Qingdao Travel Guide

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Chinese Name: 青岛 (qīng dǎo)
Population: 9,499,800
Area: 11,282 square kilometers (4,356 square miles)
Location: in the southeast of Shandong Province, east China
Administrative Division: 7 Districts (Shinan, Shibei, Huangdao, Laoshan, Licang, Chengyang, Jimo); 3 County-level Cities (Jiaozhou, Pingdu, Laixi)
Area Code: 053233
Zip Code: 266000
GDP (2019): CNY 1,174.131 billion (USD 170.189 billion)  

Qingdao, located in the southeast part of Shandong Province, is a beautiful seaside city. It is near to the Yellow Sea to the east and south, Yantai to the northeast, Weifang to the west and Rizhao to the southwest. Qingdao is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in China. Qingdao Port has been open to 177 ports around the world, bringing Qingdao to the most prosperous city in Shandong.

Tourists who visit Qingdao can explore cultural relics like churches, historic German architecture and former residence of celebrities in the Qingdao Old Town while viewing beautiful natural landscapes including parks, bathing beaches in coastal areas. Be sure to go to Beer Street to taste the local Tsingtao beer whose best partner is always barbecue. In addition, Pichai Food Street, Yunxiao Road Food Street, and Mai Island seafood Street offer the freshest seafood, and authentic Qingdao snacks. Qingdao International Beer Festival, the biggest beer festival in Asia, is held on the second weekend of August every year and lasts for 16 days. The whole city will be decorated and people can taste beer from the world.

 Pictures

May 4th Square

The red roofs, green trees, blue sea, and azure sky form a bright and colorful picture here. The city is sometimes known as the Switzerland of the Orient. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the city attracts many visitors with its charming seascape. Sights like the Eight Passes Villas, May 4th Square, the Zhan Bridge, Mt. Laoshan, No.1 Bathing Beach, Badaguan Scenic Area will help you remember the city.

Other major attractions like Xinhao (Signal) Hill Park, Catholic Church (St. Emil Church), Golden Sand Beach,  Small Qingdao Island, Lu Xun Park, and Underwater World are also worth a visit. Just walking on the sand and listening to the surf breaking on the beach becomes enjoyable.

3-Day City Tour: visit Mt. Laoshan, Taiqing Palace, Xiaoyushan Hill Park, Small Qingdao Island, Zhan Bridge and No. 1 Bathing Beach
Hiking Adventure          Golf Vacation          Bicycle Routes
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Zhan Bridge

The seaside city

To the east of the city, a short distance across the Yellow Sea, lie Korea and Japan, making Qingdao an important port for international trade. A wide range of vehicles can facilitate trips to and from the city, including direct flights, bullet trains, long-distance buses and ships. The urban transportation is good due to the developed public buses, taxis, ferryboats, sightseeing boats and metros.
 Qingdao has implemented the 144-hour visa-free transit policy to facilitate citizens of some countries and regions to enjoy a visa-free stay up to 144 hours when taking an international transfer via Liuting Airport and its cruise port. 
Read details about 144-hour Visa-free Transit in Qingdao. 

 History: For thirty three years, up to 1949, the city was a colony of Germany and Japan. Thus, it has a great deal of European architecture. This foreign architecture -a remnant of the colonial past- now beautifies this seaside city.

 Foods: The food here is with distinctive flavors--especially seafood. So take this chance to enjoy the delicious seafood. Also, the city is the home of the famous Tsingtao Beer. Do not forget to try it when visiting the city.

 Local Highlights: The local government recognizes the importance of the tourism industry and has further plans to develop the local tourism. To enhance the tourism industry, the city now sponsors the International Beer Festival, the International Sea Festival, Beach Culture Festival, the Sea Affection Festival, and the Summer of Qingdao Festival. In cooperation with the Beijing Olympic Games 2008, the city held the Sailing Competition in the Olympic Games in 2008. This great event brings a great opportunity for this charming city to build its bright future.

 Relationship with Korea
Since the first Korean companies began doing business in this city in 1988, Korean people have lived here. Thousands of Korean people now live and work here, which makes the city with the most Korea investment enterprises in China. And the city also has the largest Korean population in China. With years of cultural exchange, they have established deep, close friendships and mutual trust with the native Chinese people.

Further Reading:
 Shopping        Nightlife       Top 10 things to Do in Qingdao

 10 Best China Honeymoon Destinations for Couples

 15 Important Cities in China for Business Travel

 10 Most Beautiful Cities in China