Douye's World View ⑥ — Come to Qingdao, Climb a Mountain, Fall in Love with a City, Chase a Dream

Vast landscapes, earthly delights

Originally we planned to go to Rizhao for the National Day holiday, booking the itinerary early. But with the pandemic flaring up unpredictably, we didn't dare take Maidou out of the city. So we reluctantly switched to a three-day Qingdao getaway.

Although I'm a native Qingdaoer, this is my first time being a tourist here for three days.

Let me take this chance to recommend a few fun off-the-beaten-path spots.

Hello, QINGDAO // Itinerary

Here's a rough three-day outline:

🌈 Day 1: Climb a Mountain – Cuilin Yunzhuang

Morning: Head to Cuilin Yunzhuang.

Noon: Have a picnic there.

Afternoon: Play at the children's playground.

Evening: Check into Cuilin Yunzhuang Cabin #12.

🌈 Day 2: Fall in Love with a City – Aduo Huayu

Morning: Breakfast at Cuilin Yunzhuang and continue exploring.

After lunch: Go to Jimo's Aduo Huayu scenic area.

Night: Stay at Buyi Inn within Aduo Huayu.

🌈 Day 3: Chase a Dream – Du Kang's Dream

Morning: Keep exploring Aduo Huayu.

After lunch: Return to downtown Qingdao.

Afternoon: Visit the Tsingtao Beer Museum.

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Sun-kissed and carefree // Accommodation

Hotels during the October holiday are really hard to book – make sure to reserve early.

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Escape toward the clearing sky and fields, without flinching or looking back

🌈 Night 1: Cuilin Yunzhuang Hotel (a paradise for kids)

★ For children not yet in primary school, book a wooden cabin; Cabin #12 is spacious with a swing at the door.

★ For school-age kids, choose a treehouse; they're private and fun, especially Cabin #11 with its slide – kids will never want to leave.

★ Both Cabin #11 treehouse and Cabin #12 wooden cabin are close to the bamboo forest breakfast spot and the management office, very convenient.

Since Maidou is still little, we booked a 'Wooden Cabin King Room' – a 16sqm room with a 1.8m bed, a small kitchenette, and very clean.

It has floor-to-ceiling windows opening to a tiny balcony overlooking a dense grove; morning sunlight slants in obliquely – the view is stunning.

A small yard out front holds the swing, perfect for chatting and enjoying the night view.

The only drawback is poor phone signal, no WiFi and no TV.

★ The hotel includes two breakfasts, two buffet meals, and two entry tickets.

★ Price: 928 CNY

★ Location: Cuilin Yunzhuang Hotel, Maojiazhuang Community, Jihongtan Street, Chengyang District

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🌈 Night 2: Buyi Inn (one of Aduo Huayu's themed guesthouses)

★ Buyi Inn: Budget inn, minimalist style, Chinese aesthetic, advocates a leisurely slow life, suits most tastes, decent accommodation, affordable.

★ Huajiantang·Lanshe: Light luxury, antique elegance, large rooms, refined amenities, higher price.

★ Chan Yi: Strong Buddhist incense ambiance, ideal for older guests seeking tea and reading.

★ Qian Li Zou Dan Qi: Three branches in the resort – Xing Tian Wai, Yue Bei, Liu Yue – strong modern vibe, comfy rooms with entertainment areas, good for young people.

★ Huazhu·She: Excellent service, the best rooms among all, but also the priciest.

When booking we could only find Buyi Inn, so we reserved their Scenic King Room in advance.

Arriving late, the best second-floor rooms were taken; we were assigned a ground-floor room with a small courtyard. The floor-to-ceiling window looked onto an interior shaft, no view, a bit regretful.

★ Breakfast not included; can be purchased on-site.

★ Price: 531 CNY

★ Location: Inside Aduo Huayu, No.8 Baima Road, Huangdao District

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The wind comes from afar, no harm in just going // Parking

Stop 1: Cuilin Yunzhuang

During October 1st, it was very crowded. The temporary parking nearby was packed.

Luckily we'd pre-booked the hotel, so we could drive straight in.

Around 10am the hotel parking lot was still quite empty – it felt like using a VIP lane.

🌈 Stop 2: Aduo Huayu

Most visitors arriving for the night had pre-booked a guesthouse. This spot just opened and is usually quiet, but during the National Day break it was packed.

There's a dedicated parking building with five levels; the B1 level is for overnight guests. Park there and a shuttle will pick you up and drop you at your guesthouse.

The shuttles are centrally dispatched; just hail any one you see and tell the driver which inn you're headed to – you can ride if there's space.

Drivers are very friendly, communication is easy.

🌈 Stop 3: Tsingtao Beer Museum

The museum doesn't offer parking.

But right outside is Beer Street, lined with seafood restaurants.

You can call ahead and tell a restaurant you'll come for lunch or dinner, and they'll usually let you park at their entrance.

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From downtown Qingdao to Cuilin Yunzhuang, it takes about 1.5 hours by car.

Follow the navigation, it's accurate; near the scenic area traffic was heavy.

Some small roads leading in were filled with parked cars, and patrols warned that the area was full, no entry allowed. That's when you see the hotel privilege – just tell them you have a reservation, and they'll open a green corridor.

You can park right in the hotel's scenic-area lot, no parking worries.

🌿 Sunlit meadow, far from the madding crowd

Get two wristbands at the hotel lobby, then enter via the annual-pass channel without lining up.

Come early and rent a bicycle or mini e-scooter; the area is large and a full loop takes quite a while. We arrived when it was already crowded and missed out on the little vehicles – a pity.

The central lawn is the main venue for Minsheng Shijian Road, with lots of little deer you can feed. By the time we got there the carrots were sold out, so we just looked, pitched our tent, and left.

Wander around, then queue with Maidou in the play area for a couple of slides – that takes you to noon.

Note: Carrots are limited each day, and sell out fast.

Sale times: 8:30am and 1:30pm, only two sessions a day.

If you want to feed the deer, go early. Once they're full, they won't eat anymore.

The hotel's buffet lunch: kids free.

Decent variety, good staples and dishes.

Especially the crispy thin pancakes – excellent texture. Maidou loved them and ate quite a few.

🌿 Check into Cabin #12 with a swing

After lunch, around 1:30pm, play in the hotel's little garden – pet the cats, swing – then you can check in.

🦌 PS: Note the check-in time at Cuilin Yunzhuang Hotel is 2:00pm.

At two o'clock, handle it at the front desk, grab your luggage, and take a shuttle directly to your cabin or treehouse door – very good service.

Maidou usually naps until around 4pm. The scenic area closes at 5pm, and visitors start packing up to leave.

That's heaven for overnight guests! The slides that had long queues during the day, the photo-worthy Instagram spots, the crowds around the deer – all empty now.

The wooden slides, roller slides, the six-meter elephant slide on the boardwalk – all free to enjoy without waiting.

Till nightfall, we saw the patrol cart, hitched a ride to the entrance, rented an e-scooter, circled the area, and discovered a small slide near the zoo.

Backlit by the scooter's headlights, Maidou played for another half hour.

Back at the cabin, we called reception to order dinner; about half an hour later a shuttle delivered it – very convenient.

The only mediocre thing about the cabin was no TV. But that just meant we put aside electronic devices and spent quality time with Maidou.

After dinner we played together, washed up, and went to bed early.

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In the morning, open the back door to the little balcony, and it feels like the whole forest is mine.

The early sunlight is gentle, like a thin veil, softly sprinkling through the woods.

On the railing, a tiny snail climbs silently.

Autumn deepens; a soft breeze brushes the face, refreshing and invigorating.

Just after rain, dewdrops slide off leaves with a pattering sound, the wind rustles the trees – everything so beautiful.

Holding Maidou, leaning on the rail, watching leaves sway and dew fall.

Feeling playful, I danced a little with Maidou – oh, what a delightful morning.

Around 7:30, we strolled out to the bamboo forest restaurant diagonally opposite for breakfast.

The breakfast at Cuilin Yunzhuang feels creative – lots of small bowls arranged on a wooden tray, rather delicate and rich.

After breakfast, Maidou hurriedly pulled us to feed the deer.

The whole lawn was empty, only the keeper cleaning and preparing carrots.

Seeing people, the deer got very excited. A gaggle of them circled Maidou.

They'd tap their hooves, nuzzle Maidou with their noses.

And Maidou, not a bit afraid, even reached out to touch them.

After about half an hour, when it seemed Maidou had exhausted all his animal-feeding enthusiasm for the year, we slowly left.

Past Tire Paradise, following the forest path, we arrived at the go-kart track weaving through the woods.

His first kart ride blew him away with the speed; Maidou in a helmet looked every bit a dashing racer.

Passing the thousand-year tree spirit, we reached a small playground.

Not many rides, but Maidou played his heart out – rode the little plane twice, giggled on the merry-go-round.

And along the way we found ant nests and the eight-meter panda slide – more fun in the daytime.

In a blink, the morning was gone.

Back to the cabin, packed up, and headed to the next stop.

The drive to Aduo Huayu during the day must be beautiful – all wooded lanes and thick trees.

But we were on the road after sunset; the roads were narrow wooded lanes, occasionally requiring high beams, and head-on traffic was truly thrilling.

Arriving at Aduo Town, enter the parking building, go to B1 for guesthouse-designated spots.

Step out and you'll see the shuttle.

All shuttles are communal, no matter which inn you're at, so just hail an empty one and hop on.

The shuttle takes you right to your inn's door – very convenient.

This time we stayed at Buyi Inn; from its terrace you can overlook the town's foreground.

Quick check-in, then took Maidou to explore the nighttime town.

Aduo Huayu by night is dimly lit with scattered figures, antique charm, and immensely pleasant.

We stumbled upon a shop selling wooden toys.

Maidou instantly spotted a robot; Mr. Qu preferred the wooden pistol, the kind that fires six rounds.

We snapped up the robot right away, but skipped the pistol.

Strolling along, the streets are lined with grass and flowers, little bridges over streams.

The water burbles, sparkling in the reflection of shop neon lights – exceptionally soft and beautiful.

Follow the water downstream and you'll find a lovely lotus pond waterfall, veiled in mist and truly scenic.

For Maidou, who'd never stayed in an old town, every step was a scene, every corner a novelty.

We were also drawn in by a flower shop.

Seemingly full of blooms, but closer inspection revealed more – a wall of greenery, each cubbyhole a different plant.

Mr. Qu carried Maidou, one cubby by cubby, explaining each.

On the way back we found a folk culture shop, with all manner of quirky handmade crafts – an eyeful.

The oil-paper umbrella from Lilac, the hand lantern from Nirvana in Fire, plus kites, drum-horses, paper-cuts – everything fun, everything exquisite.

After wandering back and forth, we returned to the inn after nine. Washed up and went to sleep, determined to get up early tomorrow to breathe fresh air.

🌈 Climb Baling at dawn, enjoy an all-embracing view

Around six or seven, Maidou and I freshened up, got dressed. Mr. Qu was still asleep, so we tiptoed out to breathe fresh air.

First thing we saw was the inn's interior courtyard – simple but still full of childlike charm.

It had rained last night, leaving puddles in the wooden boat and top in the courtyard.

Couldn't play, but we found snails on leaves and insects rolling around.

The two of us, one big one small, crouched there watching for a long time.

Crouching till our legs went slightly numb, then remembered to go for a walk.

Early morning Aduo Huayu is like a half-asleep child; breeze caressing, little bridges over flowing water – every inch a water-town maiden.

The early autumn morning wind is already quite cool. Strolling the small town's streets, gazing at the tiered ancient buildings leaning against the hillside, you can feel the delight of "early autumn drizzle brings a slight chill, leaning on the eastern pavilion's railing."

Follow the road, loop back to the inn just as Mr. Qu woke up, and we went for breakfast together.

Compared to Cuilin Yunzhuang's simple breakfast, I much prefer the normal breakfast buffet here.

Pickled veggies, stir-fries, congee, noodles, salad – simple fare but good flavor. A pleasant surprise: my favorite custard buns, I wolfed down six or seven, mercilessly teased by Mr. Qu.

🌈 Morning walk to Baihua Spring, wind folding black gauze half-sheathed

After breakfast, the streets grew livelier, mostly visitors who stayed overnight – families and groups gathering to eat or snap photos before the crowds.

Remembering the Baima scenic area we missed yesterday, we ambled toward it. On the way we met an uncle weaving rattan, who gave us a tiny shrimp – Maidou loved it.

Baima scenic area has a light show at night; definitely worth seeing. We missed it last night, arriving too late, and felt a bit rueful when passing by again.

Baima scenic area is a lovely back garden atop a hill, with all the grace of a southern courtyard of bridges and streams.

The three of us idled along, so leisurely.

We passed a family of four playing games in the corridor, looking utterly content.

🌈 One melody makes spring feel like an ocean; a thousand lanterns make night seem day

When we returned from Baima, the ancient town was already bustling and crowded, shops wide open, beginning a day's welcome and farewell.

On the way we happened upon a tie-dye fabric shop. Remembering Maidou's last tie-dye attempt wasn't a success, we thought to try again and went in to make a pair of little socks. The result was nice; Maidou really liked them.

The dyeing took about half an hour; we used the time to go back to Buyi Inn, store luggage, and check out.

When we came out again, we chanced upon musicians performing on the second floor. Familiar ancient tunes filled the air, like a spring breeze.

At noon we ran into a bride-throwing-bouquet performance, with candy tossed and mock wedding bows – very lively.

Down the old town street, we found special rice cakes and rainbow cotton candy. As a seasoned foodie, I'm quite interested in such snacks.

Tsingtao Beer Museum

National Day break is truly peak tourist season. Even the museum was a steady stream of visitors.

When Maidou was two, I, a museum buff, listed over 70 museums and literati residences in Qingdao, including this one. On the last leg of our trip, we finally made it.

Be sure to buy tickets online in advance, it saves lots of time. Due to pandemic control, you need to scan a code to enter.

After security, you first reach the ticket lobby. Make sure to pick up a commemorative ticket here. Fellow stamp collectors like me can spend 5 CNY on a Tsingtao Beer Museum travel passport.

There are over a dozen stamping stations in the museum; with this booklet, the visit gains an extra layer of fun.

At first Maidou wasn't keen on stamping; his energy was focused on the joy of being carried by Dad while snacking. Later, seeing my enthusiasm, he happily joined in.

The museum is divided into Building A, Building B, and Time City.

Building A is the history of Tsingtao Brewery.

Building B is the production process.

Starlight Hall is best for kids – a 3D light secret realm.

🌿 Time City · Light Secret Realm

The first stop inside the museum is this Light Secret Realm. It features heat-sensitive light that changes with body temperature, a light/shadow sand pool that forms mountains when piled and sea when spread, and 3D-scanned painted little fish.

Maidou was glued here. The sand pool – one moment digging an ocean, next piling up mountains – was a huge hit. Plus the surprise of volcanic eruptions.

Painting a cute fish himself and then seeing it scanned and projected into the blue sea – that thrill is exhilarating.

🌿 A Hundred Years of Qingdao, A Hundred Years of Tsingtao Beer

Exiting the light show, following a long path, you reach Building A.

Tsingtao Beer has journeyed with Qingdao through a hundred-year century of storms.

Building A exhibits the century-long history of Tsingtao Beer, and by extension, Qingdao's own centenary.

A hundred years ago, the Tsingtao Brewery was the largest and most advanced brewery in the entire Far East.

After German troops occupied Qingdao in 1897, German merchants founded the "Germania-Brauerei Akt.-Ges., Tsingtau" – the predecessor of today's Tsingtao Brewery.

After WWI, the brewery was taken over by the Japanese. After the Anti-Japanese War, the Nationalist government took over.

In 1949, Qingdao was liberated, and the Qingdao government took control.

Visiting the history museum is like reading through a hundred years of Qingdao's history.

The small Tsingtao Beer Museum is a microcosm of old Qingdao.

Outside Building A stands a centenary monument. Many visitors take photos here.

For the October 1st Golden Week, the museum specially invited clowns and Mr. Panda to perform and welcome guests.

Mr. Qu carried Maidou around the square and they found a beautiful fountain with large, shimmering koi.

Slowing down, feeling the warm sun and cool autumn breeze – everything was perfectly comfortable.

After a photo and handshake goodbye with Mr. Panda, we entered Building B.

🌿 Only Tsingtao Beer can quench Du Kang's dream

Entering Building B, the first thing you see is the museum's treasure – an 1896 Siemens motor, which can still run if powered on.

Up the stairs to the second floor is the German mashing workshop. Two massive copper vessels are national first-class relics.

This is where malt, hops, and rice were boiled into wort.

This was the first time Maidou and I ever saw hops, and learned how beer is made.

Along the visitor route, staff roast malt, and the scent of malt wafts through constantly – "aroma overflowing" is no exaggeration.

Continuing from the second floor, a small staircase spirals up to the third floor, where there's a tiny bar.

It sells cultural souvenirs and a 78 CNY beer-tasting set, etc.

🦌 PS: Further along from this bar, the next stop gives you free beer brewed by the museum's own brewery, so I think spending 78 CNY for six cups here isn't worth it.

That said, the third-floor cultural products are well done. It's a nice place to rest after touring.

Past the oak barrel storage area, we arrived at the small bar where we tasted Tsingtao Beer.

Each person gets a pack of peanuts to go with a cup of very authentic, fragrantly mellow Tsingtao Beer.

Further on is the operations area, where you can clearly see the entire process from filling, packaging, to boxing and shipping – very clear. Now and then Maidou spotted little surprises, quite interesting.

The final stop was the one Maidou really liked – the museum's gift shop.

Here you can buy Museum-related souvenirs, beer, and local Qingdao treats.

As an avid collector of fridge magnets and postcards, I had to take a couple home.

In the gift shop, there's a Drunken Cabin – definitely go in and play.

Inside you can experience the spinning sensation of being drunk.

Perfect for kids; Maidou had a blast in there.

The wind blows the boundless clouds to my side

Too sleepy to care

I pluck a small wisp / fold it into last night's longing

Tell it to tread carefully

And speak gently to you

Travelogue Contents

1. Preface

2. [Day ①] Climb a Mountain – Cuilin Yunzhuang

3. [Day ②] Fall in Love with a City – Aduo Huayu

4. [Day ③] Chase a Dream – Du Kang's Dream

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