Qingdao Travel Guide
A breezy seaside city of German-era architecture, beaches and China’s most famous beer.
Qingdao sits on the Yellow Sea coast in Shandong province. It was a German concession in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the old town still has distinctive red-roofed European architecture, steep streets and church spires.
The city is a popular summer destination for Chinese travellers, with several beaches, a long coastal promenade and hiking on nearby Mount Lao. It is also the home of Tsingtao Beer, and the former brewery is now a museum.
Two days is usually enough. Qingdao works well as a coastal stop between Beijing and Shanghai, both reachable by high-speed rail.
Top Things to See and Do
Old Town & Zhanqiao Pier
The historic core, with the pier pavilion that appears on the Tsingtao Beer label.
Tsingtao Brewery Museum
The original German-built brewery, now a museum with tastings at the end.
Badaguan
A leafy neighbourhood of villas in a mix of architectural styles, beside the coast.
St Michael’s Cathedral
A striking neo-Gothic church in the old town, one of the city’s landmarks.
Mount Lao
A mountain known for its springs and Taoist temples, about an hour from the city.
Beaches
Several sandy city beaches along the coast, busiest in July and August.
Best Time to Visit
May to October is the main season, with warm weather and sea breezes. July and August are peak beach season and very busy. Spring and autumn are quieter and pleasant for walking, while winters are cold and windy.
Getting There and Around
Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO) handles international and domestic flights. High-speed rail connects Qingdao to Beijing in around three hours and Shanghai in about four and a half. The metro reaches the airport, the old town and the main beaches, and the coastal areas are very walkable.
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