The Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center (青岛奥帆中心) is located on Yan’er Island, a place renowned for its rugged rocks shaped by coastal erosion. Each autumn, the dramatic tides crash against the shores, creating a breathtaking spectacle. This area has been a popular tourist attraction since the 1930s, once known as “Yan Island Autumn Tide,” and was included in the “Ten Scenic Spots of Qingdao.”
The Olympic Sailing Center consists of both land and water facilities, hosting the first-ever maritime award ceremony in Olympic history. The center features a range of modern venues, including the Olympic Village, administrative management center, media center, and athlete center, all strategically positioned by the sea.
At the floating dock of Fushan Bay, beautiful yachts bob in the water, while the sight of colorful sails scattered across the azure sea creates a stunning and picturesque scene. The center serves as a hub for sailing enthusiasts and a prime location for various maritime events, embodying the spirit of the Olympic Games in Qingdao.
Travel Information about Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center
Tickets and Opening Hours
Admission: Free
Opening Hours:
- Peak Season: 05:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Off-Peak Season: 05:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Location and Transportation
Address: No. 1 Yan’er Island Road, Shinan District (adjacent to May Fourth Square)
Transportation: Take bus routes 208, 224, 225, or 369 to the Ophthalmology Hospital stop, then walk approximately 300 meters to the entrance.
Attraction Ratings
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Special Features: ★★★★
- Scenery: ★★★
- Cultural Significance: ★★★
- Romantic: ★★
- Thrill: ★★
China Qingdao Ocean Festival
The China Qingdao Ocean Festival is an important festive brand for the city of Qingdao, recognized as the only ocean-themed festival in China. Established in 1999, the festival takes place annually during July and August at the Olympic Sailing Center.
The Ocean Festival features a rich array of activities, including an opening ceremony, marine science and technology exhibitions, water sports, cultural events, ocean tourism, and culinary experiences. With dozens of events spread across these major categories, the festival has become a vibrant highlight of Qingdao’s summer, attracting both locals and tourists to celebrate the city’s maritime heritage and the beauty of the ocean.
Highlights of Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center
Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center Grand Theatre
The Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center Grand Theatre is a high-end venue specifically designed for large-scale marine-themed performances. Located at the top of the former measurement hall pier within the Sailing Center, it is surrounded by the sea on three sides, harmoniously complementing Qingdao’s iconic structure, the “May Wind” sculpture.
The entire theatre is built with a design concept that combines “waves” and “sails,” featuring a full steel structure and an abundance of elegant, flowing curves. This architectural style vividly showcases Qingdao’s identity as a maritime city and sailing capital. The Grand Theatre is set to become a new landmark for Qingdao, attracting both locals and tourists alike to its performances and events.
“Blue Dream” Large-Scale Marine Performance
“Blue Dream” is a unique marine cultural performance at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, designed for both locals and visitors. This artistic show distills the essence of Qingdao’s maritime culture, featuring five distinctive city characteristics: sunny beaches, underwater worlds, Laoshan Taoists, sailing on blue seas, and the beer carnival. Each segment of the performance showcases different aspects of Qingdao’s charm, presenting an exciting, vibrant, and passionate image of the city.
Ticket prices for the “Blue Dream” performance are as follows: 100, 150, 280, and 580 yuan. Children under 1.2 meters in height can enter for free when accompanied by an adult.
Haier InterContinental Hotel
The Haier InterContinental Hotel served as the Olympic Village for athletes during the sailing competitions of the Beijing Olympics. Recognized as one of the best sailing athlete villages in history by Olympic officials, it hosted approximately 800 sailors and accompanying officials from over 60 countries and regions, offering a diverse range of services.
Located on the northern side of the Olympic sailing competition area, the hotel covers an area of approximately 100,000 square meters and consists of two seven-story and two seventeen-story buildings. With 438 well-appointed rooms, the hotel embodies the concept of green and sustainable design while meeting five-star hotel standards.
Qingdao Olympic Sailing Museum
The Qingdao Olympic Sailing Museum is nestled between the mountains and the sea at the Olympic Sailing Center. To the east, it connects with Yan’er Island, while the west side offers breathtaking views of the blue ocean, seamlessly blending with its surroundings. Notably, the museum’s Sunlight Hall on the west side features a unique design, consisting of 13 steel frame structures arranged in a fan-like spatial system. This design captures the essence of sailing, akin to a camera recording the moment a sail turns.
The museum is divided into two main sections: the indoor exhibition area and the outdoor exhibition area. Its focus is on the Olympic sailing events and sailing culture, utilizing physical artifacts, photographs, and modern display techniques to create an interactive experience. This national-level large-scale thematic museum showcases over a thousand precious collections through diverse exhibition methods, fostering a rich environment that enhances cultural communication and awareness.
Sailing at Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center
Types of Boats & Prices
The sailing center offers three types of boats to suit different preferences and budgets:
- Monohull Sport Sailboat (单体运动帆船):
- Price: ¥99 per person
- Features: This is a fully open, Olympic-style retired sailboat with a single sail. It provides the most exhilarating ride with a strong sense of the waves. However, the space is small, and it can get quite sunny on deck.
- Catamaran Sailboat (双体帆船):
- Price: ¥139 per person
- Features: This two-sail boat has an interior cabin that you can explore. While only the front sail is raised during the trip, the deck offers enough space to sit comfortably at the bow. It’s an exciting yet slightly more stable option.
- Luxury Sailboat (豪华帆船):
- Price: ¥159 per person
- Features: With two levels and a canopy above the seating area, this boat provides a more comfortable and shaded experience. Note that depending on the sun’s angle, some seats might still be exposed to sunlight.
- Children’s Tickets: Children under 1.2 meters can board for free. Those above 1.2 meters are charged the same price as adults. Regardless of the boat type, each trip lasts approximately 30 minutes.
How to Buy Tickets
You can purchase tickets via the WeChat Mini Program “奥帆海洋文化旅游区” or buy them directly on-site. While the online system allows refunds, it may take time to process. If you’re unsure of your plans, it’s better to purchase tickets on-site as availability is generally good, even during holidays.
Sailing Route
The sailing trip follows a picturesque route that covers key landmarks around Qingdao’s coastline:
- Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center
- The Olympic Lighthouse (also known as the Wishing Lighthouse)
- The Sea Theater (寻梦沧海)
- Qingdao International Convention Center
- Returning to the Sailing Center
Boarding Location
The boarding point is near Gate 2 of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center. After purchasing your ticket, you’ll be transported to the dock by an electric shuttle, which is convenient for getting to the boat. However, the return journey to the gate is not covered, so plan accordingly.
The closest metro station to the Olympic Sailing Center is Fushansuo (浮山所) on line 2. After getting out of the station, the center is only 200 meters away.
Operating Hours
Sailing trips operate daily from 9:00 AM to sunset, with exact times depending on weather conditions and on-site scheduling.
What to Expect During the Experience
- Excitement Levels by Boat Type:
- The monohull sport sailboat offers the most thrilling ride, with passengers able to dip their feet into the water. It’s perfect for those who enjoy the feeling of the waves crashing against the boat.
- The luxury sailboat is the most stable and ideal for families with children.
- For Families: Children often find the experience fascinating, especially seeing the sails being raised. Many say the 30-minute ride feels too short!
- Cleanliness: All passengers are required to remove their shoes before boarding, which keeps the boats clean and pleasant.
- Weather Considerations: Sunny weather enhances the experience, making it great for photography. Even on cloudy days, the view remains stunning.
- Sea Conditions: If the waves are rough, the luxury sailboat offers a smoother ride, ensuring a comfortable trip for everyone.
Tips for the Best Experience
- Ideal Timing:
- For the best ambiance, consider boarding just before sunset. The cooler weather and golden hues of the sky provide a magical backdrop for your sailing adventure.
- After your ride, you can stroll from the sailing center to the nearby May Fourth Square to enjoy the evening lights.
- Avoid Mondays if You Want Light Shows: The light show at May Fourth Square does not operate on Mondays, though fewer crowds make it a more peaceful day to visit.
- Pack Lightly: Bring minimal belongings to keep your hands free for photos and to move around comfortably on the boat.
Dining Near Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center
The area surrounding the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center is bustling with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Here are some notable dining options:
Tinghai Garden Creative Restaurant (听海花园创意餐厅)
- This Japanese-inspired creative restaurant has been popular for four years and is renowned for its proximity to the sea, allowing diners to enjoy the sound of the waves while eating. The menu receives high praise.
- Address: Next to the west entrance of Haier Intercontinental Hotel, 98 Macau Road
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Recommended Dishes: Grilled eel rice, avocado salad, spicy shrimp.
Yihai Bay Steamed Seafood and BBQ (依海湾基汽海鲜烤肉)
- A premier seafood dining spot at the Olympic Sailing Center, this two-story restaurant boasts spacious seating and great views of the sea on sunny days. Group dining options are available, making it budget-friendly.
- Address: Unit 128, West Area of Belle Plaza, 86 Macau Road
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Recommended Dishes: Seafood platter, orange steak.
Yanxiaoguan (宴小馆)
- This trendy seafood restaurant is known for its stylish decor and often has a line of eager diners. The seafood is fresh, and the service is warm and welcoming.
- Address: B1 Expansion Area, Haixin Plaza, 117 Macau Road
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Recommended Dishes: Steamed crab, black truffle foie gras dumplings.