This Enchanting Seaside City: How Many Must-See Sights Await?
On the coast of the Yellow Sea, mountains are like harps and waters like strings. Qingdao, an ancient yet stylish city, draws streams of tourists to relax and holiday. Red tiles, green trees, azure sea, and blue sky. The elegance of the hills and the vastness of the ocean inspire countless couples to vow eternal love here. Which sights should not be missed? Come wander through Qingdao at a leisurely pace, rain or shine.
1. Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Qingdao, most arrive at Qingdao North Station, then take Metro Line 3 (starting station) directly to the city center. Buses connect the city to all attractions, and taxis are convenient.
2. Clothing: It’s windy by the sea, so be sure to use sun protection. Check the weather forecast ahead of time; there are things to do rain or shine, and you can adjust outdoor and indoor visits accordingly.
3. Recommended duration: About 3 days
1. Yan'erdao Hill Park
Recently, a hidden gem in Qingdao has been catching eyes. With no bustling crowds, it is tranquil and delightful – this is Yan'erdao Hill Park, tucked along the eastern coastline of Qingdao. Yan'er Island gets its name from its swallow-shaped little peninsula, and it is said to have once been one of Qingdao's ten great scenic spots, 'Autumn Tide at Yan Island'. On a rainy day, the sea breeze brings a refreshing coolness to your face. Strolling along the wooden boardwalk, you’ll find few pedestrians. The seawater here is even clearer, with waves rhythmically lapping against the rocks like a cheerful song. Flocks of birds take off and land on the beach, blending into nature, and your heart becomes calm and serene. Further along the boardwalk, not far away, is a treasure photo spot – the Secret Cave. It is said that this newly popular Instagram-worthy location even requires queuing to take photos during peak tourist season. If time permits, you can wander slowly along the boardwalk, and follow the coastline all the way to the Olympic Sailing Center.
Location: Intersection of Donghai Middle Road and Zhuhai Branch Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, opposite Xinhai Garden. Bus routes: 208 loop, 210 loop, 231 loop, 317, 369, get off at Zhuhai Branch Road bus stop. Opening hours: All day.
2. Haier World Home Appliances Museum
Autumn rain in Qingdao is even more graceful. A sea breeze brings a few drizzles; clouds drift by, revealing patches of deep blue. Wandering through Qingdao in such weather is truly refreshing. Our first stop in Qingdao is the popular photo spot – the Haier World Home Appliances Museum. From a distance, the museum looks like an iceberg, hence it’s also called the Iceberg Corner. Looking back on the past, foreseeing the future. Through immersive interactive experiences, visitors trace the evolution of the home appliance industry at the Haier World Home Appliances Museum. Every themed exhibition hall here is eye-opening. From century-old appliances with AR time travel, the smart convenience of Haier’s smart home, a Michelin-star chef’s studio for customized meals, cultural creative products blending technology and art, to an interactive children’s area that combines education and fun – everyone can find a familiar scene from their own life. Stepping out of the museum, there is a rainbow staircase above. The rooftop, themed around love, has 521 + 99 steps – symbolizing 'I love you' + 'long-lasting forever' – filled with a rich, romantic atmosphere. Climb to the rooftop, gaze into the distance, and take in the splendid scenery of Fushan Bay. Walk the rainbow staircase with your beloved, feel the sea breeze – everything is so beautiful.
Address: No. 52 Donghai East Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao
Ground floor: Adult 80/person; Children under 1.2m free, 1.2m-1.4m half price 40/person; Student ticket 55/person; Parent-child ticket (child 1.2m-1.4m): one adult + one child 110 yuan, two adults + one child 160 yuan; two adults 130 yuan. Second floor: Adult 59.9 yuan; Children above 1.2m 59.9 yuan, under 1.2m free.
3. Rushi Bookstore
On a rainy day, wandering by the sea in Qingdao, the best place to stop is a bookstore. A cup of coffee, a slim book, leafing through moments of leisure in the bits and pieces of time. Rushi Bookstore in Qingdao is exactly such a place. With its fresh, artsy style, the bookstore’s cultural atmosphere blends perfectly with this fashionable city. It is a cultural landmark of Qingdao and also a trendy photo spot. Even if you don’t read, you can gather with friends for a chat, or find a quiet corner to work with a different mindset – it’s a different kind of pleasure. As night falls, the Stone Old Man 24-hour City Lounge of Rushi Bookstore is aglow with lights. It lights up a spiritual lighthouse on the coast, open 24 hours, creating an ideal haven for the soul by the bay.
The red wall along Qingdao's University Road is a popular Instagrammable wall beloved by artsy types. Lush plane trees block out the sunlight on the road, and cars slowly pass under the shade, evoking the feel of an old movie. A corner of the red wall is the best photo background, and it’s said that people often queue here to take pictures – newlyweds in wedding photos, college students on holiday, and tourists visiting Qingdao. We arrived early, waited just a short while, and got our desired shot. The streets here are relatively narrow, most are one-way, with many ups and downs. Amidst the undulations, every seemingly random scene feels artsy. A ten-minute walk from University Road brings you to Longjiang Road, known as 'Totoro Street' because of the graffiti works that can be seen everywhere along the road, as if stepping into a Studio Ghibli animation. Many artsy little shops are hidden among early-modern buildings; though a bit worn, they still exude style. Longjiang Road is very close to Xiaoyushan Park; walking is even more convenient than taking a car that has to detour around one-way streets. Strolling through these bohemian lanes, you’ll soon reach Xiaoyushan Park.
Qingdao Xiaoyushan Park is themed around the sea, highlighting fish-shaped patterns. Xiaoyushan is not tall, only 61 meters above sea level, yet it offers panoramic views of Qingdao’s beauty. From here, Zhan Bridge, Little Qingdao, Lu Xun Park, Huiquan Bay, Badaguan Scenic Area, and the beautiful Qianhai are all in sight. It is a great place to appreciate the 'red tiles, green trees, blue sea, and sky'. At the top of the hill, you’ll see a building called Lanchao Pavilion, a classical Chinese-style structure, elegant and beautiful. On the curved corridor walls connecting the pavilion and kiosk are inlaid murals ‘Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea’ and ‘Pu Songling’s Universe’. 'A mountain is famous not for its height but for its immortals' – that saying truly fits here. Descending from Xiaoyushan, twilight sets in. To match this enchanting scenery, seek fine food and good wine. At Qianxi Banquet, every dish guarantees fresh ingredients. Savor Qianxi liquor, brewed with water from the 70-million-year-old Chishui River, rich in sauce aroma with a lingering aftertaste. In this vast world, there is brightness and joy. Good night, Qingdao!
1. Hisense Exploration Center
The first Qingdao-brand color TV rolled off the assembly line here; China’s first independently developed industrial-grade digital video processing chip 'Xinxin' was born here; the first Hisense intelligent transportation solution started here... This is the Hisense Science Exploration Center. One visit, and you’ll fall in love with science. The Hisense Science Exploration Center in Qingdao is the best place to take kids on holiday. Whether elementary or middle school students, textbook science knowledge can be interactively experienced here. 'Success stems from curiosity' is the center’s philosophy – plant the seed of curiosity in children and let it carry them farther. The center features a layout of 'five halls, one salon, one world', including the Science Enlightenment Hall, Science Discovery Hall, Nature Exploration Hall, World Consumer Electronics Museum, Hisense History and Culture Hall, World of Display, and 25Plus Café (City Lounge). The mysteries of the human body, the laws of motion, scientists’ principles, and the living creatures of nature – every corner here is a walking classroom.
Address: No. 11 Jiangxi Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, Shandong
Tickets: Adult all-inclusive 168 yuan, Child/Student all-inclusive 138 yuan, annual pass (2 adults + 1 child) 2,888 yuan, annual pass (2 adults + 2 children) 3,288 yuan.
Little Qingdao lies within Qingdao Bay at the mouth of Jiaozhou Bay. Because its trees are evergreen, it was named Qingdao (Green Island). The island is shaped like a qin (zither), with waters like strings, and the wind playing the waves like music, so it is also called Qin Island (Zither Island). To approach Little Qingdao, you first cross a long causeway, about waist-high, with waves crashing against it, roaring loudly. On the island, the sculpture of a qin-playing maiden comes into view; it is said there is a sad love story here. For a time, the pavilions on both sides became matchmaking spots for lovers. Walking around the island doesn’t take long, but the scenery changes with every step, making you linger. Red reefs and crystal-clear emerald waters intertwine, composing an eternal love song. There is a tower hidden among the trees on the island; it is said there was once an ammunition depot here, and an abandoned railway track bears witness to the dust of time.
3. Haitian Cloud View
What does it feel like to stand 330 meters high and overlook Qingdao in a 360-degree panorama? An ancient poem describes it: 'Clouds rise from one’s chest, eyes strain to follow birds returning home.' When in Qingdao, you must visit the Haitian Center. Ascending to the 81st-floor city observation deck takes only 45 seconds. The elevator’s display screens show the scenery outside the building, as if entering a 5D movie.
Highlight: Shandong’s first high-altitude observation deck.
The city observation deck is 330 meters above ground, on the 81st floor. With floor-to-ceiling 360° panoramic glass, you can fully appreciate the unique charm of this seaside city. Skyscrapers appear and disappear among the clouds; the city’s legends and development are hidden within these views. Half city, half ocean. Half the vibrant life of the old town, half the stylish glamour of the new district. Standing at the city’s highest point, you take in its historical transformation.
Highlight: China’s first cantilevered panoramic viewing platform – Diamond Corner.
On the 81st-floor observation deck, there are three suspended Diamond Corners. Standing on the glass corners, you feel as if suspended in the sky. This is a photo spot; merging with the sea of clouds, you can take cool pictures.
Highlight: China’s highest specialized and diversified modern and contemporary art gallery.
The 80th floor houses the Haitian Cloud Art Center, a gallery that hosts a variety of thematic exhibitions such as sculptures, paintings, calligraphy, and immersive new media. Strolling through this airborne art palace, you can see the authentic works of many world-class artists.
Address: T2, Haitian Center, No. 48 Hongkong West Road, Shinan District, Qingdao
Tickets: City observation deck 200 yuan/person; Cloud Art Center 268 yuan/person
4. Qingdao Palace Museum Cultural & Creative Center
Opposite the famous Zhan Bridge stands a building resembling the Sydney Opera House – one of Qingdao’s iconic sights, the Qingdao Palace Museum Cultural & Creative Center. Stepping inside, the first thing you see is 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival', and with sound, light, and color effects, the scenes from the painting come to life before your eyes. Every Palace Museum cultural and creative product here meets you gently, carrying the weight of history. Stand quietly, and through the fusion of creativity, converse with time. Walking along the ancient alleyways of Bianjing (old Kaifeng), every shop along the street represents a different life. Who are you in 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival'? With the help of technology matching, the connections from a thousand years ago are vividly recreated. In a boat-shaped theater, watch a dome-screen film. Swaying with the waves, as if in a trance, you drift into the lantern-lit, oar-shadowed world of old Bianliang. Sit in the Haicuo Café, facing the sea, and a pure lotus blooms in your heart.
Ticket: Originally 80/person; National Day special 50/person.
When traveling, food is an essential experience. This time, the Shengxian Cuisine restaurant we tried was fantastic. The Zen-inspired décor is simple yet scenic. I recommend their Western-style sukiyaki pot, made with Lubise yellow beef designated for the SCO summit – the meat is delicious, tender, and fragrant! Combined with the chef's secret broth, and with beef and vegetables dipped in pasteurized egg, every bite brings a sense of happiness! The eel kabayaki is also well done. The eel meat is fluffy, soft, and delicate in texture. Botan shrimp sashimi is wonderfully springy and incredibly fresh. The Japanese-style thick-cut beef tongue, wasabi octopus, monkfish liver, and nigiri sushi are also worth trying.
We stayed at the Kunlun Heyue Resort Hotel in Qingdao, which is very close to the Olympic Sailing Center. Located in the prime commercial center of Qingdao, with a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options nearby, it is very convenient for getting around and shopping.
