On My Sixth Visit to Qingdao, I Discovered a Hidden Gem: Stunning Scenery, Few Crowds, Perfect for a Getaway

Autumn in Qingdao – how can the word “beautiful” even begin to describe it? The sky is a crisp blue, the sea glistens in sapphire, gentle breezes drift by, and trees form shady canopies. From the red walls and green tiles of Badaguan to the soft sandy shores of the beach baths, from story-laden old quarters to sleek modern districts, every corner is steeped in enchanting hues that make you never want to leave.

But Qingdao is more than just Badaguan. Over my six trips here, I’ve uncovered many delightful spots. This time, I headed straight to the coast of Aoshan Bay, Qingdao’s second-largest bay. Today, it’s home to the HKCTS Haiquan Bay Resort, an up-and-coming destination in the city.

Haiquan Bay sits on the eastern side of Binhai Avenue in Jimo, facing Aoshan Bay, 40 kilometres from downtown Qingdao and 15 kilometres from Jimo’s town centre, with easy access in all directions.

Autumn is the prime season to visit Haiquan Bay, especially just after the National Day holiday. The crowds thin out, the scenery is at its best, prices drop, and with the fishing season open, the seafood is fresher than ever. There’s truly no better time.

From the resort, you can gaze southwest to Mount Lao, its peaks shrouded in clouds and mist, stretching out to sea – a veritable fairy mountain above the ocean. Eastward, the Tianheng Islands appear and fade amid glowing clouds. The resort itself boasts a kilometre-long golden beach and bromine-rich marine hot springs, making it a perfect oasis for relaxation.

If shopping is your thing, wander through the European-style Outlets shopping street. The architecture echoes the classic European flair of downtown Badaguan, with blue seas, clear skies, golden sands, and silvery waves blending into a romantic sunset backdrop.

Rising above is a towering Ferris wheel with the charming name “Ocean Star.” Legend has it that if a couple shares a kiss at its highest point, they will stay together forever. That is why so many young sweethearts come here to whisper their romantic vows.

Built right by the sea, the Ocean Star reaches 88 metres – the tallest in Qingdao – with 54 hanging viewing cabins. A full rotation takes 20 minutes, offering a 360-degree panorama. As you ascend, the seemingly endless golden beach and the shimmering expanse of Aoshan Bay unfold beneath you, revealing Qingdao’s beautiful landscape. You can also watch the sunrise over the sea or soak in the warm glow of sunset.

Now, let’s get to what everyone really wants to know: the food! This place serves my favourite Japanese cuisine, with several creative dishes I absolutely have to recommend.

Tempura – a creative dish that arrives with a flame, the heat perfectly controlled to yield a crisp and tender bite. My top recommendation.

Botan shrimp – nestled in an ice mountain frozen for eight hours, one Arctic sweet shrimp lies there quietly, incredibly fresh. They say the tastiest part is sucking the shrimp head, but I always imagine it’s the innards and could never bring myself to try.

The sashimi platter is generous and fresh, with decent knife work. Salmon, octopus, shishamo – every type is a favourite.

Abalone braised in chicken broth for over four hours – the broth’s savoury depth meets the abalone’s silky tenderness, an absolute masterpiece. The presentation is dramatic: it arrives covered with magic paper that is set alight, revealing the abalone like a magic show.

Conch and matsutake soup – served in a conch shell, containing conch meat and matsutake broth. The soup is exquisite, with a hint of matsutake but dominated by the fresh taste of the sea. It’s also served with a flame, adding a delightful surprise. A Japanese meal like this costs around 200 yuan per person. After eating, you can ease into the marine hot springs to relax – pure bliss.

In the evening, I checked into a Thai-style room at the Haiquan Bay hot spring hotel. Hot spring water is piped directly into the room, so you can soak in a private bath, enjoy a sauna, and from the balcony, drink in the golden beach and stunning sea views.

Qingdao’s hot springs are among the four great marine hot springs in the world, known for their therapeutic benefits. The Jimo area where Haiquan Bay Resort is located has a hot spring culture dating back to the Western Han Dynasty, deeply etched into the local way of life.

The hot spring complex features five themed zones with over 60 indoor and outdoor pools, suitable for all ages. After fully opening your pores in the spring waters, your day’s fatigue simply melts away. I booked a therapist for an essential oil back massage, cupping therapy, and a fascinating ear acupressure seed treatment – incredibly soothing.

This autumn, if you come to Qingdao, make sure to experience Haiquan Bay. It’s a journey with a difference.