It is a landmark building in Qingdao, founded in 1892 and extending into the sea. You can stroll on the bridge, enjoy the sea view, and also see the Huilan Pavilion. There are many seagulls around, especially in winter, making it a good place to feed seagulls.
Badaguan Scenic Area
It gathers villa groups with architectural styles of more than 20 countries such as Russia, Britain, and France, and is known as the “Museum of International Architecture”. Buildings like the Huashi Building and the Princess Building each have their own characteristics. The area is shaded by green trees and has a quiet environment, which is an excellent place for taking photos and enjoying the seaside scenery.
May 4th Square
It got its name because Qingdao was the fuse of the great May 4th Movement in modern Chinese history. The iconic sculpture “May Wind” stands on the square and has become a new landmark of Qingdao. The surrounding area presents a modern urban landscape, and the Olympic Sailing Center nearby can be visited together.
Olympic Sailing Center
It was the venue for the sailing competitions of the 2008 Olympic Games. Here you can see a large number of sailboats and yachts, and also enjoy the beautiful sea view of Fushan Bay. You can take a sailboat to go out to sea to experience the charm of the “Sailing City”; you can also visit the Olympic Sailing Museum to learn about sailing culture and Olympic history.
Laoshan Scenic Area
Known as the “No.1 Mountain on the Sea”, it mainly includes several tourist areas such as Jufeng, Liuqing, Taiqing, Qipanshi, Yangkou, Beijiushui, and Hualou. Each tourist area has its own unique scenery and characteristics. You can climb mountains to view the sea, visit Taoist temples, and admire waterfalls and streams.
Travel Route Planning
One-day Tour Route
Morning: Zhanqiao Pier Qingdao German Prison Museum Navy Museum (if open)
Noon: Taste Qingdao cuisine near Zhongshan Road
Afternoon: Badaguan Scenic Area May 4th Square Olympic Sailing Center
Evening: Have a meal at a restaurant near the Olympic Sailing Center and enjoy the night view of Fushan Bay
Two-day Tour Route
First Day
Second Day
Transportation
Airport
Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport is far from the urban area. You can take the airport bus or subway to the urban area. There are multiple airport bus routes, and you can choose according to your destination; Subway Line 8 also connects the airport and the urban area.
Train Station
Qingdao Railway Station is located in Shinan District, close to attractions like Zhanqiao Pier and is convenient for travel; Qingdao North Railway Station is located in Licang District and is relatively far, but there is also public transportation like the subway to connect.
Urban Transportation
Bus: The bus routes cover a wide range. Some coastal bus routes can also enjoy a beautiful sea view, but it may be crowded during rush hours.
Subway: At present, there are several subway lines in operation, which can conveniently reach major attractions. You can download the Qingdao Metro APP to scan the code to ride.
Taxi/Online Car-hailing: It is convenient to travel, but you may need to wait during the peak tourist season or rush hours.
Food Guide
Special Cuisine
Qingdao Beer
One of the name cards of Qingdao. You must taste the freshly brewed Qingdao Beer here. Especially in a beer house, you can taste different types such as original beer and fresh beer. Paired with delicious side dishes like peanuts and spicy fried clams, it has a unique flavor.
Seafood
Spicy Fried Clams: One of the most common delicacies on the Qingdao people’s dining table. Made with fresh clams as the main ingredient and stir-fried with seasonings like chili peppers, scallions, ginger, and garlic. The clams are tender and the soup is rich. It is also very delicious to dip steamed buns in the soup.
Spanish Mackerel Dumplings: Fresh Spanish mackerel meat is minced and used as the filling to make dumplings. The dumplings are large with sufficient filling and taste delicious. They are a favorite specialty of Qingdao people.
Braised Prawns in Oil: The prawns are shiny with oil, the meat is tender and elastic, and the taste is sweet and salty, which is a classic seafood dish.
Oysters: They can be eaten raw or grilled. The meat is plump and nutritious, and is one of the favorite seafood of Qingdao people. If eaten raw, it can be paired with lemon juice or wasabi soy sauce to retain its freshness to the greatest extent; grilled oysters will be added with seasonings like minced garlic and are full of aroma.
Other Cuisine
Qingdao Potstickers: Known for their crispy outer skin and juicy inner filling, there are various fillings to choose from, such as three-delicacy filling and beef filling.
Ribs with Rice: High-quality ribs and Wuchang rice are stewed. The ribs are soft and tender, and the rice absorbs the soup of the ribs and is very flavorful.
Wanggezhaung Steamed Bun: A traditional noodle food in the Laoshan area of Qingdao. Handmade, large in size, sweet in taste and chewy. It can be taken home as a souvenir.
Food Streets and Restaurant Recommendations
Pichaiyuan
A historic food street that gathers various Qingdao specialty snacks and seafood cuisine. Recommended restaurants include Jiangning Guild Hall, where you can taste local Qingdao dishes; and Guo Zu Stinky Tofu, which has a strange name but good taste.
Taidong Pedestrian Street
A very popular commercial pedestrian street with many snack stalls and restaurants. You can taste various internet-famous delicacies, such as the Taiwan Sausage at Songhe Road No.1 and Xizhen Stinky Tofu. There are also many restaurants offering various Qingdao cuisine and other local specialties, such as Lvshi Geda Tang.
Yunxiao Road Food Street
Mainly features seafood cuisine and has many seafood restaurants. Recommended ones include Haidao Yucun Hotel, where the seafood is fresh and the dishes are rich; and Shuangheyuan Dumplings, which offers various delicious dumplings and other Qingdao specialty dishes besides.
Maidao Food Street
Close to the seaside with a beautiful environment and many characteristic restaurants. For example, Kaihai Hongdao Seafood and Shrimp Dumplings, whose shrimp dumplings are very authentic and the seafood is fresh; and Mingjia Xiaoyuan Private Cuisine, with exquisite dishes and good taste.
