Your guide to a spring getaway in Qingdao, China

Nestled between sacred mountains and the sea, Qingdao is a city that exemplifies east meets west, with captivating German architectural motifs set against a backdrop of soaring skyscrapers. It’s also a haven for fresh seafood and refreshing beer, making it an ideal weekend destination as spring unfurls. 

Here’s our curated guide to scenic spots, art museums, culinary delights, bars and hotels, which will help you to capture the essence of the city’s charm whether it’s your first visit or fifth.

Take a leisurely stroll by the sea 

Qingdao’s most popular attractions are concentrated along several seaside streets. This area, known as the old town, is an ideal starting point for exploring the city. 

Around 125 years ago, this picturesque seaside city was occupied by the Germans, after their government signed a 99-year lease for the city in 1898. Though Germany has been gone for more than ten decades now (they stayed for just 17 years), their influence remains and can be felt throughout the old town: an open-air museum of Bavarian architecture. 

The area, filled with European charm, starts at Qingdao railway station and stretches down along Hubei Lu, past the former site of the German Police Headquarters, to Zhejiang Lu Catholic Church (also known as St. Michael’s Cathedral, Qingdao). From there, you can admire the German architectural cluster around Guangxi Lu and Jiangsu Lu. While wandering the cobblestone streets, take your time exploring the numerous cafes, beer halls, bookstores and craft shops along the way. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely morning stroll.

For sea views, walk along Taiping Lu by the old town down to Zhanqiao Pier, which was built in the late-1800s. Once you’ve snapped a picture or two at the pagoda, continue your walk down Taiping Lu and head towards Lu Xun Park, where you'll find Qinyu Lu, a popular spot among locals thanks to its trendy, al fresco dining hotspots and laid-back charm. During this 10-minute coastal walk, you can take in natural reef breakwaters and city scenes with the white lighthouse on Little Qingdao visible in the distance. 

Head out on a hike for exquisite views

Beyond the allure of the ocean, spring also heralds the perfect season for mountain treks, and Laoshan Mountain (also known as Mount Lao) beckons. Laoshan’s main peak soars approximately 1,133 metres above sea level and is renowned for its breathtaking sunrises and sea of clouds. It’s also said to be one of the cradles of Taoism in China, with many Taoist edifices still standing today. 

The mountain is filled with hiking trails of all levels, boasting spectacular views of the Yellow Sea and surrounding dramatic landscape, but a particular favourite is the Yangkou route. From the city centre, a 90-minute journey along the scenic coastal road will lead you to the entrance of the Yangkou Scenic Area. Once inside the park, there are a couple of options for your ascent: you can choose to take a cable car up the mountain or challenge yourself by hiking all the way up to Lion Peak and Sheep Stone. If you opt for the latter, be sure to stop off at the millennia-old Taiping Palace and look out for the peculiar rock formations that pepper the trail.  

Explore the city’s museums  

Qingdao's landscape is not only decorated with verdant mountains and azure waters, but also a vibrant contemporary art scene in the West Coast New Area of Qingdao . The cityscape is dotted with several art museums, with the striking TAG Art Museum , designed by the esteemed French architect Jean Nouvel, standing out as a particular highlight. The museum's vast principal building along the coast houses 12 exhibition halls over 17,000 square metres. If time allows, venture out to the slightly further off Yellow Box Art Museum to explore a variety of artistic styles from around the globe, all set within its engaging exhibition space.

No journey to this port city  would be complete without visiting the Tsingtao Beer Museum , which boasts more than a century of history. Situated on the original site of the eponymous brand's brewery, its red brick walls evoke the ambience of a European industrial hub, while the interior retains its exquisite wood fittings. The museum showcases an extensive collection of brewing equipment, barrels, advertising posters and other beer-making exhibits, encapsulating the evolution of China's beer industry. After exploring the tour, visitors can sample a variety of freshly brewed Tsingtao beers in the tasting area.

Enjoy Qingdao cuisine

Thanks to its coastal location, the city is blessed with an abundance of seafood – so it’s only right you enjoy a feast during your Qingdao trip. 

Xin Kai Hai, located on Xinzhan Lu in the Badaguan District, is among the city’s most popular seafood restaurants, serving the freshest catches of the day prepared in different tantalising cooking styles. For those in pursuit of a romantic atmosphere in which to enjoy Qingdao cuisine, a restaurant Romanised as Rang Casa in the same district offers seasonal seafood served in the dining room of an old Western mansion. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring each visit is filled with surprises.

For an evening tipple, head to the Venu Sky lounge on the 56th floor of the InterContinental Qingdao at dusk. Enjoy a cocktail while overlooking the bustling port city from above, set against a backdrop of live music and European gourmet dishes. If the night still calls for more, make your way to The Whisky Firm in the Lushang Shofu building in Shinan District, which boasts nearly 400 whisky bottles. Here, you can sip on unique cocktails handcrafted by mixologists and immerse yourself in the city’s refined nightlife.

Where to stay in Qingdao

The Shangri-La Hotel Qingdao offers an array of rooms and suite options, complete with extensive facilities and dining options, and is conveniently adjacent to the MixC Shopping Mall for those eager to indulge in some retail therapy. The Manxin Hotel Qingdao Zhanqiao in the old town, meanwhile, is a hotspot for Instagram enthusiasts, thanks to its proximity to famous landmarks and its rooftop views of Signal Hill (or Xinhao Hill) and Little Qingdao. 

For a seaside retreat, the Qingdao Golden Beach Hilton Hotel on the West Coast, just a stone's throw from the eponymous beach, is architecturally themed after a European castle. With a rich array of entertainment facilities, it resembles a seaside amusement park and is a mere 30-minute drive from the city centre, offering easy access to various attractions.