Welcome, globetrotters, to the delightful Qingdao, a charming coastal city in China's Shandong Province. This sunny, cheerful city enjoys the best of both worlds: bustling urban energy and serene seaside relaxation. Its eye-catching blend of modern skyscrapers, historical German colonial architecture, and traditional Chinese culture make Qingdao a unique and must-see destination in China.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Trip.com | -9% | |
| 2. Cheap | Agoda | -7% | |
| 3. Average | Booking.com | -2% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Expedia | 4% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Hotels.com | 8% |
Shinan District: As the beating heart of Qingdao, Shinan District boasts a variety of top-class accommodations, shopping centers, and vibrant nightlife. The district is perfect for those who love the hustle and bustle of city life.
Laoshan District: If you prefer a quieter setting surrounded by nature, you can't go wrong with Laoshan. Nestled next to the famous mountain it’s named after, the district offers numerous quaint guesthouses and luxury resorts where you can enjoy stunning mountain and sea views.
Licang District: Offering a snapshot of modern China, Licang is home to a good number of budget-friendly hotels and serviced apartments. Its convenient location provides easy access to transportation links and local attractions.
Badaguan Scenic Area: For lovers of history and architecture, Badaguan is an ideal choice. This historic neighborhood is filled with colonial-style villas and boutique guesthouses, each with its own charm.
Huangdao District: Across the sea via the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, Huangdao District boasts beautiful beaches and new residential areas with comfortable accommodations. Ideal for families and beach lovers!
Tsingtao Brewery Museum: Discover Qingdao's beer brewing history at the Tsingtao Brewery Museum. Trace back the brewery's 100-year journey and enjoy beer tasting to boot!
Laoshan Mountain: For outdoor enthusiasts, a trek to the serene Laoshan Mountain offers not only a challenging hike but also panoramic views of the city and the sea. Ancient Taoist temples dot the landscape, adding a mystical aura to your adventure.
The Eight Great Passes (Badaguan): Explore the architecturally rich Badaguan, which boasts a variety of colonial-style villas. The area is especially beautiful during spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Qingdao Underwater World: A fantastic choice for families, this large-scale aquarium showcases a myriad of marine species, an underwater tunnel, and exciting dolphin shows.
May Fourth Square: Named to commemorate a significant historical movement in China, the square is a popular gathering place featuring a distinctive wind-driven sculpture, surrounded by modern architecture.
Seafood: Being a coastal city, Qingdao offers a bounty of fresh seafood. Visit local seafood markets and feast on clams, prawns, or sea cucumber prepared in various styles.
Tsingtao Beer: When in Qingdao, you can't miss sampling Tsingtao Beer, a crisp, slightly malty lager that is a perfect partner to the local seafood.
Pijiu Yu (Beer Fish): This local delicacy is a must-try! Freshly-caught fish is cooked with Tsingtao Beer, creating a flavorful and unique dish.
Qingdao-style dumplings (Jiaozi): These plump, tender dumplings are generously filled with various ingredients such as seafood, meat, and vegetables. You'll find them in street stalls and upscale restaurants alike.
Laji Tofu: Don't be put off by its name ("rubbish tofu"). This dish is a delightful medley of tofu, sea cucumber, prawns, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots,