Qingdao, a Place Worth Remembering

Which places are the best travel destinations? The answer, naturally, varies from person to person. Yet in the rankings of top tourist cities, Qingdao is certainly near the top. What? You've never been to Qingdao? That's a bit of a pity. But don't worry—let me tell you all about it. After all, I've been to Qingdao twice, both times in real depth!

1. Places Worth Visiting

First-time visitors to Qingdao are often charmed by the cityscape of "red-tiled roofs, green trees, blue sea, and azure sky." Kang Youwei, who once lived here, lavished praise in a letter to a friend: "Red-tiled roofs, green trees, blue sea, azure sky; neither too cold nor too hot, accessible by carriage or boat—the finest in all China." In fact, Qingdao's fundamental character and color palette took shape more than a hundred years ago when it was a German colony. At that time, Germany wanted to turn Qingdao into a model colony, so they invested considerable effort. For example, urban planning regulations explicitly required that all roofs be covered with red terracotta tiles. That's why, as you wander through Qingdao's old town today, you see clusters of red German-style roofs everywhere. Therefore, when I introduce Qingdao's sights, I'll focus on the old town so you can best appreciate the city's beauty.

(1) Zhanqiao Pier

Visiting Qingdao without strolling along Zhanqiao Pier is like going to Beijing and skipping Tiananmen—a glaring omission. A city landmark for over a century, the pier stands quietly by the shore of Qingdao Bay, a silent witness to the city's transformation from a tiny fishing village into a stunning coastal city. It has become an indispensable icon in the hearts of Qingdao locals.

(2) Badaguan (Eight Passes)

Badaguan is the scenic area that best epitomizes Qingdao's "red-tiled roofs, green trees, blue sea, and azure sky." The name "Badaguan" comes from its first eight roads, all named after famous passes, such as Juyongguan Road and Hanguguan Road. As a renowned villa district, Badaguan is home to buildings in more than 20 national styles—German, Russian, Japanese, and others—earning it the nickname "World Architecture Museum." The most famous villa is the earliest one built here, Huashi Lou (the Flower Stone Building). Each road in Badaguan is lined with a different species of tree, and the area is rich with lush greenery and verdant lawns. You'll often spot newlyweds in wedding gowns and suits, striking poses for photos. Wandering through, you'll feel that time itself slows to a gentle standstill.

(3) Mount Lao

When Mount Lao is mentioned, many people's thoughts immediately turn to Pu Songling's story "The Taoist Priest of Mount Lao" and its wall-penetrating magic trick. As a celebrated Taoist mountain, Mount Lao is one of China's first designated National Key Scenic Areas. Rising beside the Yellow Sea, with its eastern and southern faces meeting the water, it is hailed as the "foremost mountain by the sea." From the summit, the vast expanse of sea and sky merges into a majestic blue. Formed during the Cretaceous period hundreds of millions of years ago, Mount Lao has been sculpted by nature into a landscape of grandeur, spectacle, uniqueness, and grace. There are several routes to explore the mountain: the southern route through Taiqing Palace Scenic Area, the eastern route to Yangkou, the central routes to North and South Jiushui, the western route to Hualou, the northern route to Heshan, and the central Jufeng area—each with its own emphasis and distinctive charm.

(4) Former German Governor's Residence

This was the home of the German governor during the colonial period and is now a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site. As the premier masterpiece of "German architectural art in China," it was praised by Liang Sicheng as an architectural tour de force blending Eastern and Western cultural concepts. The grounds are planted with fruit trees and ornamental plants, making a stroll here not only an appreciation of architectural beauty but a leisurely, carefree experience.

(5) Signal Hill

Signal Hill is a moderately high hill right in the city center and one of the best viewpoints, offering distant views of Zhanqiao Pier, Xiaoqingdao, and more. At the top stand three red-topped mushroom-shaped pavilions; the tallest is a rotating observation tower where you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the enchanting "red-tiled roofs, green trees, blue sea, and azure sky."

(6) Xiaoqingdao (Little Qingdao)

Xiaoqingdao is a tiny island in Qingdao Bay, facing Zhanqiao Pier across the water. Together, they symbolize the city. You can reach the island via the breakwater west of Lu Xun Park. At its highest point stands a white lighthouse. Viewed from the direction of Zhanqiao, the green trees and white tower form a picture-perfect scene.

(6) Protestant Church

This is a typical German castle-style building composed of a bell tower and a main hall. Built mainly of granite, its solemn, rugged style exudes a special beauty characteristic of religious architecture. At the top stands a 39-meter-high chiming bell tower, popularly known as the "Clock Tower."

(7) St. Michael's Catholic Church

Another famous church in Qingdao and also a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site. It is constructed of yellow granite and reinforced concrete, its surface adorned with simple yet graceful patterns. The pink spire roof and the warm, gentle colors of the whole building create a cozy atmosphere that draws many newlyweds for wedding photos.

2. What to Eat

As the saying goes, "Each place nurtures its own people." When traveling, don't just feast your eyes on the scenery—don't miss the local cuisine. Qingdao is no exception. Tastes differ, so finding a universally acclaimed dish isn't easy, but I'm convinced that in Qingdao, mackerel dumplings will win over the stomachs of the vast majority of visitors.

Mackerel is the seafood Qingdao people adore most, an essential dish on the dining table. The fish's meat is tender and delicately plump. When wrapped into dumplings, the result is crystal-clear, delicious, and aromatic without being greasy. Each bite leaves you craving more. Pair it with a Tsingtao beer brewed from Mount Lao spring water, and there's only one word for the feeling: "Awesome!"

3. When to Visit

Although Qingdao has distinct seasons and scenic variety all year round, as a famous summer resort, the cool and comfortable summer is undoubtedly the best time to travel. Otherwise, you wouldn't see flocks of visitors from other places eagerly heading to Qingdao each summer.

So, are you feeling even a little bit tempted? Then, Qingdao—it's time to plan your trip!