A Leisurely Trip to Qingdao丨A Letter from Qingdao in the Early Autumn Rain
Qingdao, with its red roofs and green trees, blue seas and skies. Although I've lost count of the times I've been here, each visit still feels like the first—filled with joy and fascination. This time, accompanied by a light drizzle and a slightly hazy sky, I came to Qingdao and took a slow stroll. - Visited a few spots I'd been to before, took photos from the same angles, and suddenly realized how fast these years have flown by. Hair that grows long can be cut short; some people leave and come back. In this roundabout life, why not just seize the moment and have fun first!
Wheat Island – Stroll along the wooden boardwalk, with the sea on your left and you on my right.
Xiaoyu Hill – Gaze far into the distance, and behold the magnificent sea and the red-roofed, green-tree-laden Qingdao.
Haitian City Sightseeing Hall – Overlook the entire city, as if soaring against the wind with wings.
Little Qingdao – Whether the sea is calm or surging, I wish to stay with you till the end of time.
Hisense Exploration Center – Qingdao offers more than just the sea; it also holds wonders and mysteries here.
The 'Trendy Qingdao · Ocean Love – I'll be waiting by the sea' themed 2021 Ocean Romance Culture Week has officially kicked off. From September 30 to October 7, there are all kinds of fun and exciting activities. If you happen to be in Qingdao during this holiday, go and have a blast!
DAY 1 Jinan → Qingdao Wheat Island Park → Haier World Home Appliance Museum → Shilaoren SoBooks
DAY 2 Hisense Exploration Center → Haitian City Sightseeing Hall → Forbidden City Cultural and Creative Center → Qianxi Wine Gathering
DAY 3 University Road Insta-Famous Wall → Longjiang Road → Zhanqiao Pier → St. Michael's Cathedral → Xiaoyu Hill → Little Qingdao → Jinan
(Self-media author · Travel enthusiast) A me who is sometimes artistic, sometimes funny. A me who wants to travel from south to north, then from east to west. A forgetful me who loves to reminisce. Mmm... that's the me who wants to be a little wild... [Text and photos / Zha Nuan]
Haier World Home Appliance Museum, the entire building is called 'Tip of the Iceberg.' On the upper level there is a rainbow staircase that attracts waves of visitors to check in and take photos. During the 2018 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Qingdao Summit, 'Tip of the Iceberg' served as a press center; it is now the Haier World Home Appliance Museum. The name 'Tip of the Iceberg' comes from the fact that from a distance, this white building resembles an iceberg at sea.
Upon entering the museum, you first encounter a stylishly designed lobby, followed by displays of old artifacts on the side. These objects are truly steeped in the flavor of their era and were donated by individuals. The oldest hairdryers, the oldest washing machines... all are the most venerable! Inside the Haier World Home Appliance Museum, the scenes utilize the latest sound, light, and electrical technologies to showcase the evolution of home appliances. Breaking away from the conventional museum model, it combines exhibitions, popular science education, and theatrical performances, offering an immersive interactive experience that lets visitors look back on the past and glimpse into the future.
The museum is divided into several sections, from the old appliance display area to the smart home zone, as if crossing dimensions of time from vintage to cutting-edge—representing technological progress and, even more, the human spirit. In the old appliance display area, different settings recreate life scenarios from various eras. With AR interactive experiences and a light and shadow animation theater, you can embark on a time-travel journey through the history of home appliances.
The history of home appliances spans only a hundred years, and the museum showcases the most distinctive vintage appliances from the 1930s, 1960s, to the 1990s. Each era hall features corresponding interactive experiences, making every visitor feel as though they are on a time-travel journey through appliance history, revisiting scenes and stories of those times. You might be surprised to see what televisions looked like 60 years ago, or that households had open kitchens 50 years ago... These simple yet storied old appliances carry the development and progress of their respective eras.
Every corner of the Haier World Home Appliance Museum exudes the intelligence and dynamism of a fusion of fashion and technology. Each indoor thematic design offers a fresh, interactive, and edutaining experience in a relaxed way. This museum truly breaks the mold of traditional museums, creating an immersive interactive experience that lets you look back on the past and meet the future—a museum where you can truly feel transported.
Entering the smart home zone, you only need to give voice commands, and the intelligent appliances that 'understand' your voice will activate the corresponding functions. The 'Need Treasure' interactive experience area, themed 'Customizing the Future,' is divided into two parts: 'Customized for You' and 'You Customize It.' The smart home system can quickly create and assemble personalized future home solutions based on the viewer's preferences and needs.
On the roof of the 'Tip of the Iceberg' building, a rainbow staircase accessible to visitors draws many young people to 'check in' and take photos. This area has a romantic love theme. Strolling on the rooftop, you'll find brightly colored minibuses, hot-air balloons, white archways, and other romantic elements that intensify the ambiance. The outdoor scenes around the building are open to the public for free, and you can pose for photos however you like.
Climbing the rainbow stairs to the highest point of the building, you can see Wheat Island in the distance to the south, with a pier on the opposite side. Follow the promenade on one side of the pier and you'll reach Wheat Island. The lighthouse across the water adds a touch of charm. From the highest point, turn to another staircase and begin descending. This staircase is covered with cartoon graffiti and has a fun design, which also feels quite cool.
The rooftop of 'Tip of the Iceberg' has four staircases in total: one rainbow staircase, one cartoon graffiti staircase, and the rest are plain-colored. From a high vantage point, you can see Qingdao with its green trees and red roofs—very distinctive!
Haier World Home Appliance Museum TIPS
Location: No. 52 Donghai East Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao, Shandong
Admission: First floor: 80 yuan/person, student ticket 55 yuan/person, children under 1.2m free; Second floor: adult 59.9 yuan/person; outside areas free
Opening hours: 8:30 – 21:30
Nearby: Wheat Island Park, Qingdao Haichang Polar Ocean World
Transport: Metro Line 2 to Haiyou Road, then walk 800 meters
Parking: Underground parking lot, 5 yuan per hour
When I arrived at the Hisense Exploration Center, the weather was misty but not a drop of rain. Yet from the building's exterior, one could tell Hisense's standardized yet stylish character. The Hisense Exploration Center is actually a comprehensive science exploration and popularization base invested in and built by the Hisense Group. It first piques your curiosity, leading you to an in-depth understanding of things and principles that are common yet interesting in our daily lives. Once you understand, you can't help but exclaim, 'Oh, so that's how it is!'... A magical science museum.
Hisense Exploration Center was born at No. 11 Jiangxi Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, the site of the old Hisense R&D center—the root of Hisense's innovation, a place important and sacred in the hearts of Hisense people. It preserves precious memories of the development of television and even global consumer electronics, tells the moving story of Hisense's innovative heritage, and has been given a new mission: 'sparking scientific exploration through curiosity.' Such a novel science museum is perfect for bringing children along, opening up their curiosity from a young age, nurturing a spirit of exploration and study, and letting them feel the power of science.
Step into the Hisense Exploration Center and wander through its 10,000-square-meter innovative experience space. Without a guide, first-timers can easily get confused, so come with me to explore the 'Five Halls, One Lounge, One World'! The 'Five Halls, One Lounge, One World' includes the Science Enlightenment Hall, Science Discovery Hall, Nature Exploration Hall, World Consumer Electronics Museum, Hisense History and Culture Hall, 25Plus Café (City Lounge), and the Display World, each distinct yet interconnected, covering themes like scientific exploration, natural exploration, and historical exploration.
Each exhibition area features unique thematic displays, encouraging visitors to actively learn scientific knowledge while enhancing interactive experiences and sparking their interest in exploring the mysteries of science and nature. The center houses over 200 selected interactive science exhibits, many of which are China's first, as well as more than a hundred rare home appliance collections from around the world, allowing visitors to take in the entire history of global home appliance development.
Start with the World Consumer Electronics Museum on the 1st floor. This was originally the site of the Qingdao TV Factory and the Hisense R&D center. From the world's first television, refrigerator, and washing machine to the earliest mobile phones and computers, the museum exhibits over one hundred vintage consumer electronics from around the globe, making it the most comprehensive and richly stocked consumer electronics museum in China.
Then head to the Hisense History and Culture Hall, also on the 1st floor. This is the former site of the Qingdao TV Factory, the predecessor of the Hisense Group. Through text, images, physical historical products, and multimedia interactions, it presents the development journey and key milestones of Hisense from the founding of its predecessor, the Qingdao No. 2 Radio Factory, in 1969 to the present. It uses history to restore Hisense's corporate culture, core values, and technological evolution, while also showcasing the development and transformation of this 'eldest son' of the Republic's industry.
Go to the Science Enlightenment Hall, which through seven permanent exhibition areas—The Mysteries of the Human Body, Laws of Motion, Magical Light and Shadow, Amazing Science, Intimate Magnetism, as well as a transportation zone featuring Hisense's intelligent traffic thermal imaging system and some functional vehicles (fire trucks, excavators, helicopters, etc.), plus a Water Science Station—inspires children's curiosity about science and lets them play while experiencing the wonders of technology.
Next, head to the Science Discovery Hall on the 3rd floor. This hall, through five permanent thematic zones—Acoustics, Mathematics, Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Optics—with over a hundred interactive science exhibits, reveals the principles of basic science in fascinating ways. With simple operations and all-around interactivity, you can experience the magic of science, learning through play and playing while learning, sparking innovative thinking.
Finally, head to the Nature Exploration Hall on the 4th floor. With the theme 'Nature—Scientific Exploration,' it offers a comprehensive experience integrating exhibition, experience, and popular science through simulated natural ecosystems, interactive live animals and plants, hands-on science exhibits, science film screenings, and mini science experiment classes.
These halls are suitable for visitors of different ages. When you go, you can consult based on your own circumstances and focus on what interests you most!
TIPS
Address: No. 11 Jiangxi Road, Shinan District, Qingdao (inside the compound)
Admission: Adult ticket 168 yuan / Student ticket 138 yuan / Concession ticket 88 yuan
Transport: Metro Line 2 to Zhiquan Road Station, Exit B; or take Metro Line 3 and transfer to Line 2, get off at Zhiquan Road Station B exit
The first high-altitude observation deck situated atop a supertall vertical building in Shandong—head to the Haitian City Sightseeing Hall, ascend to 330 meters, and enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Qingdao's blue seas, azure skies, red roofs, and green trees.
Take the elevator straight to the 81st floor. Since it's very fast, if you feel discomfort, swallowing can help relieve it~ Rise to 330 meters and see Qingdao from different angles. Built upon the site of the former Haitian Hotel, the 369-meter new urban landmark is a supertall urban complex integrating headquarters offices, an international hotel, city sightseeing, cultural arts, a commercial center, and high-end residences—welcoming everyone!
Overlooking the city, a gust of wind blows and clouds and mist envelop the cityscape, making you feel as if you're floating on clouds. Be sure to check in here when you visit Qingdao—it will take your social media game to the next level.
The City Sightseeing Hall is located on the 81st floor of Tower T2. As the first high-altitude sightseeing deck on a supertall building in Shandong, it offers a 360° bird's-eye view of Qingdao. From the patchwork of red roofs and green trees to the prosperous city with towering skyscrapers, and then to the ocean where silence and exuberance intertwine; from the clear mountains, sea, and clouds to the lights and stars after nightfall—just by circling the sightseeing hall, visitors can take in all the different faces of Qingdao.
Inside the sightseeing hall, there's also China's first cantilevered panoramic glass viewing platform—the Diamond Corner—seamlessly blending the indoor experience with the outdoor natural scenery. There are three Diamond Corners, each accommodating 5 to 8 people. Standing inside, you can overlook the city while suspended in midair, feeling the magical sensation of being between sea and sky with clouds flowing beneath your feet—absolutely thrilling. This is the ultimate photo spot, so be sure to snap plenty of pictures!
The Cloud Art Center is on the 80th floor of Tower T2, currently the highest public art institution in China. It holds occasional art education events to truly bring art into life and to the public. After touring the 81st floor, take the escalator down to the 80th floor; once you go down, you cannot return to the 81st floor.
'Beauty in Harmony—Exhibition of Classic Chinese and International Artworks from the National Art Museum of China' is the inaugural exhibition at the Cloud Art Center. It showcases heavyweight collections spanning ancient and modern times, east and west, including original works like Picasso's 'The Foot-Soldier with the Bird,' Xu Beihong's 'Galloping Horse,' and Pierre Carron's 'Fashionable Lady.' The exhibition orchestrates a splendid symphony of art from all eras and regions, presenting a feast not to be missed. The exhibition changes its themes and exhibits periodically, so you can check the details in advance and come broaden your horizons.
After the tour, there is a souvenir shop with a variety of cultural and creative products; you can purchase if you like.
Haitian City Sightseeing Hall TIPS
Location: No. 48 Xianggang West Road, Shinan District, Qingdao
Admission: [June–October] City Sightseeing Hall 200 yuan / Cloud Art Center 120 yuan; combo ticket 268 yuan. [November–May of next year] City Sightseeing Hall 150 yuan / Cloud Art Center 120 yuan; combo ticket 218 yuan.
You might not know about the Qingdao Forbidden City Cultural and Creative Center by name, but if I say there's a circular building visible from Zhanqiao Pier that looks somewhat like the Sydney Opera House, that's it. Originally 'Sea Palace,' it has been transformed into the 'Forbidden City Cultural and Creative Center,' becoming a new Insta-worthy spot in Qingdao. This famous landmark is not to be missed! You can take photos, browse a dazzling array of cultural products, and enjoy a cozy café. With its superb location and distinctive architecture, make it a stop on your next Qingdao trip—it will add extra meaning.
1st floor: Forbidden City Cultural and Creative goods—pick up small items you like. There are many products not available online, well worth a browse.
2nd floor: A 3.0 digital theme hall based on 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival,' offering an immersive interactive experience of 'stepping into a painting and dreaming of a thousand years in a single day.'
The main tour part is on the second floor, covering 1,700 square meters. Upon entering, you'll see a huge, moving 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' that, with the passage of time, reenacts the bustling street scenes of the Song Dynasty. Not only can you witness firsthand the colors and charm of this millennium-old masterpiece, but through the unique perspective of virtual reality technology, you can fully, accurately, and vividly experience the historical information and cultural sentiments embedded in the Forbidden City's cultural heritage.
Next, come to a viewing area that recreates the exquisite and magnificent gatehouse depicted in the painting. Enter a performance space where real actors were filmed and projected; at first glance, it's so lifelike you'd think real people are performing. Highly technological.
After the show, you can proceed to the Ancient Alley of Bianjing. Here you'll be transported to scenes of ancient rural and urban life, with a small tavern, pastry shop, blacksmith, handicraft workshop, and more. Seek out ancient memories and feel the history and charm of folk culture.
Passing through the old alley, you can go watch a dome film. The dome cinema may only screen a ten-minute short, but its smooth animation vividly recreates the scenes from the painting. The entire theater is a virtual Song Dynasty boat, with a spherical screen overhead, and the seats sway with the storyline, making viewers gradually immerse themselves in the experience.
After the dome film, head to a fun spot where you can select a scene and have your face matched to reveal your profession in the Song Dynasty—see what character you become! It will surely amaze you.
After finishing the tour of the second-floor exhibition, return to the first floor where you'll find a wide selection of cultural creative products curated by the cultural center, including Forbidden City books, souvenirs, collectibles, and artifact-themed items.
These are not available online, so take your time browsing and if you find something you like, take it home.
When I walked out after the visit, a gentle rain had begun to fall, and across the rain I saw Zhanqiao Pier and Little Qingdao on the opposite shore, adding a unique charm. With its prime location and being a beautiful building on the sea itself, how can you not check out this trendy venue?
TIPS
Address: Sea Palace, Xilingxia Road, Shinan District, Qingdao
Admission: Original price 80 yuan/person, discounted to 50 yuan/person for the National Day holiday
For a city as artistic and romantic as Qingdao, bookstores are not rare. But the one I visited in the Shilaoren area, 'SoBooks,' is particularly distinctive. With its literary and unique charm backed by the sea, it seems to outshine many. Beside the bookstore, a lighthouse seems to guide visitors, urging them to sit down inside and sort out life's troubles.
This book 'lighthouse' added by the Shilaoren seaside boasts unbeatable sea views. Next door is the SoBooks bar, where the romance of the sea perfectly merges with the passion of youth. Of course, the most special feature of SoBooks is that it's a '24-hour bookstore.' If you feel troubled in the dead of night, come here to feel the night breeze; the light of this 'lighthouse' may bring you some comfort and solace.
The bookstore is indeed quite crowded, mostly with people sitting in twos or threes by the window. Some seats look out to the sea, while others are enveloped by walls of books. For those of us always on the go, being able to set aside our phones for a while, hold a book, and quietly spend time with ourselves without interruptions is a rare and memorable treat. Many visitors here indeed sit by the window, deeply engrossed in a book, or working busily on their laptops. Order a cup of coffee, and a gently tipsy afternoon begins.
Connected to SoBooks is a bar of the same series. The ambiance here is completely different from the bookstore. Dim lighting creates a dreamlike atmosphere. While less crowded than the bookstore, it's full of young people. Before the night deepens, sitting by the window you can still hear the sound of the waves. Sip a mojito, and the evening becomes even more romantic.
Whether bookstore or bar, they both create an atmospheric space where busy people can take a breather. Put down your phone, reflect on the good and bad of today. Or think of nothing and do nothing, empty your mind and let your emotions be.
Dusk has deepened, and night arrives right on time. By the sea this season, the breeze is cool, so comfortable that you want to forget everything. Outside SoBooks, a performance unfolds. As the lead singer's first note drifts out, a whole day's weariness dissipates. At this moment, clink glasses with friends, take a big gulp of craft beer, and to hell with today, tomorrow—the joy of the present is what truly matters.
TIPS
Location: SoBooks inside City Lounge, No. 278 Haikou Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao, Shandong
SoBooks: Open 24 hours
Band performance: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
When traveling in Qingdao, you definitely won't miss those Insta-worthy spots in the Shinan District. No matter when you go, there's always someone ahead of you taking photos there. That's how infinitely charming this city is. Come, stroll with me to these places.
Qingdao's University Road is the earliest modern road in the city's history, known as 'Qingdao's First Road.' The most famous spot is the corner with the red wall. Although I've been here more than once, it's always crowded and I never had the patience to wait for a photo. Finally this time, perhaps because it was early or because of the light drizzle, there were only a few people, so I took a few pictures—fulfilling my long-held wish.
Walking along University Road, the streetscape is varied yet full of young people taking photos. Then turn onto Longjiang Road. Qingdao truly is a bourgeois and artistic city; the walls are covered with all sorts of graffiti, some indecipherable, yet you can't help but take pictures...
Ah, for some reason even the bus stop signs in this city have their own charm. A city's allure truly needs time to settle, especially in the old town of Shinan District, which carries a blend of history and culture—every spot is unique.
I caught a candid shot of two elderly people on a street corner. Watching their movements, I somehow felt that their relationship must be like both friends and lovers. Saying this, I couldn't help but feel a little envious—not because I have no one to love, but because I wonder how we'll be many years from now. Qingdao, truly a city that is both romantic and sentimental.
Finally, arrive at a must-visit spot on Longjiang Road—the 'Totoro' Insta-famous wall. This is a milk tea shop run by a few youngsters. The owner loves to draw and is a big Miyazaki fan, so they've painted classic characters from Miyazaki's animations on the wall. There's also a café on the corner, which isn't open for business but makes a great photo backdrop.
If you come to Qingdao, even if you skip the Instagram-famous spots, be sure to wander through these old streets in Shinan District and soak in the real Qingdao vibe.
At the end of Taiping Road in Shinan District stands Zhanqiao Pier. Located on the north side of Qingdao Bay, facing Little Qingdao across the water, it's commonly known as Qianhai Pier, Nanhai Pier, or Grand Pier, and is praised as a 'long rainbow reaching far.' It's Qingdao's first man-made pier in modern times, one of the city's most iconic and recognizable landmarks. When in Qingdao, checking in at Zhanqiao Pier is a must!
With over a century of history, Zhanqiao Pier now sees us carefully climbing onto the reef and staring out at the distant sea, lost in thought. I wonder if, many years ago, these reefs were just as tranquil and serene.
Zhongshan Road in Qingdao, a street imbued with the breath of time, leaves the most indelible impression with the foreign architecture shaded by green trees. St. Michael's Cathedral, the Governor's Mansion... an old-world European charm infused with historical texture. The Catholic church on Zhejiang Road is Qingdao's largest Gothic structure, the famous St. Michael's Cathedral. Its floor plan is a Latin cross, with two symmetrical, towering bell towers on either side, each housing four large copper bells that ring sonorously and harmoniously. Above the main entrance is a huge rose window, with a cross rising on each side. The church stands tall among thousands of buildings, and even the lush greenery cannot hide its solemnity and majesty.
As a coastal city, Qingdao's winding coastline definitely adds to its beauty. Urban development inevitably involves high-rise buildings, but overlooking Qingdao's coastline, the continuous bays and the layered architecture from low to high surprisingly complement the sea perfectly. This comfortable coastal cityscape is thus formed through urban planning.
Along Qingdao's coastline, you can see Zhanqiao Pier, Little Qingdao, Badaguan, Taipingjiao Park, May Fourth Square, Olympic Park, Wheat Island Park, Qingdao Haichang Polar Ocean World, Shilaoren Beach, Mount Lao... From west to east, from south to north, the meandering coastline features beaches, culture, and scenery—a beauty not every coastal city possesses.
A famous classical-style scenic spot in Qingdao, at an elevation of 60 meters. The mountain isn't high, but it offers sweeping views, overlooking Qingdao's red roofs and green trees—truly a classic and divine check-in spot.
Looking from west to east, you can see Zhanqiao Pier, Little Qingdao, Lu Xun Park, the aquarium, Huiquan Bay, No.1 Bathing Beach, Badaguan Scenic Area, etc. Most classic landmarks of Shinan District are within view.
It's called Xiaoyu Hill because it's near Yushan Road. The main building is the Wave-Viewing Pavilion, an octagonal three-story structure 18 meters high. You can climb to the platform and walk around the pavilion, taking in the blue sky, azure sea, green mountains, trees, red roofs, and yellow walls, and marvel at Qingdao's unique cityscape. It's also a great photo spot, using the blue sea, sky, trees, and red roofs as a backdrop—simply stunning. Regrettably, it was overcast when I visited, so not as glorious as on a sunny day, but it still had its own charm.
Xiaoyu Hill was originally a nameless hill; it got its name because the road in front was named after 'Yu Mountain,' a famous Buddhist mountain in Dong'e County, Shandong. From Xiaoyu Hill Park, you can gaze far and see three red mushroom-shaped buildings on a distant hill like three blazing torches—that's Signal Hill Park, one of Qingdao's ten major hilltop parks. Climb the steps from 'Blue Wave Pavilion' and stand by the railing; below to the right you'll see two ethnic-style buildings, one resembling a gate tower and the other a palace—that's the Qingdao Marine Products Museum.
Xiaoyu Hill Park TIPS
Location: No. 24 Fushan Branch Road, Shinan District, Qingdao
Admission: Free
Transport: Recommended to take bus or walk; if driving, parking is only available on roadside
Opening hours: 7:30–17:30
Qingdao is also known as 'Qindao' (Isle of Zithers). Many years ago, 'Qingdao' originally referred to a small island in a bay off the city's waterfront, named 'Qingdao' because it was lush with greenery all year round. The nickname 'Qindao' partly comes from a homophone; thus, in Huangdao District there's a Ferris wheel called 'Eye of Qindao,' and in Shinan District, there's a place called 'Little Qingdao' that has an intricate connection to 'Qindao.'
Approaching Little Qingdao Park on Qinyu Road near Lu Xun Park, the things you must not miss are the statue of the Qin Nü (zither maiden) on the square and the lighthouse. There's even a legend about the 'Qindao' and the statue. A fairy who played the zither in heaven fell in love with a young fisherman, so she descended to earth and married him. Whenever her husband went out to sea, she would sit on the small island and play her zither to express her longing. But beautiful stories often end sadly—the Jade Emperor thought she had broken heavenly law, so a sudden storm arose and the fisherman perished. Finally, the maiden played her zither by the sea, waiting, but her husband never returned, so she died for love. That's why the statue faces the sea.
Enter from Qinyu Road on the west side of Lu Xun Park, and you'll soon see the sign for Little Qingdao Park. Walk slowly against the wind along this coastal road; by the roadside, anglers are organizing their gear, and the reefs below the road are also worth a stop.
Arrive at the ticket office of Little Qingdao, buy a ticket, and enter the long causeway. The stone wall on the south side of the causeway is about half a person's height. This 377-meter-long, 8-meter-wide causeway was originally built by the Japanese, later washed away, and rebuilt in 1954. It's this causeway that turned Little Qingdao, once isolated at sea, into an artificial land-tied island. Protruding into the sea, Little Qingdao resembles a miniature Qingdao city, surrounded by water, lush and green, with a lighthouse guiding, flowers blooming, and sea breezes...
On Little Qingdao, there's an 'armory' and a 'tower,' both relics of history. Ordinary visitors usually can't see the armory and the lighthouse because they are locked. Actually, there's nothing special inside; the spaces are small and closed to the public for safety reasons. The lighthouse was built by Germans in 1900, stands 12 meters tall, all white, and is still in normal use today.
Recommended photo spots: Qin Nü statue: In the park square, a statue of a maiden holding a zither and gazing out to sea. Lighthouse: Visible from afar; the door is locked and climbing is not allowed. Shell Pavilion: A very popular photo spot online, but it really needs good weather to look its best. When I went, it was overcast, so it lacked that certain something. Qinyu Road and the causeway leading to the park: Both great for photos; just lean on the railing with the sea as the backdrop, creating strong depth. Little Qingdao sign: Near the entrance of Lu Xun Park, at the start of Qinyu Road, with blooming flowers in the background, giving a fresh blue-green tone. The outer causeway extending into the sea: It was locked when I went, so I couldn't access it. The first time I visited, I could walk onto it, and when you can't see the opposite shore, it feels like the end of the world—a pity I couldn't take a photo.
Little Qingdao TIPS
Location: No. 26 Qinyu Road, Shinan District, Qingdao
Admission: 5 yuan/person
Recommended visit time: 1-2 hours
Nearby: Lu Xun Park
Transport: Take Metro Line 3 to Renmin Huitang Station; or take bus routes 6, 26, 202 loop, 214, 223, 228, 316, Tunnel 2, Tunnel 6, etc., to the 'Lu Xun Park (Underwater World)' stop, then walk along Qinyu Road west for about 800 meters to the island. Alternatively, take a speedboat from the pier south of Zhanqiao Pier to Little Qingdao, taking only 3 minutes, reference price 30 yuan.
There is an enduring photo mecca in Qingdao, and that's none other than Wheat Island. I've been there twice, and each time it was packed with people, a testament to its popularity. These two visits were almost two years apart. While Wheat Island had changed, the transformation wasn't drastic—it's become more polished. Private cars are no longer allowed to park on the roadside, making it cleaner and safer, which is definitely a plus. Unfortunately, on my second visit, the boardwalk was under repair, so I used photos from the first visit, and they blended seamlessly with the second visit's shots!
Take a bus from near Badaguan to Wheat Island Park on Maidao Road in Laoshan District. Walk about 800 meters and you'll arrive. A relatively short bridge connects it, and because the tide was low, many people were wading on the reefs or picking up shells. I thought that maybe when the tide is high and strong, this bridge might be the only way to the park.
Wheat Island Park is actually not big, but it has blue skies, the sea, grassland, and a tender vibe that fits your idea of romance. While these elements aren't rare for a seaside city, you have to admit it's a great place for photos.
A few spots worth photographing: ① Walk freely on the wooden boardwalk – wide shot, small figure. The photographer stands slightly higher for a bird's-eye view, capturing the blue sky, sea, and boardwalk all in one frame. The boardwalk can serve as a diagonal dividing line; the person's movements should be big, like striding forward and looking back, or tossing hair from behind. ② Grin in the pink muhly grass – tight shot, close-up. Near the entrance of Wheat Island, there are two flower beds of pink muhly grass. Only small-scale, close-up shots work; wide shots easily betray the limited area. Aim for a blue sky background, blur the grass in the foreground, and keep the person sharp for impact. ③ Sit or lie casually on the grass. As it's autumn, large patches of grass have turned yellow, but it still looks great in wide shots. Don't forget the blue sky and sea; grass covering one-third of the frame suffices. ④ Face the wind and look up on a reef. A protruding, easily climbable reef is the best framing spot, a common seaside composition: blue sky and sea with a bit of reef. Both wide and close shots work.
Wheat Island Park TIPS
Address: 50 meters west of Maidao Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao
Bus: Get off at Maidao Road Parking Lot Station, then walk over 800 meters.
Self-drive: Not recommended, as both sides of the road to Wheat Island are packed with parked cars, leaving no space—very troublesome.
Admission: Free
Dining: When you exit Maidao Road, there are many eateries nearby.
'Select the freshest ingredients, meticulously prepare delicious dishes, simplify complexity and return to the true essence of food'—that is the philosophy of Shengxian Cuisine. Their specially crafted sukiyaki, sushi, sashimi platter, and many exquisite Japanese dishes are served. Even the presentation alone whets the appetite, and after tasting each one, you'll marvel at how authentic and genuine the ingredients and techniques are. The thick-cut Japanese beef tongue is crisp, springy, and chewy—highly recommended! These carefully sourced and flavorful dishes are all made on-site by a professional Japanese chef who honed his skills in Macau and Japan for a decade. Shengxian Cuisine restaurant can accommodate 60 diners at once. In addition to daily dining, it also hosts small seminars, cocktail parties, salon lectures, etc., and can arrange different formats to meet various needs, achieving infinite possibilities in a limited space.
Address: Nonghaiyuan Hotel, Haikou Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao
When traveling in Qingdao, besides Tsingtao Beer, you should also try this sauce-aroma (Maotai-style) white liquor—Qianxi. Qianxi only brews authentic Daqu sauce-aroma liquor; uses only water from the Chishui River that has flowed for 70 million years; uses only locally grown red glutinous sorghum. Tracing its roots, Qianxi Distillery has an extraordinary connection to 'Moutai.' Located in the 7.5-square-kilometer core production area of Moutai Town, it relies on Moutai Town's unique ecological environment and geographical advantages of 'water, soil, climate, and microorganisms.' It strictly follows the traditional brewing process of Moutai Town's sauce-aroma baijiu, producing genuine Daqu sauce-aroma liquor. Their main products are Qianxi Fine Liquor, Qianxi Classic Liquor, and Qianxi Heritage Liquor.
Stay at the eastern foot of Mount Lao, where you can open the window and see the sunrise over the sea. The location of Mulan Seaview Resort Hotel is fantastic! The hotel's exterior features a minimalist style dominated by glass mirrors, with no unnecessary decoration, aiming to let guests better relax and enjoy their vacation time, giving rise to a sense of tranquility. The hotel has a total of 28 rooms, including 4 suites, 2 parent-child themed family rooms, 17 king-bed rooms, and 5 standard rooms, most of which offer mountain and sea views. Open the window and you can gaze at the distant mountains or watch the sunrise over the sea at Shilaoren. You get to enjoy sunshine, breezes, and the sea all at once—how wonderful! The interior decor is also minimalist, with light whites and wood tones; all rooms have separate wet and dry areas. There's central air conditioning, smart toilets, Bluetooth speakers... even the bedding is high-end custom brand, with attentive service felt in every detail. As the morning sunlight intensifies and filters through the curtains, that moment is truly satisfying. The hotel also features a Japanese restaurant, afternoon tea, and a small bar, catering to both custom dinners and private afternoon tea time.
Address: Phase II of Nonghaiyuan, No. 316 Xianggang East Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao
Price: Ranges from 200 to 800 yuan per room; advance inquiry recommended.
Nearby attractions: Qingdao Polar Ocean World, Qingdao Grand Theatre, Qingdao Museum, Yandunjiao, Shilaoren Sightseeing Park
Qingdao Kunlun Heyue Resort Hotel is located in the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, with the city's most renowned sailing and yacht experiences just steps away. Dining, shopping, and entertainment venues abound in the vicinity. The hotel has over a hundred guest rooms and suites, a lobby bar, buffet restaurant, international-standard swimming pool, multifunctional hall, and banquet hall. From the rooms, you can overlook what is often called the most beautiful coastline in the world.
Address: No. 6 Jinwan Road, Shinan District, Qingdao
Price: Ranges from 300 to 700 yuan per room; advance inquiry recommended.
