Qingdao Travel Guide

Fine scenery is perhaps the most prominent characteristic of the seaside city of Qingdao in Shandong province and the reason why it is frequently dubbed the ‘Switzerland of the Orient’. A significant Korean population contributes to the city’s unique ambience and also makes it a haven for Korean products. Korean food makes its way onto the city’s menus, but the local Shangdong cuisine is tasty enough not to have to rely on other influences.

While China is not traditionally considered a country for beach vacations, Qingdao is home to such exquisite coastal beauty spots that any trip or holiday to the city should include time spent on its beaches. The closest beaches to the city are curiously called No. 1 Beach, No. 2 Beach, No. 3 Beach and No. 6 Beach. Of these four sandy stretches, No. 2 Beach is known as the most tranquil and least developed.

Other attractions in the city target those with an affinity for alcoholic beverages, with the Huadong Winery appealing to lovers of the grape and the Tsingtao Brewery to lovers of the grain. Both venues give plenty of opportunity for visitors to sample the tasty beverages brewed on-site. The regular dose of historical and cultural sights includes Jiaozhou Governor's Hall, Qingdao Protestant Church and Zhanshan Temple.

Qingdao Attractions

Qingdao Museum: the museum’s collection includes paintings created in the period from the Yuan Dynasty through the Qing Dynasty, plus a variety of other artifacts.

Underwater World: essentially an aquarium, this popular facility presents a diverse collection of marine life in a variety of impressive tanks.

Tsingtao Brewery: loved by beer drinkers across China, here at the chief brewery, visitors can see the processes involved in creating the beer as well as enjoy plenty of opportunities to sample it.

Huadong Winery: while not known internationally for wine production, China has produced a few viable vintages, many of which have come from this winery located just 25 miles out of the city.

Beaches: No. 1 Beach, No. 2 Beach, No. 3 Beach and No. 6 Beach … confused? Forget trying to fathom the naming system and enjoy the soft white sands and wonderful scenery.