Qingdao offers a rich variety of events and festivals throughout the year, ensuring that visitors can always find something exciting to experience no matter when they visit. From winter carnivals and cherry blossom festivals to seafood feasts and beer celebrations, here’s a month-by-month guide to Qingdao’s top highlights.
January: Guoxin Ice and Snow Carnival
Location: Guoxin Sports Center
Qingdao kicks off the year with the Guoxin Ice and Snow Carnival, held in mid-January at the Guoxin Sports Center. This winter wonderland offers a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages, featuring ice skating, snowboarding, and a variety of other winter sports and activities. The carnival creates an exciting atmosphere, perfect for families and friends looking to embrace the winter chill while enjoying a festive day outdoors.
February: Radish Festival (Luobo Hui)
Location: Qingxi’an Temple
In early February, the Qingdao Radish Festival, or “Luobo Hui,” is held at Qingxi’an Temple. This unique local event celebrates the humble radish, a symbol of prosperity and good health. Traditionally taking place from the ninth to the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year, the festival offers a vibrant street market atmosphere where visitors can taste various radish-themed snacks and dishes while enjoying local performances and cultural activities.
March: Haiyun’an Sugar Ball Festival
Location: Haiyun Square
In early March, Qingdao hosts the Haiyun’an Sugar Ball Festival, a century-old tradition celebrated at Haiyun Square. The festival is famous for its sugar-coated snacks, particularly the “tangqiu,” or sugar balls, which are a delicious blend of sweetness and crunch. Along with indulging in sugary treats, visitors can browse handicrafts and participate in lively cultural festivities, making it a fun experience for the whole family.
April: Qingdao Cherry Blossom Festival
Location: Zhongshan Park
Spring comes alive in Qingdao in April with the Qingdao Cherry Blossom Festival at Zhongshan Park. As cherry blossoms bloom across the park, the festival attracts visitors who stroll beneath the pink petals, taking in the serene beauty. The festival offers a picturesque setting for photographers and nature lovers, making it one of the most anticipated springtime events in the city.
May: Hongdao Clam Festival
Location: Hongdao, Qingdao
May brings the Hongdao Clam Festival, where seafood lovers can enjoy fresh clams caught from the coastal waters. This festival celebrates Qingdao’s rich seafood heritage, particularly the local clam harvest. Visitors can sample a wide variety of clam dishes, from grilled and steamed to traditional Chinese clam recipes. It’s a seafood lover’s dream and a perfect way to savor the coastal flavors of Qingdao.
June: Yunshan Cherry Festival
Location: Yunshan Town, Pingdu
In late June, Yunshan Town in Qingdao’s Pingdu district celebrates the Yunshan Cherry Festival. This festival marks the harvest of juicy, ripe cherries, with local farmers offering the best of their crops. Visitors can pick fresh cherries directly from the trees or purchase them at the market, enjoying the sweet taste of summer.
July: Qingdao Ocean Festival
Location: Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center
July is the time for the Qingdao Ocean Festival, which celebrates the city’s deep connection to the sea. Held at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, this festival offers a variety of water sports, sailing competitions, and maritime exhibitions. Visitors can watch exciting sailing races or try their hand at water activities, making it a thrilling event for ocean enthusiasts.
August: Qingdao International Beer Festival
Location: Qingdao International Beer City
The Qingdao International Beer Festival, held on the second Saturday of August, is one of the city’s most famous events. Known as “Asia’s Oktoberfest,” the festival showcases beers from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy live music, cultural performances, and, of course, a wide selection of beers. It’s a lively event that draws beer lovers from around the globe to celebrate in the birthplace of China’s most famous beer, Tsingtao.
September: Qingdao International Fashion Week
Location: Qingdao International Convention Center
In early September, Qingdao hosts the International Fashion Week, where top designers and fashion brands come together to showcase the latest trends. Held at the Qingdao International Convention Center, this glamorous event attracts fashion lovers and industry professionals for a week of runway shows, exhibitions, and networking.
October: Dazeshan Grape Festival
Location: Dazeshan Mountain
October is grape season in Qingdao, and the Dazeshan Grape Festival celebrates the harvest with wine tastings and grape-related festivities. Visitors to Dazeshan Mountain can enjoy fresh grapes, sample local wines, and learn about the region’s grape-growing tradition, all while surrounded by the stunning autumn scenery of the mountainside.
November: Qingdao City Shopping Festival
Location: Qingdao
As the weather cools in November, Qingdao heats up with its annual City Shopping Festival. Local markets, malls, and boutiques offer discounts, making it a great time for visitors to shop for local crafts, fashion, and souvenirs. It’s a shopper’s paradise and a great way to experience Qingdao’s commercial vibrancy.
December: Qingdao Bar Culture Festival
Location: Participating Bars Throughout Qingdao
In early December, Qingdao’s nightlife scene comes alive with the Bar Culture Festival. Bars across the city participate by offering live music, themed parties, and special drink promotions. It’s a great way to experience Qingdao’s vibrant bar culture and mingle with locals in a fun, festive atmosphere.