2021 Graduation Season – Enjoy a Cool Summer in Qingdao

Every June during graduation season, children feel especially sentimental. Time slips away gently like water; in the blink of an eye, they have come to know their school intimately and grown attached to their teachers, no longer strangers. Like spring breeze turning into rain that silently nourishes, the colors of life look back from the depths of the years. Gazing eastward, we set sail amid a blaze of sunlight; looking ahead, we journey through a profusion of blossoms. So, dear children, don’t be sad or afraid—your life’s journey has only just begun.

I’ve been feeling a lot these past few days, too. With my child taking exams this year, I was many times more anxious than he was. As exam day approached, to give him plenty of rest and avoid any traffic stress, we booked a room at Chengyang Lanhai Yuhua Hotel long ago, recommended by a friend. Let me tell you about this hotel: the parking lot, both above and below ground, is huge and free—no ticket needed—and the polite security guards kindly directed us. The moment we stepped into the lobby, I felt an exceptional warmth. A young lady in white gloves took our luggage and led us to check-in. After the formalities, she even walked us to the room, introducing the hotel and room amenities. Thoughtfully, she boiled a pot of hot water and said, knowing you’re here to accompany your child for the exam, we’ve arranged this particular floor—all quiet rooms for exam takers. In the evening, a colleague will bring your child a bedtime milk and fruit, wishing him all the best. Although we’d never met before, after she said this, I felt like we’d been good friends for a long time. So heartwarming.

After the young lady left, I inspected the room and discovered that the shower gel, shampoo, and lotion at Chengyang Lanhai Yuhua Hotel are actually Hermès, and the hairdryer is Dyson. A friend had told me how great Lanhai was, but only after arriving did I realize that not only is the service excellent, but the quality is top-notch too. (On checkout, I made a point to ask the front desk—it turns out all suites use Hermès products, while executive floor rooms use L’Occitane.) The whole stay experience soared. During the three days there, whether dining in the restaurant or meeting the housekeeping staff in the hallway, I felt like a familiar regular guest, completely at ease. Putting aside the exam results for now, Chengyang Lanhai Yuhua Hotel is truly superbly recommendable—a must-stay when coming to Qingdao.

Now that my child’s exams are finally over, I plan to help him fully unwind. The weather is too hot to travel elsewhere, so let’s just roam around Qingdao and escape the heat. First thing tomorrow, I’ve arranged a farmstay experience for him: mountain hiking, tea picking, and harvesting Laoshan apricots.

We’ll drive the northern route past Yangkou to experience it at a friend’s place, heading for Tianchiyun Farmhouse Restaurant in Changling Village, Wanggezhuang Street, Laoshan District. The lady boss had suggested we hike to Tianxin Pool, using the climb to strengthen the kid’s willpower and teach him that nothing should be done halfway. Though the trail is hard and soon drenches him in sweat, when he finally perseveres and reaches the top, the feeling is one of pure excitement, joy, and indescribable happiness. After coming down and enjoying the lunch the lady boss carefully prepared, I’ll have him follow her into the fields to pick tea, watch the tea-making process, and in the evening taste the fresh tea he picked himself. Later in the afternoon, a villager will take him to pick Laoshan apricots. A day so busy and fulfilling will help dissolve his exam stress.

Now that exams are over, parents, don’t let your child’s performance—good or bad—affect their mood. If you truly can’t hold back, just bring them to Qingdao. Go to Zhanqiao Pier and let the sea breeze blow away your worries; visit Ocean World to watch a show and calm that urge to nag; stroll along Princess Tower and Daxue Road to lift your spirits. If all else fails, hit the Beer Festival in the evening for barbecue, down some beer, and forget all your troubles. In short, you can come to Qingdao when you’re happy, and you can come when you’re down. And June, when it’s neither too hot nor too cold, is especially the perfect time to choose Qingdao.