Azure seas and skies, red-tiled roofs and green trees—encounter the romantic charm of a northern coastal city

Qingdao · Shandong **I. Recommended Highlights** * **Stroll through the Old Town, Experience European Charm:** Badaguan, Zhongshan Road, St. Michael's Cathedral, and Christ Church—these exotic architectural gems will transport you back to Qingdao of the last century. * **Ascend to Heights for Panoramic Views of Sea, Mountains, and City:** Signal Hill Park, Little Fish Hill Park, and Mount Lao are perfect vantage points to take in Qingdao's sweeping vistas—red roofs, green trees, azure seas, and blue skies all in one glance. * **Get Close to the Sea and Enjoy Summer Refreshment:** No.1 Beach, No.2 Beach, and Stone Old Man Beach are Qingdao's most popular seaside spots. Swim, sunbathe, and embrace the ocean here in summer. * **Savor Seafood, a Taste of Qingdao on Your Tongue:** Qingdao boasts a rich variety of fresh and delicious seafood. Spicy clams, steamed fish, and braised sea cucumber with scallions are must-try delicacies. * **Drink Beer and Feel the Carnival Spirit:** Qingdao Beer is world-famous. Visiting in summer? Don’t miss the beer festival for an electrifying carnival atmosphere. **II. Suggested Itinerary** * **Day 1:** Arrive in Qingdao, check into hotel → Zhanqiao Pier → Little Qingdao Island → Badaguan → May Fourth Square → Olympic Sailing Center * **Day 2:** Signal Hill Park → St. Michael's Cathedral → Christ Church → Zhongshan Road → Pichaiyuan * **Day 3:** Day trip to Mount Lao * **Day 4:** Beach visit → Qingdao Beer Museum → Taidong Pedestrian Street * **Day 5:** Free time for last-minute activities and souvenir shopping before departure **III. Transportation Guide** * **By Air:** Qingdao Liuting International Airport, about 25 km from downtown, accessible via airport shuttle, taxi, or subway. * **By Train:** Qingdao Railway Station and Qingdao North Station, both reachable by subway, bus, or taxi to downtown. * **City Transport:** Subway, buses, and taxis are convenient. Download the "Qingdao Metro App" for QR code ticketing. **IV. Accommodation Recommendations** * **Luxury Budget:** Five-star hotels in Shinan District like Shangri-La Hotel and Haier Intercontinental Hotel offer prime locations and full amenities. * **Moderate Budget:** Four-star hotels or boutique B&Bs in Shibei or Laoshan District provide great value and easy access. * **Budget-Friendly:** Hostels or budget hotels are ideal for backpackers, offering affordable rates. **V. Food Recommendations** * **Seafood:** Spicy clams, steamed fish, braised sea cucumber with scallions, butter-fried prawns, steamed sea urchin egg custard * **Snacks:** Grilled squid, stinky tofu, potstickers, wontons, spare rib rice * **Beer:** Qingdao Beer (original draft, pure draft, dark beer) **VI. Tips** * Strong UV in summer—don’t forget sunscreen. * Stay safe at the beach; avoid swimming in unauthorized areas. * Choose fresh seafood carefully to avoid scams. * Qingdao Beer is potent—drink responsibly. **VII. Souvenir Recommendations** * **Qingdao Beer:** Various packaging options, perfect for gifting. * **Dried Seafood:** Shrimp flakes, dried scallops, and more—easy to carry and delicious. * **Laoshan Green Tea:** A local specialty, fragrant and healthful. * **Shell Carvings:** Unique Qingdao crafts, great as mementos. **VIII. Best Time to Visit** * **May–October:** Ideal for coastal activities with pleasant weather. * **July–August:** Peak season with more crowds and higher hotel rates. * **September–October:** Crisp autumn air and plump seafood—perfect for feasting.