Qingdao

Travel Guide

Number 1 Beach featuring rocky coastline
Qingdao which includes a house and heritage architecture
Qingdao
Qingdao which includes a pond and a coastal town
Qingdao

Modern skyscrapers and charming Bavarian architecture sit side by side in this German-styled port city famed for its brewing, beaches and fresh air. 

An elegant seaside city with a European twist, Qingdao has earned itself the tag "China’s Switzerland" for its distinctive architecture and Germanic cultural legacies. Modern development has reshaped Qingdao’s skyline, but it is still a port town at heart, where sailing takes centre stage, the beaches are beloved and the seafood is abundant.

In 1898 Germany was granted a 99-year lease on territory around Kiautschou Bay. See evidence of the German influence in the many cobbled alleys, red rooftops and Teutonic stylings of Qingdao. Explore the charming, hilly old town, and look out for the Lutheran and Catholic churches in German design.

The German presence also gave to Qingdao a taste for beer, and it’s here that China’s most popular beer, Tsingtao, is produced. Head to the Old Tsingtao Brewery for a brew house and museum tour. Explore the beer gardens of Beer Street and enjoy a bratwurst and pitcher of specialty beer in the sunshine. Beer lovers should time their visit for the city’s annual international beer festival held each August.

Qingdao’s famous beaches attract sun-seekers from all over the country. Follow the crowds to Number One Bathing Beach or travel further to the prettier Number Two Bathing Beach, a picturesque little cove said to have been a favourite escape of Chairman Mao. Nearby Shilaoren Beach, named for a rocky outcrop that resembles an “Old Stone Man”, is quite developed but remains cleaner than the city beaches.

The city’s Botanical Gardens are a great destination for families, as is Qingdao Underwater World. Hikers will enjoy the to climb to the “Mushroom Observatories”, small hilltop structures that offer great views of the area.

Qingdao is 6 hours south from Beijing by high-speed rail, and flights are available to most major Chinese cities. The city is easy to explore by bus and taxi. Visit Qingdao in late summer or spring to enjoy good weather without the crowds. Favourable winds ensure air quality is good year round.

Where to stay in Qingdao

May Fourth Square which includes a city and skyline

Qingdao City Center

Qingdao City Center is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like May Fourth Square and Hisense Plaza.

Qingdao City Center
May Fourth Square which includes outdoor art and a city

Shinan District

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Shinan District is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like MixC Shopping Mall and Zhongshan Park.

Shinan District
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Chengyang District

Chengyang District is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Chengyang Century Park and Fantwild Dreamland Qingdao.

Chengyang District
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Laoshan District

You'll enjoy the beaches and museums in Laoshan District. You might want to make time for a stop at Mount Lao or Qingdao Shilaoren Bathing Beach.

Laoshan District
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Shibei

You'll enjoy the mountain views and museums in Shibei. You might want to make time for a stop at Tsingtao Beer Museum or Zhongshan Park.

Shibei
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Huangdao District

You'll enjoy the beaches and mountain views in Huangdao District. You might want to make time for a stop at Jiashike Huangdao Shopping Center or Huangdao Bojueshan Golf Club.

Huangdao District
Shangri-La Qingdao
Shangri-La Qingdao
5 out of 5
9 Xiang Gang Zhong Road, Qingdao, Shandong
The price is RM593 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
RM593
RM691 total
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Qingdao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (562 reviews)
"Great location, staff is super friendly. Everything is nearly perfect except the hotel is getting old."

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

Shangri-La Qingdao
The Westin Qingdao
The Westin Qingdao
5 out of 5
8 Hong Kong Middle Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, Shandong
The price is RM544 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
RM544
RM634 total
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Qingdao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (259 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel in the heart of qingdao, awesome breakfast"

Reviewed on 7 May 2025

The Westin Qingdao
Holiday Inn Qingdao City Centre by IHG
Holiday Inn Qingdao City Centre by IHG
4 out of 5
1 Xuzhou Road, Qingdao, Shandong
The price is RM342 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
RM342
RM399 total
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Qingdao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (607 reviews)
"It’s a great experience to stay there."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

Holiday Inn Qingdao City Centre by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
qingdaowanxianghuayuan
qingdaowanxianghuayuan
3 out of 5
qingdaoshinanqushandonglu, 1012shi, Qingdao, shandongsheng
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Qingdao. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions MixC Shopping Mall and May Fourth ...
qingdaowanxianghuayuan
qingdaowanxianghaijing
qingdaowanxianghaijing
2.5 out of 5
qingdaoshinanquxianggangzhonglu8, 2505, Qingdao, shangdaongs
Stay at this aparthotel in Qingdao. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions MixC Shopping Mall and May Fourth Square ...
qingdaowanxianghaijing
jianaijingpingongyu
jianaijingpingongyu
3.5 out of 5
yanjiluwandaguangchang, yanjiluwandaguangchangshangwulouAzuo1023, Qingdao, shandongsheng
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Qingdao. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Hongcheng Stadium and Tsingtao ...
jianaijingpingongyu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

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Reviews of Qingdao

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Verified traveller

Take no. 4 bus from sea end of train station to Lao shan, CNY 20 each way