National Day Trip to Qingdao

National Day Trip to Qingdao

This National Day, I made plans with a few good friends to visit Qingdao and see the sea!

It was my first time in Qingdao, and I didn't prepare too much. The seaside was very cool, but don't be fooled by this coolness—the sun is scorching and can burn your skin painfully. Be sure to bring sunscreen, flip-flops, sunglasses, and a sun-protective jacket. Don't bring too many other items; beach storage lockers cost 30 yuan each.

As soon as I arrived at Jinshatan Beach, I was greeted by the vast seascape and the refreshing sea breeze, which lifted my spirits. Standing on the soft, powdery white sand, with the clear blue sea stretching into the distance and the warm sun on my skin, I felt completely at ease. Here, you can soak up the sun or dive into the sea, enjoying the pure joy of the waves. Whether it's beach volleyball or surfing, it's the perfect place to release stress and lift your mood.

There are also various entertainment facilities on the beach, such as paragliding and jet skis, giving visitors plenty of options—though these activities come at a slightly higher price. Near Jinshatan Beach, there are many snack stalls and restaurants serving all kinds of delicious food to satisfy different tastes.

Jinshatan Beach, as the beginning of my Qingdao trip, far exceeded my expectations in beauty and charm. You can swim under a blue sky in clear water and also feel the warmth and energy of Qingdao. Jinshatan was my most unforgettable stop, though I stayed a bit too long, which made the afternoon rushed. Plus, Metro Line 1 was packed from the moment I got on until I got off!

Around 2 p.m., I reached Second Bathing Beach. Qingdao's Second Bathing Beach feels like an ocean paradise. Located in the southeast of the city, it has a long coastline with fine, silky sand and crystal-clear blue water. The air is filled with joyful shouts and the sound of waves, as if you've entered a world of happiness. There are plenty of water activities here too—jet skis, sailing boats, kayaks—offering a wide range of choices. You can rent a jet ski and race across the blue water, feeling the rush of wind and speed, or sail quietly, savoring the sea breeze on your face as if you've escaped to a hidden paradise.

Besides water sports, Second Bathing Beach has many seaside restaurants serving fresh seafood. You can enjoy lobster, scallops, crabs, and more, satisfying your taste buds. Meanwhile, the beach often hosts events like sand-sculpting contests and sea performances, adding laughter and joy to your time there.

Second Bathing Beach is a great spot to watch the sunset—an immersive ocean paradise. It lets you bask in sunshine and sea, enjoying pure beach fun, while also offering water activities and seaside cuisine that make you never want to leave. Here, you can fully embrace the charm of the ocean, the pleasure of the setting sun, and the relaxation brought by the sea.

Qingdao's Badaguan Scenic Area is a stroll down a historical lane. Located behind Second Bathing Beach, it has a deep historical heritage. The name Badaguan comes from the eight historical buildings in the area, which reflect Qingdao's history and culture as a former German concession.

Upon entering Badaguan, the first thing you see is a grand, towering gate inscribed with the three characters "Badaguan," symbolizing Qingdao's unique history. Once inside, it feels like stepping back in time. The buildings display various architectural styles—Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance—each imbued with a strong sense of history.

In addition to the architecture, Badaguan has many flower gardens and parks. Strolling here, you can enjoy Qingdao's beautiful scenery and vibrant flowers, feeling the tranquility and beauty of nature. The park designs are exquisite, with a variety of plants and trees, creating a harmonious and comfortable atmosphere. You can sit on a bench and take in both the city's bustle and its calm, enjoying the freshness and beauty of nature.

In the evening, I headed to Qingdao's Third Bathing Beach. Adjacent to the Second, it has a completely different atmosphere. The first thing that catches your eye is a high-rise across the way with a display screen showing a Land Rover ad. The night at Third Bathing Beach is even more enchanting. As darkness falls, neon lights and colorful lamps shimmer along with the rhythm of the sea. You can walk along the beach and take in the uniquely romantic views. There are also many bars and night markets offering food and entertainment, where you can revel in the excitement and charm of the night.

Third Bathing Beach is a calling card for Qingdao. I think whether day or night, it brings people happiness and thrills. With its picturesque shoreline, lively water activities, and captivating night views, you can fully enjoy the beauty and relaxation of the sea, and feel the harmony of technology and nature. During the National Day holiday, Qingdao was crowded with tourists—every photo had lots of people in it.

May Fourth Square is a meeting point of culture and history, and one of Qingdao's most important city-center squares. Located in the southeast of the city center, it covers a vast area and features unique architecture that blends European and traditional Chinese elements, giving it a stylish yet elegant feel.

Upon arriving at May Fourth Square, the first thing you see is the towering May Fourth Memorial Tower, built to commemorate the May Fourth Movement and an iconic symbol of Qingdao. Standing beneath it, you can overlook the entire square and the cityscape, feeling the prosperity and development of Qingdao. Nearby, there's also a monument inscribed with the history and significance of the May Fourth Movement, reminding us to remember the past and cherish the present.

On the other side of the square stands the majestic City Museum, which showcases Qingdao's history and culture through a rich collection of precious artifacts and works of art. Here, you can learn about Qingdao's historical evolution, cultural heritage, and urban development. The museum also regularly hosts exhibitions and cultural exchange events, allowing visitors to delve deeper into Qingdao's charm.

Apart from the memorial tower and museum, May Fourth Square features plenty of greenery, making it an ideal spot for leisure. You can take a walk and admire the lakes and landscapes, or sit on a lawn and soak in the peace and tranquility. On weekends, there are often performances like concerts and dance shows, letting people spend wonderful moments filled with joy and cultural exchange.

May Fourth Square is a place where culture and history converge. Whether it's the memorial tower, the museum, or the overall environment, everything highlights Qingdao's unique appeal. Here, you can feel Qingdao's modern development and progress, while also experiencing its rich historical and cultural depth. After exploring May Fourth Square, I took a taxi back to my hotel in Shibei District. Using the WeChat mini-program for the Tsingtao Beer Museum, I bought tickets for the next day at half price for students—38 yuan per person.

The next morning, I visited the Tsingtao Beer Museum early. How could you visit Qingdao and miss its famous beer? At the museum, you learn much more than just about the beer itself. Inside, the carefully designed exhibition halls caught my eye. They showcase the history, production process, and beer-related culture of Tsingtao Beer. Through photos, text, and artifacts, you gain a deep understanding of Tsingtao Beer's origins and legacy.

After the tour, I headed to the tasting area, where a variety of beers were displayed—from traditional Tsingtao Beer to internationally renowned brands.

Next, I rushed by taxi to Laoshan Scenic Area. Upon arriving, I was greeted by rolling hills and lush green bamboo forests. Whether it's the blooming flowers of early spring or the red leaves of autumn, each season offers a visual feast. In summer, Laoshan is especially verdant and pleasant, making you forget the noise and stress of city life.

From the summit of Laoshan, you can gaze out over the magnificent city of Qingdao. The ocean and beaches in the distance, and the buildings and bustling city nearby, form a captivating picture. Standing there, you feel the grandeur of nature while also appreciating the prosperity of human civilization.

Laoshan is also one of the centers of Taoist activity, with several Taoist temples and monasteries preserved to this day. The most famous is the Laoshan Taoist Cultural Scenic Area, which features ancient, solemn structures like Ruyi Temple and Shijing Temple. These buildings blend Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist elements, and their design and decoration are breathtaking.

Laoshan is a place that delights the heart. Whether you seek natural beauty or inner peace, it meets your needs. In this fairy-tale-like mountain, you can fully experience the awe-inspiring power of nature and savor the harmony between humanity and nature.

After touring Laoshan, I arrived at the final stop of my journey: Shilaoren Bathing Beach. The beach here is wide and open, with fresh air and bright sunshine. You can let go of all your worries and stress, and simply enjoy nature's gifts. Everyone built sandcastles, dug pits, and played around, releasing their passion and energy.

Shilaoren—Old Stone Man—is also a major highlight of this beach. Legend says he is an old man guarding the coast, and due to negative oxygen ions, people believe the sea breeze feels fresher near him. Sitting beside Shilaoren, leaning against his back, you feel his protection and comfort, as if you've gained a superpower.

Here, you can enjoy idyllic beach views with family and friends. Bring a homemade picnic or sample local snacks from nearby stalls to satisfy your taste buds.

Shilaoren Bathing Beach is not just a place to play, but a heaven of laughter and joy. Whether old, young, or somewhere in between, everyone can find their own fun and relaxation. Waves crash against the shore, laughter fills the air—everything is perfectly beautiful.

Shilaoren Bathing Beach lets you embrace nature's gifts, sunshine, and sea breeze. On this gorgeous beach, release your inner stress, discover joy and passion, and create your own wonderful memories.

Qingdao has many tourist attractions, each with its own unique charm. Jinshatan Beach, Second Bathing Beach, Third Bathing Beach, May Fourth Square, Badaguan Scenic Area, the Tsingtao Beer Museum, Laoshan Scenic Area, and Shilaoren Bathing Beach are all places you won't want to leave. Whether you're enjoying the vastness of the sea and fun on the sand, or exploring history and culture, Qingdao meets your expectations. When you visit this city, you'll find its charm lies not only in its natural beauty and architecture, but also in its warmth and energy.

The trip was very enjoyable, but the return journey was less pleasant. I didn't manage to grab a high-speed train ticket back, so I ended up on a nearly 12-hour bus ride, exhausted both physically and mentally!

Qingdao is definitely worth a visit!