Qingdao, with its stunning coastline, is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse bathing beaches in China. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat to enjoy the sea breeze, a bustling spot with all the amenities, or a picturesque place to snap some photos, Qingdao has it all. From the serene and quiet shores of the Second Beach to the bustling vibe of Jiaozhou Bay, this guide will walk you through the best beaches to visit in Qingdao, each offering a unique experience. Let’s explore the top bathing beaches in the city!
1. First Bathing Beach (第一海水浴场)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Located at Huiquan Bay, the First Bathing Beach is a spacious and serene spot with fine sand and no rocks, making it ideal for families with children. It’s a great place to enjoy the sea, relax on soft lounge chairs, and sip a drink while looking out at the horizon. A popular photo spot here is the “Lonely Tree”, which has become a must-see for tourists. While the prices for drinks and snacks are on the higher side, the overall experience is worth it.
Nearby Attractions: Lu Xun Park, Qingdao Naval Museum, Qin Yu Road, Little Qingdao, University Road’s “Instagram Wall,” Longjiang Road’s Comic Village, Xiao Yu Hill, Signal Hill
Public Transport: Buses 228 or 316 to Huiquan Square, or Metro Line 3 to Huiquan Square Station.
2. Second Bathing Beach (第二海水浴场)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nestled within the Bada Guan scenic area, the Second Bathing Beach is quieter and more peaceful than others, making it ideal for those who seek tranquility. The water here is crystal-clear, and it features a famous pier seen in the Korean drama Goblin, which leads directly to the sea. There are also three well-known photo-worthy caves that attract visitors without making the beach feel overcrowded. In the evening, the beach offers stunning sunset views, and walking along the wooden boardwalk with the sea breeze is a highlight.
Nearby Attractions: Badaguan, Zhongshan Park
Public Transport: Buses 228 or 316 to Wushengguan Road, or Metro Line 3 to Taipingjiao Park Station.
3. Third Bathing Beach (第三海水浴场)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As one of the most popular beaches in the Shinan District, the Third Bathing Beach offers a peaceful atmosphere with fine sand and views of Qingdao’s towering skyline across the water. It’s an ideal spot for watching the city’s light shows reflected in the sea at night. Many visitors also pitch tents here for a more immersive outdoor experience.
Nearby Attractions: Olympic Sailing Center, May Fourth Square, Lover’s Pier
Public Transport: Buses 228 or 316 or Metro Line 3 to Taipingjiao Park Station.
4. Sixth Bathing Beach (栈桥海水浴场)
Rating: ⭐⭐
Located west of Zhanqiao Pier, the Sixth Bathing Beach is not the most glamorous. The sand here is coarser, and the water quality is average, making it more suitable for sightseeing rather than swimming. Still, it is a good spot for a quick visit if you’re near the famous pier.
Nearby Attractions: Zhanqiao Pier, Badaxia, and the small road leading to the sea.
Public Transport: Bus 316 to Qingdao Railway Station, then walk to the pier.
5. Golden Sand Bathing Beach (金沙滩海水浴场)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Located in Huangdao District, Golden Sand Beach is one of the largest and most scenic beaches in China. Known for its ultra-fine sand, it’s also the main venue for the Qingdao International Beer Festival. The beach stretches for miles, and while it can be crowded with tourists, it still offers plenty of space for relaxation. The nearby Grand Theatre and bungee jumping area add to the excitement of the location, making it a more commercialized but still very popular spot.
Nearby Attractions: Golden Sand Beach Grand Theatre
Public Transport: Best accessed by private car or taxi.
6. Silver Sand Bathing Beach (银沙滩海水浴场)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Silver Sand Beach, also located in Huangdao, is often considered the sister beach to Golden Sand. Although smaller in size, it offers the same stunning scenery with fewer crowds, making it perfect for a more peaceful beach experience.
Nearby Attractions: Golden Sand Beach
Public Transport: Accessible by private transport, similar to Golden Sand.
7. Shilaoren Bathing Beach (石老人海水浴场)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of Qingdao’s most famous beaches, Shilaoren Beach is known for its complete facilities and excellent surf conditions, making it a top destination for water sports enthusiasts. The beach is ideal for surfing and offers a fun, lively atmosphere with nearby shopping malls and accommodation options.
Nearby Attractions: Sculpture Park, Sea Love Park, Xiaomai Island Park, Yan’er Island Park, Qingdao Urban Exhibition Hall
Public Transport: Metro Line 2 to Shilaoren Bathing Beach Station.
8. Yangkou Bathing Beach (仰口海水浴场)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Located in Laoshan Scenic Area, Yangkou Bathing Beach is a relatively new beach that opened to the public in 2019. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, it offers fresh air and a tranquil environment, making it perfect for nature lovers. Due to its distance from the city center, it is best accessed by private car.
Nearby Attractions: Laoshan Scenic Area
Public Transport: Private car recommended; no direct public transport.
9. Liqinghe Bathing Beach (流清河海水浴场)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Liqinghe Beach, located in the Laoshan District, is a lesser-known gem. With clear water, clean sand, and surrounded by mountains, it’s a fantastic spot for camping and water sports like surfing. It’s also a family-friendly beach, great for a relaxing day out.
Nearby Attractions: Laoshan Scenic Area
Public Transport: Buses 304 or 37 to Dongmaiyao Station.