2021 Two-Day Family Road Trip to Qingdao, Shandong

As the saying goes, 'Fate is determined by destiny.' Every encounter in life is fate, every journey a cleansing of the soul and a beautiful guardianship. The road of travel records beauty. Spring has flowers, summer shade, autumn fruits, and winter greenery. In life, there are at least two impulses: one for a love that defies all caution, and one for a trip taken on a whim. Day after day of busy work wears away our yearning for life. There is no perfectly planned itinerary in life, but there are stirrings of the heart—take a journey that belongs to you. The hotel was booked at Licang Blue Ocean Hotel, chosen mainly for its convenient location, great value, and proximity to a metro station. The first stop's terminus was the distinctive Qingdao Railway Station. At the end of Zhanqiao Pier, the octagonal Huilan Pavilion offers a picture-perfect view from every window. Standing on the marble-paved pier facing the sea, I encountered the ocean for the first time—the turquoise water, the blue sky, the pleasant sea breeze carrying the scent of salt. In the distance is Xiaoqingdao Park, with red bricks and green tiles exuding poetic charm. Walking along the city streets toward the longed-for Catholic church, the church stands sacred and solemn on Zhejiang Road. However, influenced by Western culture, this holy place has become a popular spot for wedding photos. Passing through crowded streets, I arrived at Qingdao's mysterious road—Zhongshan Road, a street that witnessed Qingdao's century-old financial history. Along a corner of Zhongshan Road, I reached the internet-famous intersection of Daxue Road and Yushan Road, where a TV drama 'Corner with Love' suddenly came to mind—an excellent photo spot. During the journey, a coffee shop is the perfect place to relax, gazing out the window, immersing yourself in the comfort of life. After strolling along Zhanqiao Pier, passing through Daxue Road, and stopping by Zhongshan Park, the air inside the park was filled with the scent of flowers, creating a romantic scenery. Strolling and pausing is the hallmark of travelers. Walking through the city streets, I came to Badaguan. Inside, the scenery features Huashi Lou and Gongzhu Lou, old-fashioned buildings with a strong sense of history. The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers, and spring's vitality was everywhere. Badaguan lacks the noise of other attractions; the forest paths were tranquil, with a gentle spring breeze. Lying back on a bench in the woods, I beheld nature's gifts. Along the seaside boardwalk, I headed to May Fourth Square. The gentle, quiet sea breeze was like the 'May Wind' described in books. Admiring mountains and waters, appreciating flowers and scenery—life's journey is about walking and pausing, with scenery everywhere along the way. A good trip is a transformation of the soul.