work like roly-poly toys and self-right, making them very safe) with 7 to 10 people per boat depending on its size.

When visiting Qingdao International Sailing Center, doing your homework is really essential. Many people finish sailing and then move on to the next stop, but there are actually many more scenic spots worth seeing. For example:

4. Yandao Autumn Tide: A wooden boardwalk leads to a white lighthouse, making it a perfect place for couples to take photos and stroll. Two rows of towering national flags flutter in the sea breeze, creating a magnificent scene. The white lighthouse against the backdrop of white wedding dresses captures the poetic seaside romance of this island city and is a true embodiment of fashionable Qingdao.

5. Beautiful Lighthouse: The lighthouse is one of the iconic landmarks of the Olympic Sailing Center. Walking in the opposite direction from the lighthouse generally leads you along paths used by locals returning home. Nestled in a residential area by the sea, you can face the ocean, wander along the cherry blossom-lined path in spring, listen to the waves, and sit on a bench to while away an entire leisurely afternoon.

6. Lovers’ Dam: After the 2008 Beijing Olympic sailing events concluded, the main breakwater of the center was developed into a special scenic street and named “Lovers’ Dam” after the Chinese Olympic windsurfing champion’s proposal spot. With KFC, cafés, and tea houses, you can take a break, grab a meal, and recharge.

7. Xiangyun Torch: Standing tall by the sea, soaring into the clouds. Beside the torch, sightseeing boats set sail for 30-minute trips, with no more than 40 passengers per boat. These boats also have a decorative sail.

8. Flag Plaza: One of the most famous leisure areas at the International Sailing Center, it features two rows of flagpoles neatly lined up, flying the national flags of participating countries, symbolizing friendship and peace among nations. Enter the center through Gate 2 to reach the plaza directly.

9. Walnut Tree Bar: This seaside bar opened just last year, is easily accessible, and offers meals, live music, and a wonderfully atmospheric vibe.

10. Other dining: Blue Harbor Kitchen, or simply grab a taxi to Minjiang Road food street (about an 8-yuan starting fare) for an even wider range of choices.

11. Sunset: The Olympic Sailing Center is an amazing spot for watching the sunset. The evening glow cast onto the sea and reflected off the white sails is breathtakingly beautiful.

12. Light Show: The fun doesn’t end with the sunset—the nighttime light show is mesmerizing, so don’t miss it!

Now that I’ve introduced so many fun things at the International Sailing Center, how do you get here?

By metro: Take Line 2 to Yan'erdao Road Station, Exit C, or Line 3 to Wusi Square Station, then walk or take a taxi to the center.

If driving, search for the Dry Dock Parking Lot entrance (8 yuan per hour, can accommodate buses), or search for 6 Jinwan Road, Gate 3 of the Olympic Sailing Center, to enter directly.

What’s fun at Qingdao International Sailing Center? Looking back over all this, there truly is so much to enjoy! When visiting, you can pick and choose according to your own preferences and check off these spots one by one!