China's Most Livable City, Hidden in Shandong
When asked what kind of city Qingdao is,
someone answered my question with three phrases:
“Its nicknames have three treasures: Sailing Capital, Island City, Beer Capital.
Its features have three treasures: sea, seafood, beer.
Its celebrities have three treasures: Huang Bo, Ni Ping, Huang Xiaoming.”
As the “Switzerland of the East,”
Qingdao’s architecture is distinctive,
mostly with red-tiled pointed roofs,
still retaining the German Renaissance style,
offering a glimpse into China’s modern history at a glance.
People's Daily named China's most livable cities,
and Qingdao, with its fresh air,
beautiful environment,
and stunning coastal scenery,
was selected as “China's No.1 Livable City.”
A thousand-year-old ancient capital,
the name first appeared in the Strategies of the Warring States,
and it has had multiple names,
such as Kangwang City,
showing its profound historical heritage.
But unfortunately,
Jimo Ancient City disappeared during the Sui and Tang dynasties,
and it wasn't until 2014
that the ancient city was rebuilt.
Thus, for a few years,
Jimo Ancient City was given a new name,
“The Sleeping Kingdom of History.”
Fortunately, with the later emergence of self-media videos,
this classical capital was remembered again.
Stepping into this ancient city,
setting aside other things,
the diverse city wall architecture
immediately transports you back in time.
Winding old lanes of varying widths,
sturdy blue stone slabs in layers,
truly a cultural settlement.
Haiquan Bay Resort
How can you miss Haiquan Bay Resort?
It lies on the shores of Aoshan Bay, Qingdao’s second-largest bay,
with a kilometer-long golden beach
and one of the world’s four major marine bromine salt hot springs!
Speaking of Haiquan Bay’s hot springs,
I must elaborate a bit.
As one of the core experiences of the resort,
the hot spring complex covers 34,000 square meters,
with water temperature consistently around 90°C
and containing over 30 trace elements beneficial to the body.
Soaking in Haiquan Bay’s hot springs
not only relieves fatigue
but also promotes health and wellness!
The resort also features a seaside Ferris wheel,
resort hotels, and various recreational facilities,
perfect for family trips with kids,
and you can even bring your elderly parents
for a hot spring date.
Qingdao Sunac Land
When it comes to the best place for family fun,
my top pick is definitely Qingdao Sunac Land.
The park includes two themed areas: Laoshan Scenic Area and a German-style town,
allowing you to enjoy the scenery indoors as well.
There are also 14 rides,
like an indoor suspended roller coaster
and an indoor vertical log flume ride,
each one a thrill ride.
I wouldn’t recommend bringing very young children for these,
but if you do want to play,
there are gentler options like the carousel
and Ferris wheel.
I took my own child to Sunac Land,
and we plan to go back every year,
because it feels like a fairy-tale playground inside —
both big and little kids absolutely love it.
Beyond the places I visited,
Qingdao has many more famous attractions,
like the Polar Ocean Park,
the Beer Museum, and more...
Qingdao’s scenery is as beautiful as a painting,
and its fun spots are like stars in the sky,
each one unique
and brilliantly shining.
Editor-in-charge: Walking Two-Dimensional
Introduction: I’m Uncle Er, a Beijinger born by the Imperial City walls and raised under the red flag. I’ve traveled to 80 countries, but Africa remains my most unforgettable continent. My heart still races at the mention of travel. If the world were a stamp album, every stamp would be worth collecting.
