Cherry Blossoms and Seafood Qingdao Tour: Zhanqiao & May Fourth Square
Every encounter in life is fate; begin a Qingdao journey and record the beautiful feelings.
Spring has its blossoms, autumn its moon; summer has its breezes, winter its snow. If the mind is free of idle concerns, then every season is the best. Mundane life and day-after-day work erode our positivity and passion for life. This is when you need a spur-of-the-moment trip to soothe the soul, rediscover love, live authentically, and be yourself.
The hotel was booked at Laoshan Blue Sea Hotel, which is close to the subway; the key point is the service is quite good, and the food is not bad either.
First, go to Shilaoren (Old Stone Man), a nearby attraction just one subway stop away. I had always heard the legend of the Stone Old Man, but this was my first close encounter. Blue sea, blue sky, gentle sea breeze, the faint fragrance of cherry blossoms wafting from afar, rippling turquoise waves, the sea and sky blending into one—truly breathtaking.
The railway station, full of Qingdao character, the octagonal Huilan Pavilion—each window frames a view, each view is a painting. Before your eyes is a picturesque scene; behind you, seagulls soar; in the distance lies Little Qingdao Island Park. Red bricks and green tiles everywhere fill the eyes with poetry. Walking along the city street corners inward, you reach the Catholic Church, a holy place for wedding photography. The square in front of the church welcomes all comers, lively and joyful.
Further inside is a foodie's paradise—Pichaiyuan (Woodshed Yard). Follow Zhongshan Road down to the internet-famous photo spot at the corner of Daxue Road and Yushan Road, an excellent photo op. Then go to a nearby café for a cup of coffee. The surrounding buildings are German and Italian in style, completely different from Huilan Pavilion. Being there is truly a delight!
Having walked past Shilaoren, passed through Zhanqiao, and strolled by Zhongshan Park, the cherry blossom streets are filled with romance, like the peach blossom groves in stories, only these are cherry blossoms.
After exiting, continue along the road to Badaguan Scenic Area. Huashi Tower, Princess Tower, old-style buildings, streets with a strong sense of history, cherry petals dancing in the air, and the scent of spring vegetation. Everywhere is full of life and vibrancy, yet different from Zhanqiao's bustle. The woods are quiet, the spring breeze gentle. Sitting on a bench among the trees, with sunlight on your body, it's so comfortable.
Leisurely follow the wooden boardwalk to May Fourth Square, and see the 'Wind of May' sculpture, just like in the history textbooks from school. It felt surreal, as I never expected the sculpture to be so large. The square bustles with people, and the lights make the night even more brilliant, like a dream or a fairy tale.
Look at mountains and waters, admire flowers and scenery. Slow down, quiet the mind, and beauty and vitality are everywhere. It's so good to go out and travel!
