Zhongshan Park (中山公园) in Qingdao is a beloved space for locals of all ages, holding a special place in the hearts of residents across generations. Every autumn, the park hosts a spectacular Chrysanthemum Exhibition, which has become a must-visit event for many families. Taking place in early November, this exhibition showcases a stunning array of chrysanthemums in full bloom, making it the best time of year to immerse yourself in the beauty and fragrance of these iconic flowers.
Ticket and Transportation
- Admission: Free
- By Bus: Take bus routes 25, 202, 226, 223, 228, 304, 370, 604, or 605 and get off at Zhongshan Park Station.
- By Metro: Take Line 3 and alight at Zhongshan Park Station, Exit B. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the park entrance.
- By Car: You can use a navigation app to direct you to either “Zhongshan Park Parking Lot” or “Tiantai Sports Stadium Parking Lot (天泰体育场停车场).” Most visitors prefer parking at Tiantai Sports Stadium, as it is across the street from the park’s main entrance and offers affordable parking.
Chrysanthemum Viewing Route
- Enter through the South Gate: The first thing you’ll see is the circular fountain surrounded by beautiful dragon-shaped chrysanthemum bonsais. This is an excellent spot for photos.
- Walk along Cherry Blossom Avenue and Ginkgo Road to the West Gate: This is a loop-shaped exhibition area where you can enjoy different types of chrysanthemums, including colorful chrysanthemums, cliff chrysanthemums, and bonsai chrysanthemums.
- Continue north toward the zoo’s North Gate: Here, you’ll encounter large-scale chrysanthemum sculptures, such as the “Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains,” a flower waterfall, running snails, and a chrysanthemum pavilion. Walking among the sea of chrysanthemums, you’ll be enveloped in their delicate fragrance, creating a peaceful and refreshing experience.
Cherry Blossom Guide
1. Collecting Stamps for a Free Drink
As you enter from the South Gate and pass the fountain, head left to the Oxygen Bar Café (1号氧吧咖啡馆) where you can collect a special postcard for the stamp collection activity. The stamps are located along Cherry Blossom Avenue (中央樱花大道), where you can enjoy the blossoms while collecting stamps at various stops. Once you’ve collected all the stamps, you can exchange them for a free drink, either a coffee or cherry blossom-flavored sparkling water. (Note: Stir the sparkling water well before drinking to balance the sweetness.)
In the early stages, stamp collection is free, but later on, you will need to make a purchase at designated points like the Little Red House Art Gallery (小红楼艺术馆) and Island Diary (小岛日记) to continue collecting stamps. For a good value, consider buying a cherry blossom-themed ice cream (¥25), which comes with two postcards and a stamp.
2. Cherry Blossom Viewing
Upon entering the South Gate, you’ll immediately be greeted by a stunning display of cherry blossoms lining the central avenue. As you walk to the end of Cherry Blossom Avenue, you’ll encounter rows of blossoms in full bloom. If you’re also interested in seeing tulips, it’s a little off the main path – so for tulip viewing, it’s recommended to enter from the Northwest Gate. This area offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially for solo visitors. There are even professional photographers on-site for a fee (prices may vary, so inquire if you’re interested).
3. Family-Friendly Activities
For those visiting with children, Zhongshan Park is an excellent choice. The Cherry Blossom Avenue leads directly to the zoo, where tickets are only ¥8.5, making it a very affordable family activity. The zoo is small but offers a lot of enjoyment for kids. Along the avenue, there are several market stalls selling toys, with options for kids to create their own painted fans or enjoy face painting. These activities add a playful atmosphere to the experience, making it a fun day out for families.
In addition to the stalls, there are also small amusement rides near the stamp collection points, perfect for little ones looking for a bit of excitement after exploring the flowers.
Helpful Tips
- Avoid Weekends if Possible: The park gets very crowded on weekends, so if you want to enjoy a quieter experience, try to visit during weekdays.
- For Non-Drivers: Wear comfortable flat shoes or sneakers as you can walk directly to the Qingdao Zoo from the park. The zoo entry fee is just ¥8.5, so don’t miss the chance to visit!
- For Families with Children: After passing through the fountain at the entrance, take a left and you’ll find the children’s amusement park—a great spot for kids to play.
- Food: The park does not offer child-friendly meals. If you’re visiting with young children, it’s recommended to bring your own food. On warm days, you can even bring a picnic mat and enjoy a relaxing meal outdoors.