"Qingdao Summer Travel Guide: Encounter a Romantic Journey of Blue Sea and Sky"

The summer breeze, carrying the salty scent of the sea, gently sweeps through every street of Qingdao. This city, known as the "Pearl of the Yellow Sea," shines under the sunlight like a colorful oil painting, inviting you to step into the picture and explore its unique charm. Qingdao combines the grandeur of northern cities with the gentle beauty of southern coastal towns, with red tiles, green trees, and blue sea and sky as its most distinctive features. If you are planning a summer trip, Qingdao is definitely a destination not to be missed. Let's set foot on this land and embark on a romantic coastal journey together. Itinerary Overview Day 1: Zhanqiao Pier → Badaguan Scenic Area → Xiaomai Island Park → Taidong Night Market Day 2: Laoshan Taiqing Scenic Area → Qingshan Fishing Village → Shilaoren Beach Day 3: Qingdao Beer Museum → Olympic Sailing Center Light Show → Third Bathing Beach Day 4: Qingdao Underwater World → Silverfish Alley → Cloud Sea Sky Budget Allocation (Per Person) Transportation: 1000 RMB (airfare / high-speed train) + 200 RMB local transport Accommodation: 1200 RMB (4 nights in budget hotels) Meals: 600 RMB Tickets: 400 RMB Others: 200 RMB Day 1: Old Town Stroll・Encounter the Romantic Coastline Morning Zhanqiao Pier: Arrive at 6 AM to avoid crowds and capture the panoramic view of "Changhong Yuan Yin." Buy a pack of seagull feed to catch the lively moment of seagulls skimming over the sea. Badaguan: Stroll along Shaoguan Road’s plane tree avenue, check in at the mint green exterior of the Princess House, and enjoy the view of the Yellow Sea from the terrace of Huashi Building. Recommended to walk Ningwuguan Road, where the summer rose walls are breathtaking. Afternoon Xiaomai Island Park: Hike around the island along the wooden boardwalk, and photograph the "Lonely Tree" at the reef area, a popular spot on social media. After 4 PM, the soft light is perfect for shooting fresh, Japanese-style portraits. Yan’erdao Mountain Park: Free to watch the cliff boardwalk collide with the waves; wear non-slip shoes and pay attention to tide times. Evening Taidong Night Market: Must-try dishes include sea cucumber rice, spicy squid tentacles, and Laoshan cola. Recommended "Zhongpin Laofangzi Potstickers," shrimp potstickers bursting with juice, paired with sweet soup for ultimate satisfaction. Day 2: Between Mountains and Sea・Explore the Mystical Sea Mountain All day Laoshan Taiqing Scenic Area: Arrive before 7 AM to avoid tour groups. Take the Taiqing cable car (one-way 45 RMB) to overlook the Yellow Sea; the red walls of Taiqing Palace framed by the blue sea look like a fairyland. Hike along the Eight Water River and watch the Longtan Waterfall cascade down. Qingshan Fishing Village: A 15-minute taxi ride; order a cup of Laoshan green tea at the "Yesterday Village" café, with a mountain and sea painting outside the window. Recommended to buy fresh scallops at the seafood market at the village entrance and have them cooked at a small shop (processing fee 10 RMB per jin). Shilaoren Beach: Return to the city in the evening and wait for the sunset beside the Shilaoren sculpture. The sunset dyes the beach golden, and every shot looks like a movie poster. Day 3: Beer Carnival・Feel the City's Pulse Morning Qingdao Beer Museum: Enter before 10 AM to visit the century-old German-style factory. Learn about beer brewing at Hall A, and enjoy free tastings of original beer at Hall B. Recommended to buy "Beer Beans" as souvenirs, the caramel flavor is addictive. Afternoon Olympic Sailing Center: Take a sailing boat out to sea (120 RMB per person) and experience the thrill of riding the wind and waves. Capture the panoramic view of Fushan Bay at the "Victoria Harbor" spot; the blue and white buildings of the International Conference Center and the Ferris wheel make a stunning frame. Third Bathing Beach: Visit at dusk when the light show colors the sea in neon hues, with a "cyberpunk" style city skyline in the background. Use long exposure to shoot the waves, creating a flowing, dreamy effect. Day 4: Ocean Romance・Unlock New Heights of the City Morning Qingdao Underwater World: Buy tickets in advance on the official website (150 RMB), enter at 8:30 AM and head straight to the underwater tunnel to watch the 9 AM "Human-Shark Dance" show. Summer night sessions (7:00 PM) offer an immersive ocean light and shadow show. Silverfish Alley: For lunch, try "Boluo Youzi" local cuisine, including scallion-braised sea cucumber and spicy clams. After the meal, visit "Largo" café, where the terrace overlooks red tile roofs. Order a "Qingdao exclusive" coffee for a perfect photo. Afternoon Cloud Sea Sky: 369-meter-high observation deck (ticket 198 RMB) with a 360° panoramic view of Laoshan, the Yellow Sea, and the city. Recommended to have afternoon tea at the "Haitian 198" restaurant, where cheesecake paired with the sea view is exquisite. Pre-Trip Essentials Transportation: Metro lines 2 and 3 cover major attractions; download the "Qingdao Metro APP" for QR code rides. For Laoshan, it’s recommended to hire a car (200 RMB/day) to avoid wasting time waiting for buses. Accommodation: Recommended near May Fourth Square in Shinan District, such as "Urban Garden Hotel," within walking distance to the Olympic Sailing Center and convenient dining options nearby. Food: Seafood market recommendation is "Yingkou Road Market." After buying, find a processing shop (recommended "Kaihai") to cook your seafood, about 80 RMB per person for a full meal. Beer Festival Bonus: From July 19 to August 11 during the Beer Festival, the West Coast Golden Beach venue hosts nightly fireworks and band performances. Reservations must be made in advance via the "Qingdao Golden Beach Beer City Official Account." Clothing: The seaside is windy; bring sun-protective clothing and a light jacket. Light-colored long dresses are perfect for night photos at the Olympic Sailing Center. Photo Tips Zhanqiao Pier: Shoot early morning or evening with a telephoto lens to compress space and highlight the Huilan Pavilion. Badaguan: From the rooftop of the Princess House on Juyongguan Road, capture a fairy-tale castle feel; on the stone steps of Shanhaiguan Road, recreate scenes from "A Little Red Flower." Laoshan: Take photos of the mountain and sea panorama from the Taiqing cable car; the breakwater at the entrance of Qingshan Fishing Village is an excellent spot. Cloud Sea Sky: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the city skyline; the blue hour (15 minutes after sunset) is the best time for photos. The beauty of Qingdao is hidden among red tiles and green trees, and concealed in the blue sea and sky. This guide helps you avoid crowds and unlock local hidden gems, offering an unforgettable mountain and sea journey on a 3000 RMB budget! Save it now, and this summer, let's go to Qingdao to see the sea.