Qingdao, with its rich history, beautiful coastal landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene, is an ideal destination for a 3-day getaway. Whether you’re drawn to the city’s iconic landmarks, stunning beaches, or its famous local cuisine, this itinerary covers the must-see attractions and experiences that will help you make the most of your time in this picturesque city. From exploring historical sites to enjoying Qingdao’s stunning coastline, this guide will ensure you get a comprehensive taste of everything the city has to offer.
Day 1: Arrival and Evening Exploration
Arrival in Qingdao (Around 5 PM): Upon arriving in Qingdao, we checked into our accommodation and dropped off our luggage.
Dinner at Shuangheyuan (双合园): We headed to Shuangheyuan, a well-known restaurant, for dinner. It was a good idea to pre-book a table online as it tended to get crowded. The must-try dish here was the Sea Cucumber Rice (海肠捞饭), which was aromatic and delicious. The Shrimp Cakes (虾饼) were crispy and flavorful, and the dumplings were full of local flavor. However, the Clams (蛤蜊) were just average and had a slight fishy taste, so we wouldn’t recommend them.
Third Bathing Beach (第三海水浴场) and Light Show: After dinner, we made our way to the Third Bathing Beach. From 7:40 PM to 9:00 PM, the beach and surrounding buildings lit up with a dazzling light show. It was an impressive sight, though we had to be prepared for the cold—on the evening of our visit, the temperature was around 13°C, so dressing warmly was necessary.
Day 2: Iconic Landmarks and Scenic Parks
Zhanqiao Pier (栈桥): We started our day by visiting Zhanqiao Pier, one of Qingdao’s most iconic landmarks. We fed the seagulls, enjoyed the sea breeze, and admired the historic German-style architecture along the pier. The pier was easily accessible by the Metro Line 3, getting off at Qingdao Station (青岛站) and taking exit G.
Yinyu Lane (银鱼巷): From Zhanqiao Pier, we took a short walk to Yinyu Lane , a charming street filled with cute shops and cafes that exuded a Korean vibe. The lane was also a great place to sample local desserts that satisfied our sweet tooth.
St. Michael’s Cathedral (圣弥厄尔天主教堂): Next, we headed to St. Michael’s Cathedral, a beautiful gothic-style church that offered a peaceful atmosphere. It was perfect for a moment of reflection and photo opportunities.
Signal Hill Park (信号山公园): For panoramic views of Qingdao, we headed to Signal Hill Park. If you want to save some energy, you can take a taxi to the park’s northern entrance and enjoy a short 10-minute walk to the summit. From here, we got a full view of Qingdao’s old town. However, the fog was dense at times, so it was best to check the weather beforehand to ensure we got the best view.
University Road (大学路): After Signal Hill, we visited University Road, an artsy street lined with creative stores, trendy cafes, and vibrant murals. We took some time to explore this popular area for art lovers, where street art and graffiti walls made for great photo opportunities.
Xiaoyu Hill (小鱼山): If we were up for a short climb, Xiaoyu Hill was another excellent vantage point to admire Qingdao’s coastline and the beach. It only took about 5 minutes to reach the top, and the view of the Third Bathing Beach and the city was magnificent.
Lu Xun Park (鲁迅公园): Next, we headed to Lu Xun Park, a coastal park that offered beautiful seaside views. The Hexagonal Pavilion here was a great place to snap photos of the coastline, while the surrounding rocks provided even more photo opportunities.
Qin Yu Road (琴屿路) & Small Qingdao Park (小青岛公园): We strolled along Qin Yu Road, a scenic coastal path where we found the famous S-curve view and the cozy Wilder Café (威尔德咖啡馆), offering picturesque views of the sea. From here, it was a short walk to Small Qingdao Park, an excellent location to catch the sunset.
Qingdao Beer Museum (青岛啤酒博物馆): After dinner, we took a relaxing walk to the Qingdao Beer Museum, which had a rich history tied to the city. The entry fee might have been a bit steep, but it was worth a visit for those of us interested in Qingdao’s beer culture. Even if we didn’t go inside, the exterior was worth a photo, especially when lit up at night.
Day 3: Coastal Views and Unique Attractions
Shilaoren Bathing Beach (石老人浴场): We began our third day at Shilaoren Bathing Beach. The beach there was quite similar to the Third Bathing Beach, though it felt more relaxed and less crowded. It was a great place to enjoy the sunrise and take in the ocean breeze.
Sculpture Park (雕塑园): After spending time at Shilaoren, we headed to the nearby Sculpture Park. It was only a 10-minute taxi ride away and offered a serene, nature-filled atmosphere. The park was known for its beautiful pine trees, elegant gardens, and scenic views of the sea. It felt like a Japanese garden and provided many spots for memorable photos.
Yan’er Island (燕儿岛): Next, we headed to Yan’er Island, which offered the most beautiful coastal boardwalk in Qingdao, with scenic views of the sea and rugged coastline. Walking along the boardwalk felt like stepping into a Jeju Island-like paradise, where we could watch the waves crash against the rocks.
Lovers’ Dam (情人坝): For a romantic stop, we visited Lovers’ Dam, a pier extending into the sea with a charming white lighthouse at the end. The atmosphere was serene and perfect for a peaceful stroll. However, the area could feel a bit deserted, so it wasn’t the most popular spot for tourists.
Eight Great Passes Scenic Area (八大关景区): After Lovers’ Dam, we headed to the Eight Great Passes Scenic Area, which featured eight roads lined with European-style architecture. This area was also home to the Second Bathing Beach (第二海水浴场), a perfect spot for a swim and sunbathing. The views from here were spectacular, with the grand European-style buildings and the nearby coastline.
Xiao Mai Island Park (小麦岛公园): Finally, we finished our day at Xiao Mai Island Park, a beautiful spot for watching the sunset. The park had a large open space, lighthouse, and winding paths lined with tall trees, making it perfect for a leisurely walk and photography. The sunset views there were simply breathtaking, and it was an ideal spot to capture Qingdao’s coastal beauty.