Qingdao is a stunning city known for its scenic beauty, featuring “blue seas, blue skies, red roofs, and green trees.” Located on the coast of the Yellow Sea, this charming coastal city offers a variety of activities, from crabbing and fishing to walking along seaside boardwalks. These experiences give visitors a chance to explore the vibrant culture and breathtaking nature of Qingdao. Here are the top six things to do in this seaside gem.
1. Enjoy Beer and Seafood
Qingdao is renowned for its fresh seafood and locally brewed beer. Situated along the abundant Yellow Sea, the city’s seafood markets are a must-visit for food lovers. South Gate Seafood Market (南山海鲜市场) and Sifang Road Seafood Market (四方路海鲜市场) are two of the best places to purchase affordable, fresh seafood. After selecting your seafood, you can have it cooked at a nearby restaurant to enjoy a custom-made meal.
No visit to Qingdao would be complete without trying its famous beer – Tsingtao Beer (青岛啤酒). Head to Beer Street (啤酒街) to sample a wide variety of beers while enjoying delicious seafood dishes. This vibrant street is lined with restaurants and beer houses, offering visitors an authentic Qingdao experience. Whether it’s grilled clams or steamed crabs, pair your meal with a refreshing pint of Tsingtao Beer for the perfect Qingdao culinary experience.
2. Go Fishing and Crabbing
Qingdao’s vast sea area is ideal for fishing and crabbing. The city’s rich marine resources make it a prime destination for sea activities. Visitors can rent a boat and head out into the open water to fish. The boat staff typically provide all the necessary fishing equipment, so you don’t need to bring your own gear. In addition to fishing, you can try crabbing by setting crab traps before you start fishing. On your return, you’ll retrieve the traps and hopefully find a bounty of large, fresh crabs waiting for you.
This hands-on experience lets you enjoy the thrill of fishing and crabbing while surrounded by Qingdao’s beautiful coastal scenery. It’s a fun and interactive way to experience the city’s abundant marine life.
3. Explore the Tidal Flats at Badaguan
Located west of Zhanqiao Pier (栈桥), the Badaguan area is one of the best spots in Qingdao for tidal flat exploration, locally known as “catching the sea.” Badaguan features sandy beaches, reefs, and a seawall, making it perfect for various activities like fishing, crabbing, and collecting oysters.
When the tide recedes, the shoreline is filled with hidden treasures such as shells and small marine creatures. The westernmost area, in particular, has large rocks where you can explore and gather seafood like clams and crabs. This activity is perfect for nature lovers and families, offering an exciting way to discover Qingdao’s diverse marine ecosystem.
4. Walk Along the Coastal Wooden Boardwalk
Walking is one of the best ways to experience Qingdao’s stunning coastline. The city’s coastal wooden boardwalk, located in the Shinan District (市南区), stretches from Zhanqiao Pier (栈桥) to May Fourth Square (五四广场), offering breathtaking views of the sea along the way.
As you walk along the winding boardwalk, you’ll pass iconic landmarks such as Luxun Park (鲁迅公园), First Bathing Beach (第一海水浴场), Badaguan Scenic Area (八大关), and the May Fourth Square. The boardwalk also offers views of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center (奥帆基地). Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk, the fresh sea breeze and scenic ocean views will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. It’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
5. Admire Classic German Architecture
Qingdao was once a German colony, and its European influence is still evident today in the city’s charming German-style architecture. These buildings, with their red-tiled roofs, rugged exterior walls, and intricate glasswork, provide a unique contrast to the traditional Chinese architecture seen in other cities.
The best place to admire Qingdao’s German architectural heritage is in the city’s old town. Highlights include St. Michael’s Cathedral (天主教堂), the former German Governor’s Residence (胶奥总督府旧址), and the former site of the Naval Hotel (水师饭店旧址). These well-preserved buildings offer a glimpse into Qingdao’s colonial past and create a unique blend of cultural influences that make the city stand out. The intricate designs and scenic surroundings are perfect for photography and historical exploration.
6. Climb Xiaoyushan for a Panoramic View
Xiaoyushan (小鱼山), or “Little Fish Hill,” may not be very tall, but it offers one of the best panoramic views of Qingdao. Located conveniently within the city, it is an excellent spot for capturing breathtaking vistas of Zhanqiao Pier (栈桥), Xiaoqingdao Island (小青岛), Luxun Park (鲁迅公园), and First Bathing Beach (第一海水浴场), as well as the iconic Badaguan area.
At the top of the hill, you’ll find “Lan Chao Pavilion” (览潮阁), a pagoda-style structure that provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding cityscape. From this vantage point, you can see Qingdao’s signature scenery – blue seas, green trees, red roofs, and yellow walls – all coming together to create a picturesque landscape that has captivated visitors for generations.
Conclusion
Qingdao is a city that effortlessly blends nature, culture, and history, offering a variety of experiences that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood with a pint of Tsingtao Beer, strolling along the scenic boardwalk, or exploring the city’s architectural heritage, Qingdao’s charm will leave you with unforgettable memories. These six activities are just the beginning of all the wonders Qingdao has to offer.