A city kissed by seagulls｜Shandong, Qingdao

[Qingdao 3-day, 2-night new itinerary] Unlock the hidden gems of the "Oriental Switzerland". These places are incredibly photogenic! I just came back from Qingdao and I was amazed by this city embraced by mountains and the sea! In September, the summer heat in Qingdao is gradually dissipating, and the aroma of beer fills the air. This latest guide, personally tested by me, will take you to unlock even the secret spots loved by local artsy youths～ 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ Airplane: Jiaodong International Airport (direct subway line 8 to the city center) 🚄 High-speed train: Get off at Qingdao Station (European-style station is super photogenic) 🚇 Subway: Download the "Qingdao Metro" APP to scan the code 🚲 Shared bikes: Riding in the old city is super atmospheric 🌊 Perfect 3-day, 2-night itinerary Day 1: Strolling in the Old City 📍 Longjiang Road Cartoon Wall (9:00–11:00) The newest Internet-famous block! The whole street is covered with Miyazaki anime graffiti. The corner of the "Bu She Zhou Ye" café is super photogenic～ 📍 Xiaomai Island (17:00–19:00) Absolutely stunning at sunset! There are often street concerts on the lawn. Bring a picnic mat to watch the orange sea sunset～ Day 2: Walking the Coastline 📍 Shilaoren Bathing Beach (8:00–10:00) Check the tide chart to visit the ins-style cave! The Internet-famous white house with the blue sky is super photogenic～ 📍 Shazikou Square (16:00–18:00) A niche fishing port with a unique style! The colorful fishing boats and red-roofed houses make you feel like you've come to the Cinque Terre in Italy～ Day 3: Exploring Artsy Shops 📍 Daxue Road (10:00–12:00) The red wall corner always has a queue! There are many hidden gem shops around. The vintage goods at "Xiao Wu Coffee" are great to browse～ 📍 Taidong Night Market (18:00–20:00) The locals' favorite night market! Enjoy the pregnant tofu, shisanbukao fried dough, and seafood barbecue until you're stuffed～ 🍺 Food Hit List ✅ "Haiping Wonton": Yolk wontons with microwaved roasted meat ✅ "Haile Seafood": Steamed seafood tower to enjoy the original flavor ✅ "Lao Xie Ye Wonton": Late-night soul barbecue stall ❌ Food stalls by Zhanqiao Pier: Rip-off tourists, not recommended 📸 Top 5 Must-Visit Spots 1. Xiaomai Island Sunset (healing scenery) 2. Longjiang Road Cartoon Street (bursting with anime vibes) 3. Shazikou Fishing Port (pretend you're abroad) 4. Shilaoren Cave (full of ins style) 5. Daxue Road Red Wall (must-photograph for artsy youths) ⚠️ Important notes 1. There is a big temperature difference in the morning and evening in September, so bring a coat 🧥 2. Compare prices at seafood markets 💰 3. Hotel prices are more affordable after the Beer Festival 💰 4. Make sure you take a legitimate taxi 🚕 5. Avoid weekends for fewer crowds 🧑 The touching moments Qingdao brought me are far more than just beer and seafood. When I met the fairy tale world of Miyazaki at the corner of Longjiang Road, when I sang with strangers on Xiaomai Island, when I got lost in the old city but stumbled upon century-old buildings, this place has both the delicacy of Europe and the boldness of the North, making people want to stay.