Latest 2021 Summer Qingdao Family Trips: 2-Day and 3–5 Day Itineraries

Finally summer vacation started. My husband Teacher Zhang fulfilled his promise to take our son on a trip. My best friend had always wanted me to bring my kid to play with her baby, so for the first stop of our trip, we chose Qingdao.

Let me start the travelogue from day one.

We took the high-speed train to Qingdao North Station. I remember last time I came to Qingdao, I arrived at Qingdao Station, and the European-style architecture was eye-catching. But today's Qingdao North is more modern and grand. Each has its own charm, and most importantly, it's close to my best friend's home.

My friend booked the Blue Horizon Hotel (Qingdao Licang Junfeng Road Subway Station branch) for us. It's very close to their home, right in the center of Licun commercial area. They often dine there to entertain friends. It's a four-star standard, and the main thing is convenience. From Qingdao North, you can take the subway directly without exiting the station, just three stops. Then just 300 meters from the subway exit to the hotel, very easy.

I have to say the hotel service was really excellent. As soon as we entered the lobby, a handsome young man proactively helped with our luggage and greeted us. At check-in, the front desk noticed we had a child and recommended upgrading from a standard king room to a Hollywood king room. Though it cost a few dozen yuan more, it was better for our family of three—this stylish Hollywood room had a sofa and coffee table, so when my friend's family came to visit, there was a place to sit. Best of all, the bed was huge, even larger than our 2-meter bed at home, so no worries about crowding the kid. The front desk also specifically arranged to send children's toiletries for a boy. A small gesture, but very heartwarming. They also gifted us fruit. The young man who escorted us to the room proactively explained how to use the in-room items and told us about other areas of the hotel. Truly, the hotel service was great—warm, cozy, and genuine, not forced.

My friend arranged dinner at the hotel too. I must say, Qingdao's seafood is absolutely delicious—I just couldn't get enough! Oh, I forgot to mention, we ate at the hotel's Aegean Sea buffet restaurant. The buffet had a wide variety of seafood: you could grill, dip-boil, or steam it. Steak and salmon were unlimited, plus all kinds of barbecued items and snacks. I thought this kind of buffet would cost over 200 yuan per person, but she told me it was less than 100 yuan per person—amazing value. If you ever stay at this hotel, make sure to save one meal for this buffet; you won't regret it.

After dinner, we strolled through the night market. Although these days I'm not as into browsing night market stalls as I was in my student years, skipping the Licun night market would be a pity. I remember last time, everyone said Taitung was the place for night markets. Now I guess Licun is the go-to spot. There's food, drinks, and fun—just soaking in the bustling street life is a wonderful choice. The only regret is that we didn't come with an empty stomach. There were just too many delicious snacks! Our schedule was a bit tight, and we didn't leave a meal slot for the night market. Next time, I'll definitely set aside a separate meal just for the night market food street.

Day Two: The Seaside

These days we had all our breakfasts at the hotel. There was a great variety, with plenty of options for kids, and the whole family enjoyed it. After breakfast, the first thing I said to my best friend was, 'You really picked a great hotel! Not only is the room service good and the buffet delicious, the breakfast variety, taste, and service are all top-notch.' I didn't compliment her first, I praised the hotel—she got a little jealous, haha.

At around 9 a.m., we set off from the hotel. We originally planned to drive, but considering weekend parking difficulties at scenic spots and the beach, we opted for the subway. It was convenient anyway—Metro Line 2 is very handy for reaching Shilaoren Beach. My love for Qingdao starts with this sea. Some people wonder why kids are so endlessly happy digging in the sand—what's the fun? But I totally get it. Just like I could sit on the beach watching the sea all day and never get bored, haha. Our child absolutely adored this beach and the sea, rushing into the waves unstoppably. We couldn't stop him; he soaked two sets of clothes. He also dug up clams and found tiny crabs, having a whale of a time. For lunch, we ate at a nearby restaurant called Chuangeyu Shui Jiao, because I specifically asked for mackerel dumplings. Mmm, they were so, so delicious! We also had some unfiltered draft beer. After a full stomach and a short rest, the kids were having too much fun to leave and insisted on continuing to dig. So we set up a tent by the sea, and I happily enjoyed the feeling of a sea breeze and the view—simply blissful.

For dinner, we went back to Licun and had barbecue at a street stall called Chuozi Meat, which is said to be super popular. They also accept bring-your-own ingredients for processing. Still not tired of seafood, we bought various seafood from the market and continued our seafood feast. I have to say, Qingdao really has a vibrant street life. Eating at roadside stalls feels utterly satisfying and not at all tacky.

Day Three: It was getting a bit hot. In the morning, we headed straight to Zhanqiao Pier and Zhongshan Park, mainly to the zoo behind it. My friend's child insisted on taking my son to see the big tiger. Although the tiger was dozing off the whole time, both kids were super excited. They saw a peacock, goldfish, camels... but it was too hot and we didn't see everything before retreating, haha. Overheated, we went to MixC Mall, where it was coolest, and managed to have lunch there. After 3 p.m., we visited May Fourth Square and the Olympic Sailing Center. Dinner was at my friend's home as her guests.

Day Four: Our family of three went off on our own to the Polar Ocean World. After that, we went straight to Qingdao Station and took the high-speed train back. The places we didn't get to visit will be left for next time—a reason to return.