Embark on a 4-day journey through Qingdao, a city where history and coastal beauty intertwine. Begin your adventure at Zhanqiao Pier, a historic bridge offering picturesque views, before exploring the lush landscapes of Signal Hill Park and Xiaoyushan Park. Dive into the aquatic life at Qingdao Underwater World to end your first day. Day two introduces you to the architectural elegance of Badaguan and the iconic May Fourth Square, followed by the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, where the sea's breeze accompanies your exploration. Your third day is a blend of relaxation and culture, starting with the tranquility of Xiaomaidao Park, the sandy stretches of Shilaoren Bathing Beach, and the rich collections of Qingdao Museum. The final day is dedicated to awe-inspiring experiences at Qingdao Polar Ocean Park, where marine life captivates your senses, and the majestic Laoshan Mountain, offering a serene retreat to conclude your Qingdao odyssey. Each day is carefully planned to ensure a memorable mix of Qingdao's best attractions, from its serene parks and bustling squares to its enlightening museums and breathtaking natural wonders.
4 Days in Qingdao Itinerary: Day 1
Zhanqiao Pier
Begin your Qingdao journey with a stroll along the iconic Zhanqiao Pier, a historic bridge that extends into the sapphire waters of the Yellow Sea. As the first landmark visitors encounter, it's a perfect introduction to the city's maritime heritage. Spend an hour soaking in the panoramic views and the architectural beauty of this century-old structure, which has become a symbol of Qingdao's enduring spirit.
Attraction info
- No. 14 Taiping Road, Shinan District, Qingdao
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
- Open from 1/1-12/31
Recommended nearby restaurants
Signal Hill Park
Next, elevate your perspective at Signal Hill Park, a serene oasis nestled in the heart of Qingdao. Just a short journey from Zhanqiao Pier, this verdant city park offers a tranquil escape with lush landscapes and sweeping vistas of the urban skyline. Dedicate an hour to meander through its peaceful paths and capture the picturesque scenery from one of Qingdao's most beloved viewpoints.
Attraction info
- No. 17, Qidong Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, China
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
- Open from 04/01-10/31,6:00am-8:30pm;Open from 11/01-03/31,6:00am-7:00pm
Xiaoyushan Park
Continue your day of exploration at Xiaoyushan Park, known for its traditional pavilions and stunning coastal views. A brief sojourn from Signal Hill, this city park is a haven of tranquility where you can spend an hour admiring the ornate architecture and the panoramic vistas of Qingdao's old town and shimmering shoreline, all framed by the park's lush greenery.
Attraction info
- No. 24, Fushan Branch Road, Shinan District, Qingdao
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
- Open from 8:00am-5:00pm
Qingdao Underwater World
Conclude your first day with an underwater adventure at Qingdao Underwater World. A mere stone's throw from the coastal parks, this captivating aquarium invites you for a three-hour journey beneath the waves. Discover a mesmerizing world of marine life, from colorful coral reefs to mysterious deep-sea creatures, all while learning about the ocean's vital role in the global ecosystem.
Attraction info
- No. 2, Laiyang Road, Shinan District, Qingdao
- Suggested tour duration: 3-4 hour
- Open from 8:30am-5:00pm
Where to Stay Tonight
4 Days in Qingdao Itinerary: Day 2
Badaguan
Kickstart your second day in Qingdao with a stroll through the historic Badaguan Scenic Area. Nestled in the northeast of Huiquanjiao, this picturesque neighborhood is a living museum showcasing a collection of European-style villas set against lush greenery. As you wander the streets, the architectural diversity will transport you across continents, from the German Governor's residence to Russian-style cottages, all within the span of an hour's leisurely walk.
Attraction info
- Northeast of Huiquanjiao, Shinan District, Qingdao (the north and south sides of Zhengyangguan Road)
- Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
- Open 24 hours，Princess Building, Butterfly Building, Spanish Style Pavilion Ticket sales time, online ticket exchange (collection) time adjusted to: 8:30-15:30, admission stops at 17:00
Recommended nearby restaurants
May Fourth Square
Next, immerse yourself in the heart of Qingdao at the May Fourth Square, a mere stone's throw from the municipal government on Donghai West Road. This public square is not only a symbol of modernity with its iconic 'Winds of May' sculpture but also a vibrant space where the sea meets the city. Spend an hour here absorbing the dynamic atmosphere, people-watching, and enjoying the panoramic views of the bay.
Attraction info
- Donghai West Road, Shinan District, Qingdao (opposite to Qingdao Municipal Government)
- Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
- Open 24 hours
Recommended nearby restaurants
Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center
Conclude your day's adventure with a visit to the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, where the spirit of the 2008 Beijing Olympics still sails strong. Located at Pier 1 of Olympic Sailing Center on Yan'er Island Road, this waterfront venue offers a 2-hour escapade into the world of yachting and maritime sports. The marina's modern facilities, coupled with the stunning backdrop of sailboats dotting the horizon, make for an unforgettable experience.
Attraction info
- Pier 1 of Olympic Sailing Center, No. 1 Yan'er Island Road, Shinan District, Qingdao
- Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
- Open from 5/1-10/31,5:00am-11:00pm;Open from 11/1-4/30,5:30am-10:00pm
Recommended nearby restaurants
Where to Stay Tonight
4 Days in Qingdao Itinerary: Day 3
Xiaomaidao Park
Begin your third day in Qingdao with a serene morning stroll through Xiaomaidao Park, a verdant city oasis nestled in the Laoshan District. As the first stop of the day, this park offers a tranquil escape with its lush landscapes and peaceful surroundings, setting a relaxed tone for the day ahead. Spend an hour here absorbing the natural beauty and the local vibe of Qingdao before heading to the next coastal attraction.
Attraction info
- Xiaoyao Second Road, Fushan Institute, Laoshan District, Qingdao
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
- Open from 8:30am-6:00pm
Recommended nearby restaurants
Shilaoren Bathing Beach
After rejuvenating your senses at Xiaomaidao Park, continue your seaside journey to Shilaoren Bathing Beach, renowned for its golden sands and clear waters. Just a short drive away, this popular beach is the perfect spot to bask in the sun or dip your toes in the sea. Allocate an hour to unwind and enjoy the coastal breeze, capturing the essence of Qingdao's beach culture before you transition from the natural to the historical at your next destination.
Attraction info
- No. 287 Haikou Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao
- Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
- Open from 9:00am-6:00pm
Recommended nearby restaurants
Qingdao Museum
Conclude your day's exploration with a visit to the Qingdao Museum, an institution that encapsulates the rich tapestry of the city's history and culture. Located a brief journey from the beach, the museum is an ideal place to spend an hour delving into Qingdao's past, from ancient artifacts to contemporary exhibits. The Qingdao Museum not only offers a glimpse into the region's heritage but also serves as a testament to the city's dedication to preserving and celebrating its storied legacy.
Attraction info
- No. 51, Meiling East Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
- Open from 05/01-10/07,Tue-Sun,9:00am-7:00pm;Closed on Mon;Open from 10/08-04/30,Tue-Sun,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 9:00am-7:00pm during Chinese public holidays
Where to Stay Tonight
4 Days in Qingdao Itinerary: Day 4
Qingdao Polar Ocean Park
Begin your final day in Qingdao with a splash at the Qingdao Polar Ocean Park, a marine sanctuary where the mysteries of the deep come alive. As the first stop of the day, immerse yourself in an underwater journey that takes you through vibrant coral reefs and icy polar environments, all without leaving the heart of Qingdao. Located at No. 60 Donghai East Road in the Laoshan District, this aquarium is a haven for sea life enthusiasts, offering a full day's exploration of diverse marine ecosystems and interactive experiences that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages.
Attraction info
- No. 60 Donghai East Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao
- Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
- Open on Mon-Fri,8:30am-5:00pm;Open on Sat-Sun,8:30am-5:30pm
Recommended nearby restaurants
Laoshan Mountain
After delving into the ocean's depths, ascend to the majestic Laoshan Mountain, a natural tapestry of greenery and tranquility. Spend the remainder of your day wandering through the Laoshan Mountain Scenic Area, where the spiritual heritage and natural beauty of Qingdao converge. As the second and final destination of your itinerary, Laoshan offers a serene escape with its breathtaking vistas, ancient temples, and refreshing springs. It's the perfect way to reflect on your Qingdao adventure, surrounded by the peaceful embrace of nature.
Attraction info
- Laoshan Mountain Scenic Area, Laoshan District, Qingdao City
- Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
- Open from 7:00am-5:00pm
Recommended nearby restaurants
Where to Stay Tonight
Top Things to Do in Qingdao-2025
Based on 911 reviewThe Tsingtao Museum is located in an old factory of Tsingtao Brewery from a hundred years ago. The rows of red buildings are very atmospheric. The roof of the building by the road is decorated with an eye-catching oversized beer can. Here you can learn about the history of Tsingtao beer, see the old equipment for producing beer, and taste authentic Tsingtao beer. There is also a statue of the God of Wine on the square. The entrance to the Tsingtao Beer Museum is the famous Dengzhou Road Beer Street. It is full of seafood stalls and bars decorated with flags of Tsingtao beer.
Based on 1,061 reviewLaoshan Mountain is located in eastern Qingdao, bordering the Yellow Sea to the east and south. Known as the "famous mountain on the sea," its highest peak, Jufeng, stands at approximately 1,100 meters above sea level. Renowned for its grandeur, majesty, uniqueness, and beauty, Laoshan is a celebrated Taoist mountain. Its Taoist temples, sunrise views, and sea of clouds have long been famous.
Laoshan Mountain is primarily composed of seven major scenic areas: Giant Peak, Liuqing, Taiqing, Qipan Stone, Yangkou, North Jiushui, and Hualou. There are four main touring routes, including three land routes (southern, eastern, and central) and one water route. The scenic highlights—Sunrise at Giant Peak, Moonlit Taiqing, Immortal Pier at Haiqiao, Layered Rocks of Hualou, and Sparkling Waters of Jiushui—collectively form the Twelve Scenic Wonders of Laoshan.
Hualou is located far from the sea and outside Laoshan District, attracting fewer visitors. In contrast, Jiushui is renowned for its water features, with streams and springs throughout the scenic area creating a picturesque landscape. For most visitors, the truly worthwhile routes are Jufeng and the Liuqing-Yangkou line—each can be fully explored in a single day. These two routes showcase the most breathtaking natural beauty of Laoshan Mountain.
Liushui-Yangkou, also known as the Southern Route, is one of the earliest developed areas in the Laoshan scenic area. Following the coastline closely, it features famous attractions like the Taoist Taiqing Temple and serves as the primary route for most visitors exploring Laoshan. The standard itinerary includes Liushui, the Taiqing Temple scenic area, and Huayan Temple, with Yangkou as the final destination. Since the highlight of this route lies in Yangkou, it's recommended to manage your time wisely when visiting the preceding attractions.
Taiqing Palace – the setting of the story "The Taoist of Laoshan" from Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio. Inspired by his visit to Taiqing Palace, Pu Songling wrote this famous tale here. Visitors can see the very wall described in the story where the Taoist miraculously passed through. Huayan Temple – the only remaining Buddhist temple in Laoshan.
Since Yangkou is close to the Yellow Sea, you can enjoy the ocean view and feel the sea breeze here. Of course, besides its beautiful scenery, Yangkou is famous for the challenging Mitiandong Cave. This cave is winding, steep, and narrow—so dark that you can't see your hand in front of your face, and so tight that you have to squeeze through some sections, adding a lot of fun to the adventure. You can hike or take the cable car to Mitiandong Cave. Once you reach the mountaintop, you can take photos, admire the scenery, and gaze at the distant Yellow Sea. Don't forget to bring a flashlight to fully appreciate the cave's stunning formations.
Besides Yangkou, the second scenic highlight of Laoshan Mountain is the Giant Peak Scenic Area. As the location of Laoshan's main peak, Giant Peak's summit stands as the highest point. This area primarily features hiking trails and is the most physically demanding part of visiting Laoshan. The rugged rock formations create a magnificent landscape - offering sea views on clear days and spectacular cloud seas on overcast days. Watching the sunrise from the summit presents an absolutely breathtaking panorama.
Based on 273 reviewThe Underwater World is located on the west side of the First Bathing Beach. It is a theme venue that displays the underwater environment and marine life. Here, you can not only see many live marine animals and biological specimens, but also enjoy wonderful underwater performances. It is very suitable for parent-child tours.
First, in the Dream Jellyfish Palace, you will see thousands of jellyfish competing with each other for splendor under the reflection of lights. Then you can go to the Seal House to see the cute seals, sea lions and penguins. You can also see sperm whales, swordfish, sea turtles and other marine life specimens in the domestically-rich marine specimen museum.
Next, the "Underwater World" museum, which is built entirely underground, will give you a full-scale visual experience of the underwater world. You can stroll through a fully transparent underwater tunnel, feel schools of fish surrounding you, or watch clownfish and other tropical fish swimming around corals through cylindrical exhibition tanks.
The live underwater performances in the Ocean Theater are particularly popular. You can enjoy the thrilling "Dancing with Sharks" and the beautiful and dreamy "Mermaid" performance. Sometimes you can also see humorous sketches performed by divers underwater.
After learning about marine life, you can go to the Freshwater Museum to visit rare freshwater creatures such as the Arapaima, Chinese sturgeon, and giant salamander, and take a glimpse of these "living fossils."
There are multiple exhibition halls in Qingdao Underwater World. The visiting route is one-way and you cannot go back. Enter from the entrance on the south side of Laiyang Road and exit from the north side of Laiyang Road.Recommended route:
Jellyfish Palace - Seal Hall - Marine Life Hall - Whale Hall - Underwater World - Freshwater Life Hall (one-way tour, no turning back)
Based on 181 reviewBuilt in 1905 and situated at the southern foot of Signal Hill, the previous site of German Governor's Residence was the official habitation of the governor and was built by the Germans amid the attack of Qingdao over one hundred years ago. In 1934 the then-mayor of Qingdao, Shen Honglie, declared it a "welcoming hotel" and it transformed into a Qingdao lodging. After Chinese liberation, Chairman Mao Zedong and other state leaders has visited the building. Qingdao Site Museum of the Former German Governor's Residence is a beautiful German-castle-style structure with wooden interior, and it still contains luxurious European furnishings.
* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.
* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.