My Qingdao Art Exam Hotel Recommendation

Qingdao is a coastal city. Some people might not be very familiar with it, and their impression might not be particularly deep. Now Qingdao is developing at a fast pace; it's a first-tier city with a permanent population of around 6 million. I came to Qingdao this time to visit a friend, and I had my friend help book a hotel in advance. When I arrived, the hotel my friend recommended was the Qingdao Licang Lanhai Grand Hotel. Upon mentioning this hotel, I feel a special connection and a sense of belonging. Why? This connection dates back to 2018, when I came to Qingdao as an art exam candidate. While searching online for hotels, I found that this star-rated hotel had excellent reviews and was close to the exam venue. I really strongly advise against small hotels with complicated and quirky names. Choosing a star-rated hotel is the safest bet (because during art exams, sleep is crucial!). Another point is that the Licang Lanhai Grand Hotel is near the subway station; taking the subway is way more punctual than a taxi! I remember at that time I checked in with my father. As soon as we stepped into the hotel, it felt very upscale, grand and magnificent (back then as a student, I hadn't seen much of the world, hahaha). From the moment we entered, staff bowed and greeted us, service was extremely warm, and they proactively helped with our luggage to the front desk. We had booked a twin room online. Although several years have passed, I still vividly remember the young guy who checked us in. The only regret is that this time I didn't see him when I stayed; that's a bit of a pity. The guy learned that I was here for the art exam and, without me having to ask, arranged a quiet room for us (thumbs up!). He also notified colleagues upstairs to add a stationery set and fruit to the room. He personally escorted us to the room, introducing the breakfast location, how to use the internet, and other hotel details. Back in the room, we saw the lovely fruit and stationery. The room was spacious, with an independently controlled air-conditioning system, a separate wet-and-dry bathroom, a personal safe, a hairdryer, satellite TV channels, a water boiler, broadband internet – everything you could need. We put down our luggage and tidied up a bit.

The next morning, I got up early to prepare items for the exam. Hotel breakfast started around 6:30 AM; since we went early, I remember there weren't many people eating yet. After eating, we headed to school to get ready for the exam. In the hotel lobby, I ran into the young guy who checked us in the night before. Knowing I was taking the exam, he very thoughtfully gave me a bottle of warm mineral water – that bit of warmth in the cold weather was so touching. I'm especially grateful for the hotel's warm and considerate service. At noon, after the exam ended, because the exam schedule was tight, I decided to grab a quick meal at the buffet on the second floor. I went to their second-floor buffet restaurant. There were many varieties: salmon, sushi, desserts, ice cream, hot dishes, cold dishes, seafood. There was also a server continuously introducing the dishes. I especially recommend the cream of mushroom soup – sweet and savory, girls definitely shouldn't miss it! And the teppanyaki steak looked very tender and appetizing; I couldn't resist eating several pieces. I recommend everyone try it.

After lunch, I rested a bit then plunged into preparing for the afternoon exam. The exam ended at 5:30 PM. The moment I stepped out of the exam room, my brain felt blank. Back at the hotel room, I was instantly moved – the hotel staff had once again prepared a beautiful fruit platter and a small gift. Most importantly, they left a note wishing me success in the exam. Lanhai's service is truly excellent. This is some of my exam experience I wanted to share. The service at the Qingdao Licang Lanhai Grand Hotel made me remember this hotel, and now, returning here after starting work, it feels like coming home.

Finally, let me share some art exam tips:

① The Licang Lanhai Hotel is 200 meters from Qingdao Finance and Economics Vocational School and 2 kilometers from No. 58 High School. Winter exams – the most unbearable thing is the cold! Cold! Cold! If your hotel isn't close to the exam venue, you'll have to get up very early; arriving late means standing in a long queue.

② Print your exam admission ticket a day in advance and put it in a document folder in your backpack to prevent forgetting to bring it. (The front desk of the Licang Lanhai Grand Hotel offers free printing.)

③ Prepare some good-quality heat packs in advance (the hotel provides them too, did you expect that?). Heat packs give you that last bit of warmth. If you don't bring cold-weather supplies, you'll really suffer; everyone is cold, and the exam hall is in a classroom or something, not very warm. So if you're warmer than others during the exam, you'll get into the zone earlier than others, which is a definite advantage. Also, bring some snacks and hot water in case you get hungry while queuing and can't buy anything. Fill a thermos with hot water beforehand.

④ Personal safety! This is the most important! During art exams at some colleges, there will always be people claiming to be agents trying to chat you up. Listen to me: lift your chin high and stride forward. (Pie in the sky doesn't just fall, and even if it does, it won't land in front of you.) If you must take a taxi, absolutely don't share rides. Express and premium car services might have poor attitudes; you can choose a premier ride! When you're out and about, don't confront people directly; safety is paramount. You must effectively mitigate risks. (When getting out of the car, check your luggage carefully to make sure you haven't left anything behind.)

Lastly, wishing all art exam candidates the best of luck!