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Qingdao [1] (青岛; Qīngdǎo; also known as Tsingtao), is regarded by some Chinese as one of the most beautiful and clean cities in China. With a population of around 3.5 million (8 million regional) it is the largest city in Shandong Province. The name Qingdao means The Blue/Green Island. In 2008, Qingdao was named China's 7th-most livable city.

[edit] Districts

The city proper lies on the east shore of Jiaozhou Bay (胶州湾; Jiāo​zhōu​wān​) and comprises four districts from south to north

• Shinan District (市南区; Shì​nán​qū​) — downtown with most of the city's major hotels, attractions and beaches.
• Shibei District (市北区; Shì​běi​qū​) — just north of downtown dominated by industry and peirs.
• Sifang District (四方区; Sì​fāng​qū​) — further north and dominated by industry.
• Licang District (李沧区; Lǐ​cāng​qū​) — further north and home to Peach Blossom Tourism Spot as well as more industry.

Suburban districts comprise primarily coastal areas close to the city proper

• Laoshan District (崂山区; ) — southeast of downtown and home to Laoshan Mountain, beaches and beach hotels.
• Chengyang District (城阳区; ) — on the north shore of Jiaozhou Bay and mostly industrial
• Huangdao District (黄岛区; ) — on the southwest shore of Jiaozhou Bay and home to huge wharfs and other industry.

Rural areas further away but administratively part of Qingdao include

• Jiaozhou City (胶州市; ) — west of downtown.
• Jiaonan City (胶南市; ) — along the coast south of Huangdao District.
• Jimo City (即墨市; ) — north of downtown including the coast north of Laoshan District.
• Pingdu City (平度市; ) — far northwest.
• Laixi City (莱西市; ) — far northeast.

[edit] Understand

Qingdao is a city steeped in China's 20th century history. Qingdao was taken as part of the Imperial German Concession of Jiaozhou Bay. Despite ongoing discussions with Chinese authorities about giving the Germans a territory, on 7 November 1897, they landed troops. Their pretext was the murder of two missionaries on 1 November of that year.

The concession treaty was signed on 6 March 1899, for a 99 year lease. The Germans acquired it as a relatively unimportant town of about 1,000 inhabitants. Yet by 1902, it had grown to 668 Caucasians and 15,000 Chinese. Today, the city has a population of 3 million.

During the colonial period, the Germans left a distinct mark on Qingdao's architecture that can still be seen in its historic center and train station. The train station has undergone a recent overhaul that has tried to strike a balance between maintaining its colonial heritage while modernizing to be the terminus of the high speed rail line to Beijing. Many German-period buildings have been preserved as heritage monuments. It is a kind of Bavaria-on-the-East-China-Sea, where they even sell Bratwurst on the street. In 1903, the world famous Tsingtao brewery was established by homesick Germans.

Japan occupied Qingdao on 27 August 1914, as part of World War I, and remained until 1922. They took the city because they were allied with the British against the Germans during World War I. After the war, the Japanese wanted to continue to hold the city for the remainder of the German lease, and the Chinese government was going to accede. However, protests by students in Beijing during the May 4th Movement of 1919, eventually forced them to return the city to Chinese soverignity. In 1937, the Japanese again took Qingdao and remained until the end of World War II in 1945. Between 1945 and 1949 the American 7th Fleet was based in Qingdao as it assisted the Kuomintang in fighting the Communist Party; the Communists took the city in 1949.

While Qingdao has a long history, the eastern half of the city has been built since 1993, and there is no sign of it slowing down. In 2008, it hosted the sailing events of the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Qingdao's early summer is quite an enjoyable season, although it can be humid near the sea shore. Late summer can become hot, while other places of Northern China start to feel cooler. The climate in late fall and winter can be harsh but snow patches can generally last no longer than a few days. Qingdao is an ideal destination if you want to combine sea-side fun with your trip to China.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By boat

[edit] Incheon

From Incheon, Korea there are ferries thrice-weekly by Weidong Ferries [2].

[edit] Shimonoseki

There are also twice-weekly connections from Shimonoseki, Japan on Orient Ferries [3]. The trip takes over 24 hours and 2nd class one-way costs ¥12,000. The voyage is one night from Shimonoseki to Qingdao, but two nights from Qingdao to Shimonoseki. The ferry also serves as a cargo vessel and after boarding in Qingdao, it will often take several hours to finish being loaded with cargo before it departs.

The restaurant food and drinks, snacks and souvenirs from the shop are all priced in Japanese Yen, so make sure to get some/have some left over before boarding. The cost of most food and drink is reasonable considering you're stuck on the boat with nowhere else to buy things, but the pennywise traveler will definitely bring their own alcohol, cigarettes, and snacks. (mind that there might be duties when crossing into Japan or China).

There are electrical outlets in the lounge area, but if those are taken, there are also some up in the gym/fitness area, where no one goes. Be advised that on boarding from China, the ship operates under Japanese time, so change your watches and pay attention to announcements for when dinner will be served, as food is only served at certain times of the day. There are Japanese-style shower/bath rooms on the upper level where the first class rooms are located.

[edit] By plane

The Qingdao Liuting International Airport is the main hub for Shandong Airlines and a focus city of China Eastern Airlines. The flights between Qingdao and Shanghai, and Qingdao and Beijing are very frequent. If you arrive in Beijing or Shanghai in the morning or in the afternoon, you even do not have to book the flight ticket to Qingdao ahead. It will save you some money if you buy the ticket simply at the airport once you arrive in Beijing or Shanghai.

International destinations include Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Seoul (Incheon) and Busan. Qingdao also has flights to Hong Kong and Taipei.

The airport is 32 kilometers from the city itself, about half an hour taxi ride. Prices for a taxi ride from the airport to the Hong Kong Middle Road area should be between ¥80-120 depending on the route taken (The National Highway 308 is slower but cheaper, the toll expressway is faster and more expensive) and time of day (more expensive at night).

[edit] By train

Qingdao Railway Station (tel. +86 532 6011111, reservations +86 532 2962777) is at 2 Tai'an Road (泰安路2号) at the west end of Shinan District.

Trains from major cities not too far away include:

• Beijing — there is a daily sleeper train from Beijing taking about 9 hours and costing ¥116-326. There is now a much faster service from Beijing provided by China Railway High-speed that has 6 trains per day and takes a little less than 6 hours for ¥274-329.

• Shanghai — There is a daily sleeper train from Shanghai taking about 18 hours and costing ¥150-452. There is now a much faster service from Shanghai taking 10 hours and costing ¥420-504.

• Tianjin — 10 hours, ¥51-274.

• Jinan — fast trains taking less than 3 hours, slower and cheaper trains taking 5 hours.

• Nanjing — fast trains taking less than 8 hours, slower and cheaper trains taking 13 hours.

Trains from major cities further away include:

• Harbin — 28 hours, ¥204-615.

• Xian — 21-23 hours, ¥168-506.

• Guangzhou — 28 hours, ¥266-738.

• Nanning — 53 hours, ¥148-510.

[edit] By bus

If you are travelling from within Shandong Province, going by bus is probably the easiest way. Especially now with the new excellent and fast expressways linking Qingdao with other cities in the province. There are several buses per day from Jinan, Taian, Qufu, as well as Yantai and Rizhao on the coast. They leave from and arrive to the bus station just outside the train station, but also from the new bus station north of town, which can be reached by local trolleybus number 5 in 20 minutes.

[edit] Visa information

Recently, Qingdao officials have been sweeping local bars. To avoid troubles, you should keep your passport and visa with you at all times. It is advisable to keep copies of your passport information page and visa safe place at your hotel or hostel.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By taxi

Take one of the plentiful taxis. Usually the base price is ¥7, and the price per kilometer is ¥1.20. You can get across town for less than ¥35. Be advised that there is indeed a fuel tax specific to Qingdao that is ¥1 regardless of distance traveled. Also be aware that you will be required to pay any toll fees incurred during the trip. So simply add ¥1 plus any toll fees you may have incurred (most likely not unless you traveled on the Qingyin Expressway) to the meter's reading.

[edit] By bus

The bus and trolleybus network is quite well put together and useful once you figure out the routes. Buses 26 and 501 run from the railway station (Shinan Distict) along the coast via Donghai West Road (Donghai Xi Lu) to all the beaches in the modern eastern part of town (CBD), where pubs and cafes are located. Many major routes have dedicated bus lanes, that can make taking the bus faster than taking a car during rush hour. Buses 316 and 231 will bring you to the center of the town from the newly renovated station. Regular buses cost ¥1 and the air conditioned ones are ¥2. If you get on a bus that goes really far (out to the suburbs) you need to tell the ticket person on the bus where you are going and it will cost up to ¥6.

[edit] By cycling

Very few locals in Qingdao cycle because it is illegal on streets and sidewalks. When renting a bike make sure that it is legal to ride your planned route. There are more than 40km of waterfront trails. If you really want a work out, try hiking Fushan or the TV Tower hills as there are some decent mountain bike trails.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Landmarks

• Zhan Qiao (栈桥; Zhàn​qiáo​). The famous pier Zhan Qiao is the iconic symbol of Qingdao. It was extended by the Germans and is a popular tourist station. The famous pavilion that is the logo of Tsingtao Beer was built in 1931 and now houses a small aquarium. The pier is now lined with individuals selling all manner of things, as well as beggars and opportunities for very small-time gambling.  edit

• Catholic church (天主教堂; Tiān​zhǔ​jiào​táng​; also known as St. Michael's Church), 15 Zhejiang Road (浙江路15号‎; Zhè​jiāng​lù​), ☎ +86 532 82865960. M-Sa 8AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Built in 1934. Masses held every Sunday. As of November, 2009, the church is closed to tourists for renovations.  edit

• Protestant Church, 15 JiangSu Road, ☎ (532) 8286-5970. 8 AM - 5 PM. This is a Lutheran Church located in the older part of the city. It was built in 1910, and has an auditorium and bell tower, both of which are open to visitors. The bell is original and was brought from Germany specifically for the church. ¥5.  edit

• Zhan Shan Temple, (Situated at the foot of ZhanShan Hill and to the east of TaiPing Hill). 8AM-5PM daily. This temple was built in 1945. It has five halls and a pagoda, with an area of 20,000 square meters. The temple boasts a large collection of skillfully carved statues of Buddha and Buddhist scriptures. There are tens of thousands of people at ZhanShan Temple from the 8th to the 10th of April on the lunar calendar every year. ¥8.  edit

[edit] Parks and nature

• Xiao Qingdao Park (Little Qingdao Island), 2 QinYu Road, ☎ (532) 8286-3944. 7:15 AM - 6:30 PM. This is the island from which Qingdao takes its name, literally, Green Island. The Island was used for military purposes for many years, and it features a lighthouse built by the Germans in 1900. The Japanese later built a bridge to the island. Visitors may also tour the botanical gardens and enjoy the views of Qingdao. RMB 15.  edit

• Baihuayuan Gardens (百花苑; Bǎihuāyuàn; lit. Hundred Flowers Park​), 55 Yan'an First Road (延安一路55号; Yán​'ān​ Yīlù​), ☎ +86 532 82862461. 8AM-6PM. Small park with lots of trees, flowers and sculptures. For many years it was the cemetary for foreigners, but the cemetary was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. It is now a beautiful park with sculptures of writers, artists, and revolutionaries. ¥5.  edit

• Qingdaoshan Park (青岛山(炮台遗址)公园; Qīng​dǎo​ Shān(​pào​tái​yí​zhǐ)​ Gōng​yuán; lit. Qingdao Moutain Battery Park Site​), (Next to Baihuayuan Gardens), ☎ (532) 8296-2004. 8:30 AM - 5 PM. This park is the site of the former German battery overlooking Jiaozhou Bay. Visitors can enjoy the park, as well as visit the battery structure and an exhibit on the history of the German military in Qingdao. RMB 15.  edit

• Zhongshan Park (中山公园; Zhōng​shān​ Gōngyuán​), 28 Wendeng Road (文登路28号; Wéndēnglù​). 6AM-6PM. Free.  edit

• Xiao Yu Shan Park (literally, Little Fish Hill​), 24 FuShan Access Road, ☎ (532) 8286-5645. 7:15 AM - 6:15 PM. A park built in traditional Chinese style in 1983. It has great hilltop views of Qingdao. RMB 15.  edit

• Xin Hao Shan Park (Signal Hill Park), 18 Long Shan Road, ☎ (532) 8279-4141. 6 AM - 9:30 PM. This hill was originally used by the Germans as a signalling station, and was later turned into a park. It has lovely landscape and features a revolving tea shop offering a 360 degree panorama of Qingdao. Visitors will also see the Heart to Heart Bridge, where local couples place a heart-shaped padlock on the bridge to ensure that their relationship will last forever. RMB 15.  edit

[edit] Museums

• Qingdao Municipal Museum (青岛市博物馆; Qīng​dǎo​shì Bówùguǎn), 27 Meiling Road, Laoshan District (崂山区梅岭路27号; Láo​shān​qū Méilǐnglù) (Bus 104, 230 or 321 to Qingdao Museum Stop), ☎ +86 532 88893336, [4]. Tu-Su April-September 9AM-5:30PM, October-March 9AM-4:30PM. This museum includes exhibits of art and antiquities of ancient to modern Qingdao, as well as exhibits on porcelain and calligraphy. ¥20.  edit

• Qingdao Art Museum (青岛市美术馆; Qīngdǎoshì Měishùguǎn​), 7 Daxue Road (大学路7号; Dà​xué​lù​), [5].  edit

• Haier Science and Technology Museum (海尔科技馆; Hǎiěr Kējìguǎn​), 27 MeiLing Road, Laoshan District (崂山区梅岭路27号; Láo​shān​qū Méilǐnglù) (Bus 104, 230 or 321 to Qingdao Museum Stop, in the same building as Qingdao Municipal Museum), ☎ +86 532 88899855. 9AM-5PM. A separate museum specially geared towards children. ¥10.  edit

• Qingdao Underwater World/Qingdao Aquarium (青岛海底世界; Qīng​dǎo​ Hǎi​dǐ​shì​jiè​), (Located next to the #1 beach), [6]. Aquarium open daily. Qingdao is host to China's first public aquarium, opened in 1932. Today the "Underwater World" consists of four main areas on both sides of the street, and connected underneath the street. One highlight is the moving platform that takes visitors in a tunnel through the aquarium, one can look all around and see fish from every angle. Also, do not miss the ever-popular mermaid shows. Be aware, however, that during the day and in the summer it will be packed with hoards of noisy children and tourists. Two of the exhibits do not have air-conditioning. ¥100.  edit

• Polar Ocean World, [7]. An aquarium focusing on polar animals, including polar bears and penguins. Newer and more modern than the Underwater World. It has a well known Beluga whale and dolphin show, as well as a large seal exhibit. ¥120 per adult.  edit

• German Governor's Residence, (Ask for the Qingdao Guest House). A Bavarian-style castle where Mao stayed as well. Also the observatories on the hills around it are interesting for good views and museums.  edit

• Qingdao German Prison Site Museum, 25 ChangZhou Road, ☎ 532-8286-8820. 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM, April to November; 9 AM - 5 PM, November to April. This building housed a prison built by the Germans. The visit begins with an exhibit of the good and bad sides of German and Japanese occupation, followed by a visit of the cells and torture rooms. The building originally housed non-Chinese prisoners, but was later used to incarcerate Chinese prisoners under Japanese rule, as well as communist party members under the Kuomintang. The basement recreates the Japanese torture cells, complete with original implements. RMB 15.  edit

• Qingdao Naval Museum, 8 LaiYang Rd, ☎ (532) 8287-4786. 8 AM - 5 PM. A museum with exhibits on the history of the Chinese navy, as well as full-size warships that visitors may tour. RMB 30.  edit

[edit] Other

• Tsingtao Brewery (青岛啤酒厂; Qīngdǎo Píjiǔchǎng), 56 Dengzhou Road (登州路56号‎; Dēng​zhōu​lù​), ☎ +86 532 3833437, [8]. 8:30AM-5PM. The brewery has some interesting exhibits and the bottling plant is fascinating.Inside the brewery you will see the history of the brewery and how beer was made in the late 19th and 20th century. Of course the ample free samples of beer (especially of the delicious unfiltered or "raw" beer) are likely to persuade you this place is worth a visit. ¥50.  edit

• Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre. Qingdao was the location of the sailing events for the 2008 olympics. Visitors can see the plaza, lighthouse, and closing ceremonies site, as well as visit the restaurants and bars at the venue.  edit

• Qingdao TV Tower, 1 TaiPingShan Road, ☎ (532) 8365-4020. November - March, 8:30 AM - 7 PM; April - October, 8 AM - 9 PM. Visitors take the elevator to an outdoor observation deck that offers fantastic views of Qingdao. Tea and snacks are available inside, as are souvenirs and an exhibit on Qingdao's winning bid for the sailing competitions during the Beijing Olympics. RMB 30.  edit

• Qingdao Eastern Bear Park (​), 1 Laoshan Road, Qingdao City, ☎ 0532-88999666. 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM. A new attraction in Qingdao that houses Asian Black Bears (Dog Bears) among others. The bears are segregated by age, and visitors can feed them the food provided. While the bears are interesting, there are large numbers crammed in relatively small spaces, and appear to be hungry. Bear shows take place several times a day and feature bears with chains around their necks being hit by their trainers until they perform tricks, only to receive very small rewards. There is also a lovely park that has a separate entrance and entry fee, in which visitors can take the stairs to the top of a mountain, passing several temples en route. It is worth the walk up, if visitors are ok with contributing their money to the bear habitat. RMB 120.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit] Beaches

Qingdao has some famous (within China) beaches worthy of visiting. Unfortunately, litter is a problem at all of them, ranging from the occasional cigarette butt to having to wade through a flotsam of trash just to get into the ocean itself. Your experience will vary depending on the tides and the time of year you visit. During summer weekends, Qingdao city beaches are VERY crowded (sometimes upwards of 100,000 people), and slightly less crowded on summer weekdays. Again, these can be packed full of people during the weekends. Bring sunscreen, while you can buy beach toys, food, drinks, and knick-knacks at any of Qingdao's beaches, surprisingly no one sells sunscreen at the beach itself. You can find bathing beaches all along the seaside from the Zhanqiao Pier to the Shilaoren Beach in the eastern suburbs.

• Laoshan Beach (崂山浴场; Láoshān yùchǎng), (Just at the entrance to Laoshan National Park, about a 30 minute drive east of the city limits,). Surrounded by mountains and visited far less often than its alternatives, Laoshan beach is one of the best in town. Make sure to arrange transportation there and back, because taxis are harder to get there.  edit

• Old Stone Man Beach (石老人浴场; Shìlǎorén yùchǎng), Donghai East Road and Haikou Road (东海东路 - 海口路) (Get there by bus 125 or 321). 24 hours. One of the best beaches within easy striking distance of the city. It is cleanish, very long and broad, with the highest waves. Tables, chairs, tents, boats, shower, changing facilities etc. are available for rent. Admission free; Shower and changing is now 10 RMB at the cheapest. In addition, you can store your items in a locker for another 10 RMB + a deposit of 30 RMB..  edit

• Beach #1 (第一海水浴场; Dìyī hǎishuǐ yùchǎng), Nanhai Road (南海路) (CNY15-20 in taxi from the center; busses #6, #15, #26, #31, #202, #206, # 214, #219, #223, #228, #231, #302, #304, #306, #311, #312, #316, #317, #321, #501, #604, #605, #801 stop at near by bus stop Hai Shui Yu Chang (海水浴场; Hǎishuǐ yùchǎng)). 24 hours. Clean and full of amusement for children but often crowded. Very basic shower and changing facilities available. Surrounded by restaurants and hotels. Admission free. ¥5 for shower and changing facilities.  edit

• Beach #2 (第二海水浴场; Dìèr hǎishuǐ yùchǎng), Shanhaiguan Road (山海关路; Shānhǎiguān lù) (CNY10-15 in taxi from the center; buses #26, #31, #202, #206, #214, #223, #228, #231, #304, #316, #317, #321, #501, #604, #801 stop at bus stop Wu Sheng Guan ([chinese; pinyin]) a bit north of the beach). Quiet beach. Entrance CNY2 in summer, else free.  edit

• Beach #3 (City Beach) (第三海水浴场; Dìsān hǎishuǐ yùchǎng). Has a "plastic island" so you can swim far away and have a rest before coming back (but it is sometimes exhausting to swim in the waves).  edit

• Beach #6 (Muscle Beach). Not very clean. ¥5 for very basic shower and changing facilities.  edit

[edit] International Beer Festival

Qingdao International Beer Festival, held at the end of August every year, is a celebration of Qingdao's brewing heritage. During the daytime, there are official ceremonies that celebrate Qingdao's heritage as well as carnival type rides, food and games. In the evening, the event really picks up as crowds flock to huge tents set up by each beer company with a presence in China. One can sit down and order beer or snacks. The price of food at night during the festival, however, is ridiculous. You cannot find Kebabs for anything less than CNY 10 per stick! One can also watch (or participate in) various performances such as karaoke, concerts, auctions, or comedy. The entertainment itself is tame and bland; 2009s best gig, by far, was a Phillipine cover band imitating Western songs. The International Beer Festival, unfortunately, no longer seems to have much of an international presence save the beer. Much of what you see now can be found at any Chinese carnival, park or civic celebration.

[edit] Other

• Huangdao (黄道). Providing there isn't persistent fog as is often in the area, one can take a ferry from Qingdao port to the neighbouring district of Huangdao. The city has mostly been built in the last 10-15 years and thus is completely devoid of character. That said, there are plenty of Japanese hostess bars, and a few Western drinking holes too, if you get tired of Qingdao's fare. The ferry prices generally range from 15-30RMB one way, but be advised that if the ferries aren't running the taxi fare is 200RMB+ back to Qingdao.  edit

• Seafront walk. Walk along the sea front in the evening from beach 2 back into town to 6.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Taidong Pedestrian Street (Taidong Buxingjie). The best area for buying stuff. Very "renao" (bustling), especially at night when the peddlers come out and you can buy all manner of trinkets, clothing, household wares, etc. While in Taidong be careful of the Pickpockets.  edit

• Central Hong Kong Rd., (The stretch of Hong Kong Rd. between Fuzhou Rd. and Nanjing Rd.). To provision yourself, head out to this area. Carrefour sells grocery, food, and small electronics. It has a KFC. Jusco is part shopping mall, part grocery store and part department store. MyKal is an eight floor department store with a movie theatre on the top and a grocery store in the basement. Sunshine is a department store across from Carrefour that sells upmarket goods. The Hisense shopping centre located behind Jusco has many luxury goods stores, and a grocery store with possibly the best selection of western foods in Qingdao.  edit

• Jimo Lu market. Do not miss this market, a great place to buy knock off Gucci, Prada, Louis Vitton as well as local retail goods. Recently refurbished and opening new shops across the street in a new plaza, it will soon become one of Qingdao's most popular retail markets.  edit

• Zhong Shan Lu. Recently retrofitted for 2008, still boasts some of the oldest shops in Qingdao.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

Head to Yunxiao Road west of Fuzhou South Road for a large selection of restaurants of all Chinese varieties ranging from the local Shandong style, to Cantonese and Sichuan. Yunxiao Road is recognized as Qingdao's restaurant street, and serves up a wide variety of mouth watering dishes. Minjiang Road, near Fushou South Road (bordering on Qingdao's restaurant district), has several outstanding restaurants. The area is booming with foods from around the world.

[edit] Budget

Small cheap restaurants are found around the city, especially away from the main streets. Basic meals for less than ¥10.

[edit] Noodles

Noodle restaurants tend to be cheap, some options are:

[edit] Dumplings

Also, dumpling restauraunts tend to be cheap, some options are:

• Sanheyuan (Ningxia Road Branch) (三合园水饺 (宁夏路店); Sān​hé​yuán​ Shuǐ​jiǎo (Níng​xià​lù​diàn​)​), 147 Ningxia Road, Shinan District (市南区宁夏路147号; Shì​nán​qū​ Níng​xià​lù​), ☎ +86 532 85838085. Expect to pay around ¥30 each person.  edit

• Da Niang Dumplings (大娘水饺; Dà​niáng​ Shuǐ​jiǎo​), [9]. Fast food chain specialising in dumplings. Expect to pay around ¥20 each person.  edit
  • Shibei District Branch, 64 Taidong Third Road, Shibei District (市北区台东三路64号; Shì​běi​qū​ Tái​dōng​sān​lù​).  edit
  • Shinan District Branch, Xianggang Middle Road, Shinan District (市南区香港中路; Shì​nán​qū​ Xiāng​gǎng​zhōng​lù​).  edit

[edit] Other

If you want something a bit more comfortable than the most basic restaurants, you can try one of the restaurants below where you can expect to pay around ¥20-40 each person:

[edit] Mid-range

[edit] Dim sum

• Old Hong Kong Restaurant (香港老饭店; Xiānggǎnglǎo Fàndiàn), 42 Hong Kong Middle Road (Just below New York Club in the Hirun Hotel on Hong Kong middle Rd.), ☎ 0532-85978868. Better than average dim sum, clean upmarket atmosphere and decent service. Unfortunately their dim sum menu lacks English, but it is still definitely worth a try. Expect to pay ¥50-75 each person.  edit

• Bifeng Tang (港记避风塘; Gǎngjì bìfēngtáng), 158 Minjiang Road (闽江路24号), ☎ 0532-85776789. until 4AM. Hongkong dimsum and seafood. About average of ¥50 per person.  edit

[edit] Hotpot

• Laoshan Pao Hotpot Restaurant (老山炮活鱼锅; Lǎoshānpàohuóyúguō), 20 Yunxiao Road (云宵路20号), ☎ +86 532 85784444, [10]. Hot pot, seafood. Expect around ¥50 each person.  edit

• Tanyutou Hotpot Restaurant (谭鱼头火锅; Tányútóuhuǒguō), 14 Minjiang Road (闽江路14号), ☎ +86 532 85839076. Hotpot. Expect around ¥50 each person.  edit

[edit] Korean

• Minsu Korean Restaurant (民俗酒家; Mínsújiǔjiā), 68 Shanghang Road (上杭路68号), ☎ 86 532 66777308. Korean BBQ. Expect to pay around ¥50 each person.  edit

• Xiaobenjia Korean Restaurant (小本家; Xiǎoběnjiā), 58 Shanghang Road (上杭路58号). Korean BBQ. Reservation is recommended. Expect to pay around ¥50 each person.  edit

[edit] Other

• Shanglinyuan Restaurant (上林苑餐饮), 169 Minjiang Road, Shinan District (市南区闽江路169号; Shì​nán​qū​ Mǐn​jiāng​lù​), ☎ +86 532 85756188 (shang_linyuan@163.com, fax: +86 532 85756788), [11]. Shandong cuisine and seafood.  edit

• Yumatou Seafood Restaurant (渔码头; Yúmǎtóu), 24 Yunxiao Road, Shinan District (市南区云霄路24号; Shìnánqū​ Yúnxiāolù​), ☎ +86 532 85733583. Seafood. Expect to pay around ¥75 each person.  edit

• Heavenly Palace Old Mama Restaurant (天府老妈; Tiānfǔlǎomā), 54 Yunxiao Road (云宵路54号), ☎ +86 532 85764906. Sichuan cuisine. Expect around ¥50 each person.  edit

• Lao Chuancai (老转村四川菜馆; Lǎo zhuǎncūn sìchuān càiguǎn), 158 Minjiang Road (On Minjiang Road very near to the intersection with Fuzhou Road), ☎ +86 532 85772776. Probably one of the biggest and best Sichuan restaurants in Qingdao. This spot is part of a local chain of better than average Chinese restaurants. Expect ¥50-75 each person.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Haidao Seafood Restaurant (海岛渔村; Hǎidǎoyúcūn), 40 Yunxiao Road, Shinan District (市南区云霄路40号; Shì​nán​qū​ Yún​xiāo​lù​), ☎ +86 532 85973058, [12]. Seafood. Expect to pay ¥75-100 each person.  edit

• Monnemer Eck's, 173 Jiangxi Rd. (Right on the Jiangxi Rd. Bar strip not far from Charlie's Bar.), ☎ 0532-85921096. The closest thing to real German food in the city.  edit

• Zijing Shandong Restaurant (紫晶鲁菜馆; Zǐjīnglǔcàiguǎn), [13]. Shandong cuisine. Claims to be the first restaurant in Qingdao to specialise in Shandong cuisine. Has both traditional dishes and modern ones. Expect around ¥125 each person.  edit
  • 48 Minjiang Second Road, Shinan District (市南区闽江二路48号; Shì​nán​qū​ Mǐn​jiāng​èr​lù​) (Buses 217, 222, 228), ☎ +86 532 85652888.
  • 113 Fengshan Road, Licang District (李沧区峰山路113号; Lǐ​cāng​qū​ Fēng​shān​lù​), ☎ +86 532 87631111.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Tsingtao is China's best-known brand of beer. The brewery was founded by Germans during colonial times. Every August there is a beer festival (check the listing in the "Do" section). Many European breweries participate.

Despite being a city of 3 million, nightlife is quieter here than in most cities of similar size. KTV (karaoke) is very popular activity amongst the locals. There are a few western style club/discos in the Hong Kong Road area close to the Jusco.

• Le Bang (乐邦), (Technically on Chengyi 1 Rd north of Hong Kong Rd., the official address is 2 Zhangzhou 2 Rd. Gate B. It's on the side street next to SOS), ☎ +86 532 85935279. 6PM to whenever the last paying customer leaves. A good first stop for travellers in the area is , a French expat bar. On Friday and Saturday nights there is an all you can drink ¥50 happy hour from 10PM-11PM. During weekdays there is always some kind of daily drink special. There are often French/continental nights. Drinks start at ¥15 and food starts at ¥25.  edit

• Feelings Club, 83-85 Hong Kong Middle Road (Across the road from Xinjiazhuang bus stop), ☎ +86 532 85932929. 8PM to late. A large dance club that is often the most popular among Chinese, music there is strictly techno. Ladies should watch out as it is not called "Feeling" Club for nothing.  edit

• SOS, 71 Hong Kong Middle Road (A 5 minute stumble west of Feelings Club on HK Road), ☎ +86 532 85969898. 8PM to 2AM. Formerly a part of the Shanghai Babyface chain. Name has changed but still the same Chinese techno loving, glow stick handling and dice rolling crowd, but often not as busy. ¥40 and up.  edit

• Club New York, 41 Hong Kong Middle Road 2nd Floor (Go further west from SOS past Fuzhou Road), ☎ +86 532 85725666. There is a live band almost every night, that plays cover songs. The atmosphere is definitely more western oriented than other places. Drink prices are expensive at ¥40-50, although foreigners planning a lengthy stay are nearly always offered a free VIP card for permanent half price drinks.  edit

• Freeman (自由人), 163 Jiangxi Road (Jiangxi Road near Hong Kong Middle Road), ☎ +86 15853211877. 6PM-2AM. Laid back western style bar, with plenty of different kinds of booze available and good service. ¥20 and up.  edit

• Charlie's Bar, 167 Jiangxi Road (Jiangxi Road near Hong Kong Middle Road), ☎ +86 532 85897919. 6PM-2AM. Very similar to Freeman, but not as big and a slightly weaker selection. ¥20 and up.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• The Beach House, 5 Wendang Lu. The Beach House bills itself as a "youth hostel," but its really more of a hotel. Still, the prices for a room are very reasonable. The Becah House is right by bathing beach #1 and the views can be pretty good. The Pearl S. Buck Cafe, on the bottom floor of the hotel, has outrageous prices. Its best to look elsewhere for food, lest you enjoy being gouged 25 RMB for half a bowl of oatmeal, yoghurt and a lousy banana.  edit

• Home Inn (Qingdao Yinchuan West Road Branch) (如家快捷 (青岛银川西路店); Rú​jiā​kuài​jié​ (Qīng​dǎo​ Yín​chuān​xī​lù​diàn​)), 9 Yinchuan West Road, Shinan District (市南区银川西路9号; Shì​nán​qū​ Yín​chuān​xī​lù​), ☎ +86 532 85779009 (fax: +86 532 85772200). Tiny rooms. Listed rates for doubles from ¥179, breakfast ¥12.  edit

• Qingdao Kaiyue International Youth Hostel. Quiet but large and very nice hostel in the old town near the train station and the Catholic church. Good place to meet other foreigners.  edit

• YHA Old Observatory. Qingdao Observatory, the first observatory in China, is a great location for this youth hostel, which is situated on Mt. Observatory in the heart of Qingdao. It is a hidden gem from which to explore China’s most well-known coastal city.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Aegean Sea Boutique Hotel (青岛爱情海精品酒店; Qīng​dǎo​ Ài​qíng​hǎi​jīng​pǐn​ Jiǔ​diàn​), 212 Yan'an Third Road, Shinan District (市南区延安三路212号; Shì​nán​qū​ Yán​'ān​sān​lù​), [14]. Three star hotel with small rooms. Listed rates for doubles from ¥858, discounted from ¥219.  edit

• Sifang Hotel (青岛四方大酒店; Qīng​dǎo​ Sì​fāng​ Dà​jiǔ​diàn​), 1 Wenzhou Road, Sifang District (四方区温州路1号; Sì​fāng​qū​ Wēn​zhōu​lù​), ☎ +86 532 83717888 (qdsifanghotel@163.com, fax: +86 532 83717577), [15]. Centrally located simple three star hotel. Listed rates for doubles from ¥360, discounted from ¥158.  edit

• TOP YiHe International Serviced Apartments, 10 Xianggang Middle Road, ☎ +86 532 8866 4432. Comparable to most 4-star hotels in Qingdao at a much cheaper rate, has an excellent staff, Bird's Eye View of the Olympic Marina & May 4th Square. Free daily Western style breakfast, free local calls, free broadband internet with 42" plasma HDTV screen and cable TV, business center, conference rooms, 10 minute walk to all major shopping centers and restaurants.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Crowne Plaza Qingdao, 76 XiangGang Middle Road, ☎ +86 532 85718888 (fax: + 86 532 85716666), [16]. The city's busiest international hotel with 388 rooms, great location and facilities, including Brazilian BBQ and a pastry counter. It's also near the 2008 Olympics sailing sites.  edit

• Grand Regency Hotel Qingdao, 110 XiangGang Middle Road, ☎ +86 532 85881818 (fax: + 86 532 85881888), [17]. The first 5-star hotel in Qingdao, it has excellent staff, billiard rooms, health club, squash courts, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a bowling alley. 393 rooms.  edit

• Latour Laguens (Qingdao), 316 Hong Kong Rd, ☎ +86 532 88966969 ext. 8000 (fax: +86 532 66717399), [18]. Member of the small luxury hotels organization, Seaside resort hotel with an amazing ocean view, excellent service, vast selection of fine wines, comfortable high class atmosphere, very large personalized rooms with in-room sauna and spa, fantastic food selection, free pick up from the airport, and free breakfast.  edit

• Sea View Garden Hotel, 2 ZhangHua Road, ☎ +86 532 85875777. Offers excellent ocean side view, spa, tennis, KTV, bar, and close to shopping centres.  edit

• ZhanQiao Hotel, 31 TaiPing Road, ☎ +86 532 82888666. 4/5 Star hotel with excellent location right on the water front. Prices start at ¥600 and are more for ocean views. Discounts available during the winter months..  edit

• Copthorne Hotel Qingdao, 28 Hong Kong Middle Road, ☎ +86 532 85721688, [19]. Copthorne Hotel Qingdao is an international deluxe hotel situated in the heart of the city and central business district. This contemporary 455-rooms-and-suite hotel provides an array of facilities and impeccable service to both the business and leisure travellers. The hotel offers a variety of dining experiences including an award-winning Chinese Restaurant, Central Grill which serves international cuisine for casual all-day dining, a spectacular Lobby Lounge and a Japanese Restaurant.  edit

[edit] Stay safe

Generally, Qingdao is a very safe city although the general travel advisories such as keeping your bag close, not flashing large amounts of money and using common sense are always advised. Violent crime or serious thievery is not a common problem.

[edit] Contact

[edit] Get out

[edit] Laoshan

Located a 30 min. bus ride east of downtown, Laoshan (Mount Lao) boasts a 2100-year-old Dao temple and is a must see for the Qingdao area. Often credited with being one of the temples that gave birth to the Dao way of thought, the Laoshan temple is tucked just between the mountains and beach. You can wander the temples or take one of the many paths winding up and around the mountains to enjoy the view, see waterfalls or listen to the tales of the ancient snake and other phenomena that haunt the Laoshan area. The mountain offers both regular hiking from the main entrance, as well as a stone-paved trail to Chao Yin waterfall and tea house from the north entrance

Bus 304 can be used when travel to Laoshan from Qingdao. The bus can be boarded at the train station close to the west side of beach no. 6.

Bus 304 will not take you all the way to Laoshan's main entrance. The bus trip from the train station to the terminal bus stop will cost about 10 Y. A taxi from the terminal bus stop to Laoshan costs about 20 Y. Unfortunately it's not easy to find an available taxi at the terminal bus stop. A good piece of advice is to start walking towards Laoshan and grab an empty taxi on the way. The actual distance from the end stop to Laoshan is too far to walk. The entrance fee for Laoshan is 70 Y. It's also a good idea to book a taxi before hand for the return journey.

[edit] Weifang

Weifang is a city in Shandong province that is the home of China's International Kite Festival. Visitors can visit the Kite Museum where artists produce not only kites, but also New Year's Paintings, carvings, and other forms of art. The Museum also houses a Ming dynasty era home of a young family of historical interest. Vistors may also visit the historical home of a local landlord from the Ming Dynasty on Weifang's oldest street. The city is approximately 2 hours by car from Qingdao.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!