Double the Experience, Double the Joy – Returning to Qingdao
Returning to Qingdao with my husband after 7 years, our three-day, three-night trip skyrocketed our fondness for this city for three reasons: First, it was deeply meaningful. We’d been running for five years, and by some incredible stroke of luck, we both got drawn for the Qingdao Marathon—our very first half marathon! Those who know, know. Second, there was so much more beauty to take in. On this second visit, we discovered new spots, still infinitely lovely, and together with my first trip’s itinerary, they form a complete in-depth guide to the city’s core. Third, the local character won us over—warm, genuine, and hospitable. “Friendly Shandong welcomes you” is no empty slogan!
The week before the May Day holiday, with only one day off for the weekend, the weather was perfect—not too hot, not too cold—and tourist crowds were just right. It was an ideal window for a getaway. This trip to Qingdao was mainly for our first half marathon, so our lodging, sightseeing, and activities largely revolved around the race route. We deliberately avoided spots we’d already visited and filled in the blanks, experiencing the city from all angles.
Seven years ago, I got around Qingdao by car and barely noticed the slopes and roller-coaster roads. This time, measuring the city on foot, I really felt the “ECG track” reputation firsthand.
Most roads in Qingdao lack bike lanes, and there are no shared e-bikes or bicycles in the city center. To scout the marathon route, we needed the right “steed.” Let me proudly introduce our most valuable player: “Little Green” (a rented e-bike). It carried us along the course, to see Shilaoren, up to Yan’er Island… If you wanted, it could even take you to Mount Lao. Stellar battery range, easy battery swaps, lovely rental price, and super-friendly service—it’s hands-down the best way to explore Qingdao!
Our first half marathon was hugely significant. The Qingdao course was punishing, but the scenery, organization, and atmosphere left us with beautiful, lasting memories. On race day, thousands of runners gathered from all directions and set off from Hong Kong Middle Road in front of City Hall, passing the Instagram-famous wall on Yushan Road, running by Qingdao Station, following Donghai Road along the coast to Zhanqiao Pier, then through Badaguan—each pass a challenge conquered. From the “May Wind” sculpture to Flag Array Square to the half-marathon finish at the Olympic Sailing Center, the route was lined with sleek commercial districts, exotic architecture, rolling hills in the distance, sea and sky merging on the horizon, and the city’s unique reefs, dams, and lighthouses… You could soak in the views without any obstruction, run on car-free roads alongside a community of fellow enthusiasts, and feel your blood surge as locals cheered with incredible passion… It’s an experience you can’t get as an ordinary tourist or even a resident.
Just finishing was a personal best—our debut was our peak! I’m so grateful for the rush of emotion and the perfect, worthwhile experience our first marathon gave us. Even in a city no longer unfamiliar, I rediscovered it along the entire race route, taking in all the goodness it offered.
Beyond the race course, we hopped onto my beloved “Little Motorcycle,” meandering and pausing along the way. We checked off the China Level Zero Scenic Area, where we saw the starting point of zero elevation. We climbed Xiaomai Island and discovered a beloved local leisure spot. We enjoyed a half-price Ocean World ticket, a marathon perk. We strolled Lover’s Dam, savoring the sea breeze ruffling our clothes. We stood at May Fourth Square, watching a dazzling, breathtaking building light show… Our journey wasn’t a rigid, hurried “special forces” mission, but we didn’t waste a moment either. We absorbed every scene with our eyes, minds, and hearts, relishing each unhurried, leisurely second.
Because of the race, cuisine took a slight backseat this trip. We didn’t dare indulge in wild eating and drinking, only sampling seafood lightly. We’d come to Qingdao a night early specifically for the Xingshan Road Morning Market, but it was nothing like what we’d seen online—not worth a special trip.
Travel was elevated by the race, and the race made travel even more meaningful. Our shallow first impressions of Qingdao deepened into an appreciation of the city’s culture and human spirit. The two blended and intertwined perfectly, creating a journey we’ll never forget.
