Visiting Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center with Kids: What's Fun to Do?
Last holiday, I took my kids to Qingdao, and the Olympic Sailing Center left the deepest impression. With time on my hands during the pandemic, I’ve put together this guide to share. So, what's fun to do at Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center?
During the summer travel season, traffic jams are common, especially in tourist cities, so we opted for the metro. I recommend taking Line 2 to Yan'erdao Road, Exit C, or Line 3 to May Fourth Square, then walking or taking a taxi to the Olympic Sailing Center.
If you're driving, you can search for the Dry Dock Parking Lot entrance. Parking is 8 yuan per hour and can accommodate buses. Alternatively, search for No. 6 Jinwan Road, Gate 3 of the Olympic Sailing Center, to enter directly.
You might not realize it, but if you only come to the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center for a quick look at the scenery, you’d be missing out on so much. The center offers a mix of active and peaceful attractions. Let’s take a look at what there is to enjoy.
First, take the kids to the Olympic Sailing Museum, a place they’ll find fascinating. Inside, large audio-visual displays let you sit on the floor and watch the history of sailing in Qingdao. You can also see real sailboats, many from the 2008 Olympics—it's truly eye-opening for children.
Next, visit the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Conference Center, designed in a traditional Chinese style and housing a collection of precious artworks. It’s a feast for the eyes and a great way for kids to experience traditional Chinese culture, which can be very helpful for their learning. Listening to the stories of the SCO summit makes it even more exciting!
After taking in all that sailing theory, it’s time for the kids to try sailing for real and become real sailors. The "Riding the Wind and Waves" family sailing experience is fantastic. Parents and kids work with a professional coach to operate a sailboat, learning to hoist the sails, steer, and more. The sea environment is changeable and requires constant decision-making. Sailing not only nurtures a child’s spirit of exploration and sharpens their mind, but also cultivates bravery, independence, decision-making skills, and the confidence to shape their future.
Our eight-year-old girl at the helm looked very cool.
After the sailing experience, what else is there to do at the Olympic Sailing Center? Plenty of beautiful sights await—don’t miss them.
The famous Yandao Autumn Tide is a spectacular sight worth seeing. A wooden boardwalk leads to a white lighthouse, and landmarks like the white lighthouse and the Auspicious Cloud Torch each have their own stories. Lovers’ Dam is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, with cafes and tea houses where you can rest and grab a bite.
Another perfect sunset spot in the Olympic Sailing Center is Flag Square. Enter through Gate 2, and you’ll arrive directly at Flag Square.
After soaking in the sunset, take a taxi to Minjiang Road Food Street (starting fare around 8 yuan gives you more choices) or head to Hutaoli Bar, where you can dine while enjoying live music—a wonderful feeling.
Once you’re full and content, come back to enjoy the Olympic Sailing Center’s light show and the enchanting night view of Qingdao to end a perfect day!
Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center has so much to offer. She is not only China’s Victoria Harbour—stylish and charming—but also like an enterprising youth, full of vitality and forging ahead in the sea.
