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Blessed with one of the most beautiful bays in the world, Qingdao is a big city with the charm of a beach town. Sometimes referred to as "China's Switzerland" it also features pockets of distinctly European architecture.
1/tab.galleryImage.size}The name Qingdao means The Blue and Green city, and has been dubbed the most livable city in China
2/tab.galleryImage.size}Head to Qingdao’s Huiquan Bay, a 580-metre stretch of fine sand and soft waves
3/tab.galleryImage.size}Take a pleasant stroll down Zhanqiao Pier, a historic Qingdao landmark built in 1893
4/tab.galleryImage.size}Trek the incredible Mount Laoshan scenic resort on Qingdao’s Shandong Peninsula, famed for its strangely shaped rocks, clear springs and ancient trees
5/tab.galleryImage.size}Visit the old Protestant Church and discover Qingdao’s fascinating 20th century German history
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The name Qingdao means The Blue and Green city, and has been dubbed the most livable city in China
2/5
Head to Qingdao’s Huiquan Bay, a 580-metre stretch of fine sand and soft waves
3/5
Take a pleasant stroll down Zhanqiao Pier, a historic Qingdao landmark built in 1893
4/5
Trek the incredible Mount Laoshan scenic resort on Qingdao’s Shandong Peninsula, famed for its strangely shaped rocks, clear springs and ancient trees
5/5
Visit the old Protestant Church and discover Qingdao’s fascinating 20th century German history
Things to do
We've chosen the must-see highlights of this fantastic city.
We've chosen the must-see highlights of this fantastic city.
Do
Ba Da Guan
Originally a German residential area built in the early 20th century during the German protectorate era, Ba Da Guan, or "Eight Passes", is made up of eight streets with houses that showcase a variety of European architectural styles. Take a stroll here, and you might forget you are in China.
Location
Huanghai Road, Shinan District
See
The Navy Museum
This is the only naval museum in China, where you can get close to decommissioned army warships, warplanes, missiles and submarines. Even for non-military buffs, the museum offers a fun day out.
This European-style garden villa located right next to the beach is a favourite spot for weddings. Get a drink, sit in the breeze and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
Qingdao lives up to its name as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Here are some great beaches to feel the fine sand between your toes, dive into clear waters, revel in the amazing scenery and forget all your troubles.
No. 1 Bathing Beach
Address
Nan Hai Lu, Shinan District
No. 2 Bathing Beach
Address
No. 6 Hai Guan Lu, Shinan District
No. 3 Bathing Beach
Address
Tai Ping Jiao Liu Lu, Shinan District
Zhan Qiao Bathing Beach
Address
No. 14 Tai Ping Lu, Shinan District
Shilaoren Bathing Beach
Address
Hai Kou Lu, Lao Shan District
Do
Laoshan
Laoshan, a mountain near the East China Sea, is known as a cradle of Taoism, with numerous temples. The landform is of geological interest, with its glacial potholes, large boulders and mineral springs. It is said that the emperors Qin Shi Huang and Wu of Han, who ruled more than two millennia ago, revered the mountain as a spiritual land, and today tourists can visit its temples and various scenic spots.
Part of Shandong Province, Qingdao is an ideal place to sample Shandong food, also called Lu cuisine, one of the big eight Chinese cuisines. This famous local restaurant offers Qingdao's well-known seafood dishes.
The piece of advice pasted on this card shop's window says it all: "Find a cosy little shop, get a postcard for your beloved, and scribble on the back of it, 'Missing you on this fine day in Qingdao'"
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