Qingdao Travel: Linger a Little Here, Every Footstep Is a Qingdao Surprise
In mid-May, as spring turns to summer, I once again traveled to Qingdao. This beautiful seaside city has its unique charm—with a slow-paced lifestyle, yet also vibrant energy. This three-day, two-night trip left me with so many memories. I don't know why, but it seems that anyone who visits Qingdao finds it hard to leave.
Day 1: Jiaodong International Airport – Zhejiang Road – Zhanqiao Pier – Badaguan Scenic Area – Olympic Sailing Center – May Fourth Square – Seafood Dinner – The Lalu Hotel
Arrival: At Jiaodong International Airport, take the metro to Zhongshan Road, then walk to St. Michael's Cathedral on Zhejiang Road. Here, many couples take wedding photos and visitors pose for snapshots. Don’t forget to grab a 'landmark' drink and snap a photo with the cathedral to kick off your Qingdao journey.
The Zhanqiao Pier and Huilan Pavilion appear in many Qingdao city promos. From the pier, you can see the coastal scenery from a different angle.
Badaguan Scenic Area is a must-see in Qingdao. Strolling along its shaded, tree-lined streets, you'll find small Western-style houses tucked among the trees. When you get tired, take a seat on a stone bench, or follow a path to the seaside to watch waves crash against the rocks and feel the sea breeze gently on your face.
As dusk approaches, head to the Olympic Sailing Center and May Fourth Square to watch sailboats at sunset against the city skyline. You can also snap photos with the Olympic rings and the auspicious cloud torch. On special holidays, you might catch a dazzling light show.
After all that fun, find a seafood restaurant near Taidong Road. The seafood is incredibly fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced.
After your meal, take a taxi to the hotel—The Lalu Qingdao.
Day 2: Relax at The Lalu Qingdao
If there’s one surprise about Qingdao, it has to be The Lalu Hotel. Set on an entire peninsula, this resort is surrounded by the sea on three sides and backed by mountains. You can lie on the hotel’s private beach all day, enjoy the stunning infinity pool, and never worry about room choice—every room offers ocean views.
If you can, wake up early for a golden sunrise over the sea. Watching the morning light spill into your room and glitter across the water is a dreamlike, healing moment you’ll never forget—only seeing it with your own eyes can make it truly unforgettable.
After sunrise and breakfast, book the hotel’s seaside hot spring spa to soak in deep-sea nourishment. At noon, head to the 11 Kitchen restaurant for global cuisine—grilled meats, seafood, and unlimited drinks, all to your heart’s content.
After lunch, take a nap in your room, or spend time taking photos around the hotel. Later, order an afternoon tea and leisurely savor the resort time The Lalu Qingdao offers.
For dinner, you can choose Japanese cuisine or the modern Chinese dishes at Shuishalian. The Japanese ingredients are fresh and made to order. Shuishalian blends Taiwanese specialties and cooking techniques—both refined and delicious.
Day 3: The Lalu Hotel – Tsingtao Beer Museum – Xiaoyushan Observatory – Haitian Center – Departure
If you want to learn about the history and brewing process of Tsingtao Beer, take photos in the brewery, and enjoy an authentic glass, this is the place. Note that the ticket includes two different beers and a bag of beer nuts—pretty good value.
From Xiaoyushan, you can see Qingdao’s iconic green trees and red-tiled roofs. At the 369-meter-high observation deck of the Haitian Center, you get a 360-degree view of the city’s landscape and breathtaking seascape. You can even challenge yourself to stand on the all-glass floor and feel like you’re atop the city.
Qingdao is great for travel year-round—winters aren’t too cold and summers aren’t too hot. If you’re planning your next trip, set aside a few days to visit Qingdao. By the way, the locals are truly warm and welcoming.
