1. Mount Lao
Image by Chenonceau from Pixabay
Mount Lao (Laoshan) is the cradle of Taoism and known in traditional Qingdao folklore as the home of immortals. It is famous for its marvelous location near the sea and the many scenic views which it offers, as well as for its religious history. Soaring over 1000 meters above sea level, Mount Lao is dotted with green tea terraces at lower elevations that produce some of China’s finest teas. The mountain is also home to several temples, including Taiqing Palace, the oldest and largest Taoist temple in China. When you stroll on Mt. Laoshan's blue flagstone alley, surrounded by the green and luxuriant pines, gaze out at the blue sky watching the waves below striking the shore, you will feel inspired and extremely at peace.
2. Badaguan
Image by fang from Pixabay
The Badaguan is a beautiful shore-lined neighborhood developed at the turn of the 20th century as a residential area for the Germans when Qingdao was a German colony. Each street is lined with a single species of tree and many street names are colloquially known by the trees that line them. More than 200 villas built in a variety of European architectural styles are scattered among the flora and fauna in this area, so it is also known as an “Architectural Fair of All Nations.”
3. Golden Beach
Image by xia xue from Pixabay
Golden Beach, known as the “The Most Beautiful Beach in Asia”, is located on the northern coast of the Yellow Sea. The crystal clear seawater and the beach with fine sand illustrate its name. May is the best time to go to the beach. It’s really relaxing to enjoy some fresh seafood and a glass of beer with the ocean breeze.
4. The Qingdao Zoo
Image by wal_172619 from Pixabay
Located not far from the conference center, the Qingdao Zoo is where you can find all kinds of animals from all around the world, most popularly, the Chinese national treasure-the giant panda. They are extremely cute with their chubby bodies, black eyes and voracious appetite for bamboo. If you are interested in seeing the pandas, it's best to avoid visiting at noon when they are most likely to be sleeping!
5. May Fourth Square
Image by tebielyc from Pixabay
The May Fourth Square is one of the city’s most important landmarks, not only due to the events that are held there, but also due to its unique sculpture called “the Wind of May”. The area is decorated with statues and springs and surrounded by pine trees, meadows and flowers. It has become the symbol of modern Qingdao. We really suggest you come here in the evening. If you are lucky, you can catch a spectacular light show.
6. Qingdao Pier or Zhanqiao Pier
Image by su su from Pixabay
Built in 1892, Qingdao Pier was the earliest artificial dock for military use. Standing at the end of the pier you will find "Huilan House", a two-floor octagon pavilion covered with colored glazed tiles and supported by 24 red-painted pillars. When night falls, the colorfully decorated lights are turned on, glorifying the bridge.
7. Olympic Sailing Center
Image by lee lee from Pixabay
Qingdao is known as "the capital of sailing boats". As a scenic spot which best reflects the characteristics and image of Qingdao city, the Olympic Sailing Center Scenic Spot offers mountain and sea views. It was the venue of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Sailing Competition and the 29th Paralympic Sailing Competition. The Olympic Sailing Center is the only "national coastal tourism leisure demonstration area" in China and it is a must-see scenic spot for tourists in Qingdao.
More information: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/shandong/qingdao/
The following is the English -Chinese translation of the above attractions, so that you can ask the locals for directions.
| English name | Chinese name |
|---|---|
| Mount Lao | 崂山 |
| Badaguan | 八大关 |
| Golden Beach | 金沙滩 |
| The Qingdao Zoo | 青岛动物园 |
| May Fourth Square | 五四广场 |
| Qingdao Pier or Zhanqiao Pier | 青岛栈桥 |
| Olympic Sailing Center | 青岛奥帆中心 |
