Qingdao City, abbreviated as “Qing”, is a sub-provincial city under the jurisdiction of Shandong Province. Situated on the coast of the Yellow Sea, it is an exotic coastal city. People often use the eight characters "red tiles, green trees, clear sea, and blue sky" to describe its unique urban landscape. As the host city for the sailing competitions of the 2008 Olympic Games, Qingdao also enjoys the reputation of "City of Sails" and is widely known for its world-famous beer.
Located in the southern part of the Shandong Peninsula, Qingdao is surrounded by the sea on three sides and backed by mountains on one. The interwoven geographical environment of hills, ocean, and bays has shaped its integrated landscape of mountains, sea, and city, and also makes the urban roads winding and undulating, full of charm. Its typical oceanic climate makes Qingdao's summer cool and pleasant, making it a famous summer resort along China's eastern coast.
Qingdao's charm is concentrated in its old town. Badaguan, the core scenic area, is like a "Museum of World Architecture," where architectural styles from dozens of countries converge. The small villas nestled among green trees and red tiles collectively form Qingdao's elegant backdrop. The Zhanqiao Pier, extending into the sea, is a century-old symbol of the city. In the Laoshan Scenic Area, one can appreciate the Taoist culture and spectacular mountain-sea scenery of the "First Mountain on the Sea."
Qingdao's culture is a product of the long-term collision and fusion of local Qilu culture and foreign European culture. The most prominent representative is the beer culture, which has become ingrained in the lives of its citizens. On a summer evening, buying a bag of freshly brewed Qingdao Beer in a plastic bag, paired with fresh seafood, is the most authentic local lifestyle. The annual Qingdao International Beer Festival is an even grander carnival for the entire city.
As an important coastal central city and international port city in China, Qingdao boasts strong capabilities in marine economy, foreign trade, and modern manufacturing, giving rise to a number of well-known enterprises such as Haier and Hisense. Today, Qingdao is leveraging its strong marine scientific research advantages and port capabilities to ride the waves, steering its city brand as the "City of Sails" towards a broader blue economy new maritime silk road.
What is there to do in Qingdao China?
The best time to visit Qingdao is in spring from April to June and autumn from September to October.
In spring, the city is covered in blooming flowers, and the climate is mild, perfect for strolling in Badaguan and enjoying the international architecture amidst a sea of flowers. Although summer is the peak tourist season, offering beach activities and the Beer Festival, it also sees a larger crowd.
In autumn, the weather is cool and clear, making it an ideal season for savoring seafood and enjoying mountain views.
These two periods offer the most pleasant weather, allowing visitors to fully experience Qingdao's unique charm of "mountains, sea, and city."
Germany forcibly occupied Jiaozhou Bay, marking the beginning of Qingdao's modern urban development. German planning and architecture profoundly influenced Qingdao's urban landscape, leaving behind the unique scenery of "red tiles and green trees."
The transfer of Germany's rights in Qingdao to Japan by the Treaty of Versailles triggered the great May Fourth Patriotic Movement, with the Qingdao issue becoming the catalyst for the movement.
Qingdao successfully hosted the sailing competitions of the 29th Beijing Olympic Games, showcasing its charm and strength as the "World City of Sails" to the world.
Explore Qingdao's rich intangible cultural heritage and learn about traditional crafts and cultural essence
2006-05Included
Maoqiang Opera is a traditional opera genre popular in Qingdao, Weifang, Rizhao, and other areas in Shandong. Its singing style is simple and natural, rich in local flavor, and deeply beloved by the local people. It is known for its unique 'ou' and 'ao' vocal techniques and mainly portrays stories from folk life.
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Jiaozhou Drum Performance is a type of storytelling drum performance and drum music sung in Jiaozhou dialect. The performance involves a single person standing and singing, holding a crescent-shaped clapper in the left hand and a drumstick in the right, self-accompanying with a drum and simple clappers. Its melodies are rich and full of local flavor.
2008-06Included
Jiaozhou Yangge Dance is one of the three major Yangge dances in Shandong, known for its graceful "three bends, nine movements, and eighteen postures" and unique "Lahua" (pulling flowers) technique. It integrates song, dance, and drama, with lively performance forms, embodying a strong Jiao-dong folk art style.
Transportation you must know when visiting Qingdao
Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport is a 4F-class international airport, accessible directly to the city center via Metro Line 8.
Airport shuttle bus routes lead to the city center and surrounding cities, with fares approximately 25-40 Yuan.
Qingdao has multiple railway stations, primarily including: the European-style Qingdao Railway Station, the high-speed rail hub Qingdao North Railway Station, and Qingdao West Railway Station serving the West Coast New Area.
By high-speed train, it takes fastest 1.5 hours to Jinan and 3 hours to Beijing.
Qingdao Metro currently operates 8 lines, connecting major urban areas and transportation hubs.
Fares are calculated by distance, with a starting fare of 2 Yuan.
Passengers can use the 'Qingdao Metro' APP, Alipay, WeChat, and Transportation Union Card to ride.
Qingdao's bus system is well-developed, with over 300 bus lines, and fares usually range from 1-2 Yuan.
Some air-conditioned buses have higher fares, and mobile payment is supported.
Additionally, there are coastal sightseeing bus routes.
Qingdao taxi starting fare is 12 Yuan (including 3 km), after which each kilometer ranges from 2.0-2.9 Yuan, depending on the car model.
Additional charges apply for night hours and waiting time.
Qingdao Ferry provides routes between Qingdao city center and Huangdao, offering a unique way to experience the sea views.
Fares are approximately 15-30 Yuan, and the journey takes about 30 minutes.
What to eat in Qingdao, you need to know
Spicy Fried Clams
Qingdao's most representative homemade seafood dish; delicious with a slightly spicy taste; affordable, and the best companion for beer.
Mackerel Dumplings
Qingdao's special dumplings, filled with tender mackerel meat; the fish meat is delicate and delicious, a must-have dish for locals during festivals.
Seaweed Jelly
Qingdao's unique summer snack; smooth texture, refreshing and appetizing; made from seaweeds like gracilaria, rich in collagen.
Pork Ribs with Rice
A popular fast-food dish in Qingdao; pork ribs are stewed until tender and fall off the bone, with a rich broth that perfectly complements the rice.
Grilled Squid
One of Qingdao's iconic street snacks; the squid is fresh, with a chewy texture after grilling, and a unique sauce flavor.