Early Autumn Qingdao: In the Name of Love, 15 Instagrammable Spots and Every Facet of Qingdao Life
Youth, freedom, artistry, petit-bourgeois charm, love—each of these words instantly brings Qingdao to mind. My first time in Qingdao, I fell head over heels for this seaside city. Qingdao is a city of stories; this youthful city has both a chic, romantic side and a rich, storied past. Over four days and three nights, I wandered through its streets and alleys. This early autumn, in the name of love, I pay tribute to Qingdao.
【About the Itinerary】
D1: Take a high-speed train from Shijiazhuang directly to Qingdao. In the afternoon, visit Haitian Yuncang Art Center. In the evening, have dumplings at Mianchao Dahai Jiaozi Yanjiusuo on Qingrenba.
D2: In the morning, visit Xiaomai Island, Xinhao Hill, and Bushezhouye Cafe. In the afternoon, check out Monai Huayuan, Haijiao Qihao Villa Hotel, Guo Moruo Study, U-UP, Qingdao Yujian Milan, and Taipingjiao Park.
D3: Visit the Catholic Church (St. Michael's Cathedral), Qingdao Film Museum, Qingdao Post and Telecommunications Museum, Zhanqiao Pier. In the evening, night cruise on Fushan Bay.
D4: Return to Shijiazhuang.
【About Pre-trip Preparations】
1. In Qingdao's autumn, if it doesn't rain, it's still quite hot, with a large temperature difference between morning and evening. During my few days, the weather was very sunny, but you still need to bring an autumn jacket. 2. Qingdao has many niche photo spots. My itinerary was quite tight, covering 15 attractions, some clustered together. Plan ahead and you can easily cover them all and take great photos. 4. On the road, remember to wear brightly colored clothes for better posing. Comfortable shoes are very important. At the seaside, bring a dress; for many exotic-style spots, prepare some nice outfits in advance. 5. Essential photography gear: a camera, a phone tripod will enhance your travel journal. I brought a DJI drone, a Sony A7R2, and an iPhone XR. Also, a power bank is a must.
In this season of falling leaves, with a gentle breeze, all good things come unexpectedly. My first stop in Qingdao was the Haitian Yuncang Art Center, located at No. 48 Hong Kong West Road, South District, in the Haitian Center T2. This is the best observation deck to overlook the entire city, where I encountered the most beautiful Qingdao and a heart-stirring sunset.
Qingdao is a tourist city with an innate artistic temperament and also a perfect city for love-themed check-ins. Many spots here are ideal for couples. I felt that visiting the Haitian Yuncang Art Center, Qingdao's new landmark, at dusk would bring unique surprises.
Curious about the observation deck high above the clouds, I took the elevator with a local friend's guidance. The sightseeing hall has four high-speed elevators; it takes only 45 seconds from the B1 ticket hall to the 81st-floor observation deck—a stunningly fast ride.
The city sightseeing hall offers a 360° transparent viewing area. Different angles present entirely different impressions. This is Qingdao's coolest first high-altitude observation deck, situated on the 81st floor, 330 meters above ground. You can take in a 360-degree view of Qingdao's cityscape, from classic sights like Badaguan and Zhanshan Temple to the bustling commercial area along Hong Kong Road, all in one glance.
My favorite part is the Diamond Corner, of which there are three. You can snap stunning photos to wow your social media circle. If you plan to visit, pick a clear day and try to come around sunset evening.
Qingdao is a magical city: modern and chic, artistically fresh, and steeped in history. It hides many petit-bourgeois spots perfect for couples. In my opinion, Haitian Yuncang Art Center is one of the must-visit attractions. Admission to the city sightseeing hall is 200 yuan; combined ticket for the sightseeing hall and Cloud Art Center is 268 yuan.
Walking down one floor from the 81st, we reached the 80th floor. Here, an art exhibition displays authentic works by masters like Picasso, Xu Beihong, and Qi Baishi. Standing face-to-face with these masterpieces is a rare experience.
Strolling among the masterpieces, I savored the pleasure of art. To be so close to these artworks is an unforgettable experience for many. The entire exhibition hall is very quiet; to truly appreciate everything, you'd need a good two hours.
As the sunset descended, I stretched out my hands and caught the golden orb in my palms. The city lights hadn't yet lit up, and the sunset's glow painted the sea and sky in beautiful warm hues. Such a poetic moment is captured in my camera and etched into my travel memories. Romantic Qingdao, until we meet again.
Autumn is a harvest season. Across China, colors undergo dramatic changes, from lush green to vibrant hues. In this clear and refreshing season, I recommend three relatively niche photo spots in Qingdao that are perfect for fresh, crisp photos.
Xiaomai Island is a newly popular internet-famous spot, located in Laoshan District, Qingdao, Shandong. It was developed only in 2018 and is a free island park.
Walking along the seaside path on Xiaomai Island, you can enjoy beautiful coastal scenery. On one side is rustic pastoral nature, on the other, the azure sea blending with the sky. Across the water, skyscrapers stand tall—a modern city that embodies both fashion and fresh nature.
Xiaomai Island is not large. Its walking paths are adorned with artistic inscriptions that attract many visitors. Coming with your loved one, blowing the fresh sea breeze, and soaking in the romance of this seaside city is the most poetic thing this autumn.
If I say Qingdao is artistic and petit-bourgeois, many would agree. The city has many internet-famous check-in spots, and Bushezhouye Cafe is one of the most distinctive. Many young travelers make a special trip here.
Bushezhouye Cafe is at No. 4 Longjiang Road, Shinan District, Qingdao. I visited around noon and saw many people checking in. It's not far from Lao She's Former Residence. From the outside, green ivy covers the walls, and the romantic decor brims with artistic atmosphere. The celebrity Luhan once visited, adding to its internet fame.
Many wedding photographers also come to shoot in front of the cafe. If you're tired, step inside for a rest. Their mocha is 40 yuan a cup, caramel macchiato and cinnamon cappuccino are 36 yuan each. Qingdao's travel pace is slow and leisurely.
Xinhao Hill is another niche tourist spot I highly recommend. It's a free park located in the central part of Shinan District, Qingdao, with an elevation of 98 meters. It's an easy stroll up, and the view from the top is beautiful, offering a panoramic view of Qingdao.
At Xinhao Hill, you'll see many young couples coming specifically to check in. The hill got its name from history: after Germany occupied Qingdao, they built a signal station on the summit to guide ships in and out of Jiaozhou Bay, displaying various signal, weather, and wind flags daily.
Qingdao is a fashionable modern city and a petit-bourgeois artistic one. I love Qingdao, and I look forward to returning in the deep autumn season.
Autumn is perfect. With a gentle breeze, step into Qingdao, this artistic city and also a holy land for love check-ins. Today, I'll list a few petit-bourgeois check-in spots, all located in Badaguan, that in an instant transport you from France to Italy and then to Milan.
Monai Huayuan (Monet Garden)—the name tells you it's a French-style spot inspired by Monet's works. It's a quiet haven amidst the bustle. On the rooftop viewing platform, with the sea breeze, enjoying the view of Taipingjiao, slowly sipping a cup of coffee—this is a wonderful autumn afternoon.
Sitting in a corner of Monai Huayuan, sunlight pours through the window and falls on me. Holding a book, I enjoy the leisurely pace of Qingdao life. Time here is simple and tranquil; one can let the mind wander and quietly savor the essence of life. The slow life we imagine is a state of mind, not just a condition.
Monai Huayuan is at No. 19 Taipingjiao 1st Road, Shinan District. Sitting on the rooftop, you can enjoy the sea breeze, the ocean view, and with a drink in hand, it's a happy afternoon.
If you like an exotic atmosphere, come to Haijiao Qihao Villa Hotel. Its blue-and-white color scheme gives a fresh style. There's a large rooftop terrace to overlook Qingdao's scenery, making it a popular photo spot.
Haijiao Qihao Villa Hotel is at No. 7 Taipingjiao 1st Road, Shinan District. Standing on the rooftop, sunbathing and enjoying the sea breeze is utterly pleasant. It's also very photogenic; you can snap exotic-style photos in an instant.
Qingdao Yujian Milan—what a heart-fluttering experience! This century-old Italian-style courtyard, with romantic settings, has become a proposal paradise. It features a replica of the Mouth of Truth from the movie Roman Holiday; those with a movie sentiment can come take photos. I love the old-courtyard arrangement. The venue can also host large weddings. I think having a wedding in such a romantic place is an unforgettable lifetime experience.
Qingdao is a city with profound historical and cultural heritage, which has shaped its current artistic charm. In the 1950s, Mr. Guo Moruo lived here for a period. His study, tranquil and cozy, has a balcony from which you can gaze at the sea.
Guo Moruo Study is at No. 23 Taipingjiao 1st Road. The small white-walled, red-tiled building looks very fresh. Walking into the study, you enter a quiet space. It's warmly decorated, with bookshelves neatly displaying Guo Moruo's books, and old photos carrying the warmth of time.
The study is perfectly situated on a seaside cliff. Open the window and you'll face the Taiping Bay embraced by Huiquanjiao and Taipingjiao. When tired of reading, standing on the terrace and watching the tides come and go is a fine moment of life. The reason Guo Moruo chose to retreat here was largely due to Qingdao's environment; such peaceful seaside time was ideal for writing. When we visit, we can also spend a whole day here: reading, sipping tea, gazing at the sea, daydreaming—all wonderful.
U-UP is a restaurant opened by two women who returned from studying abroad, turning dreams into reality. Italian style and Qingdao essence blend seamlessly. Whether with a few friends or as a couple, it's full of ambience. The clever layout gives each private room a different style, making it very photogenic.
Taipingjiao Park is a free park and a favorite local spot. Now, Taipingjiao Park has a Love Road that attracts many young people for check-ins, especially couples who use this way to express their affection—a kind of fulfillment.
Autumn is a dazzling season of colors, with many beautiful things happening. A slice of idle cloud, a stream of moonlight; a journey through landscapes, a year of life. In Qingdao, find your own artistic flair.
As a travel blogger who has visited many cities across this vast land, I'm visiting Qingdao for the first time. A long-held anticipation gently unfolds this autumn, and Qingdao has brought me many surprises. Autumn Qingdao is red tiles, green trees, blue sea, and clear sky. With plump fish, tasty shrimp, and ripe crabs, Qingdao is also a city for the taste buds.
I spent four days and three nights experiencing the joy of artistic Qingdao. If you, like me, are visiting for the first time, I think there are two must-do simple things: one is to take a yacht at nightfall to cruise Fushan Bay, feeling the beauty of Qingdao's nightscape amidst shimmering waves; the other is to eat authentic Qingdao seafood dumplings, satisfying your taste buds with a feast of the sea.
If you travel to Qingdao and want to see the best night view, then at dusk when the lights come on, hop on a yacht to experience the visual feast of Fushan Bay's light show. The light show stretches from Taipingjiao in the west to Zhuhai Branch Road in the east, with over 100 high-rise buildings along the coast displaying radiant, ever-changing patterns and text.
From the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, take a yacht to cruise around the city's most beautiful bay. The whole trip takes about 50 minutes. Stand on the deck, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the dazzling night scenery.
Getting off the yacht, it's just mealtime. If you come to Qingdao, I highly recommend eating at Mianchao Dahai Jiaozi Yanjiusuo on Qingrenba. As night falls, Qingrenba at the Olympic Sailing Center becomes the most bustling spot—it's the best location to enjoy the Fushan Bay night view, and many restaurants are busy.
Speaking of dumplings, they are one of the Chinese people's favorite staple foods. Qingdao has three treasures: beer, seafood, and fish dumplings. At Mianchao Dahai Jiaozi Yanjiusuo, you can satisfy your taste buds in one stop. They specialize in dumplings with diverse fillings, a rich menu, and super-fresh seafood.
I tasted many varieties of seafood dumplings: Spanish mackerel dumplings, cuttlefish dumplings, shrimp dumplings, and yellow croaker dumplings. Each won my praise. The mackerel dumplings use wild mackerel from Qingdao's waters, typically over 1 kg, bursting with freshness. The cuttlefish dumplings are black in color, using wild cuttlefish over 3 kg, with tender and springy flesh. What amazed me most were the small yellow croaker dumplings—fresh seafood, delicate meat, and the ultimate taste is simply "fresh."
In Qingdao, two drinks are must-tries: Laoshan Cola and Laoshan Baihua Sheshui (a herbal drink). Both are internet-famous beverages. I find Laoshan Cola quite tasty, but the taste of Laoshan Baihua Sheshui was a bit hard to accept.
In autumn Qingdao, the night is like water. Gather with a couple of friends, sit outdoors at a restaurant, feel the sea breeze, sip some wine, eat dumplings and seafood, and enjoy the light show. Isn't that wonderful?
My first time in Qingdao, I fell deeply in love with this seaside city. Qingdao is a city of stories; this youthful city has both a romantic, petit-bourgeois side and a storied, profound side. When in Qingdao, there are two museums you must remember to check out: the Qingdao Film Museum and the Qingdao Post and Telecommunications Museum.
To me, Qingdao is a treasure of a city. Its beautiful coastal scenery and profound cultural heritage endow it with a distinctive temperament. Many people know Qingdao for the Catholic Church and Zhanqiao Pier, but in fact, there are many hidden spots worth visiting. Qingdao has many museums, each telling its own Qingdao story.
Film buffs familiar with Chinese cinema know that Qingdao has a long-standing connection with film and is often called a "natural studio." Many early Chinese films were shot here. When visiting Qingdao, be sure to check out the Qingdao Film Museum to learn about this connection.
The Qingdao Film Museum is on the 3rd floor of the 1907 Light & Shadow Club at No. 17 Hubei Road, Shinan District. Upon entering, you feel a strong vintage aura. The museum was designed in 1899 and built in 1902; it was Qingdao's first auditorium, first cinema, and first cultural complex, and it is the earliest existing cinema in China.
Inside the film museum, there's a dedicated dining area. I happened upon a wedding of Qingdao locals—such a ceremony is surely an unforgettable lifetime experience.
Rows of old movie posters pull our memories back to a distant era. The museum holds over a thousand precious items, including film copies, manuscripts, posters, and equipment—a storehouse of a generation's youthful memories.
In the east area's film street, classic scenes from Roman Holiday, Amélie, Days of Being Wild, and In the Mood for Love are recreated. Come take photos identical to those in the movies!
The beauty of reading lies in the sudden enlightenment at some moment. During my travels, I love strolling into bookstores to feel a city's cultural vibe. This time, unexpectedly, at the Post and Telecommunications Museum, I found a bookstore.
Having visited many artistic spots in Qingdao, I purposely came to the Qingdao Post and Telecommunications Museum this afternoon. Located at No. 5 Anhui Road, Shinan District, it's a 129-year-old European-style building. The first floor mainly sells postcards and offers slow-mail services; the second floor displays telephones from different eras; and on the fourth floor is a very quiet bookstore.
I love the bookstore atmosphere. Besides local museums, my favorite thing on a trip is visiting bookstores. At Liangyou Shufang, the atmosphere is very quiet. Many Qingdao locals bring their children here to read in their leisure time.
The bookstore also serves drinks and coffee. For many young people, a cup of coffee and a favorite book make a perfect afternoon. Perhaps because life has been so busy in recent years, it's rare to settle down and read. Taking some time to relax the mind is something I think is very necessary.
Autumn breeze gently arrives. As city dwellers catch a whiff of early autumn, they excitedly search for it everywhere. Autumn spreads in every unnoticed corner of Qingdao. I love Qingdao's artistic and petit-bourgeois essence. I think, as long as you come from afar, you'll understand.
