Seagulls and Hot Springs Accompany You: Qingdao Winter Travel Guide (December-January Edition)

When the northern sea breeze carries a crisp chill across the island city, the red tiles and green trees are wrapped in a layer of winter tranquility. From December to January, Qingdao lacks the bustling crowds of midsummer but offers flocks of seagulls dancing by the Zhanqiao Pier, ice formations and sea of clouds deep in Laoshan Mountain, and the warm mist of hot springs. This unique winter romance is waiting for you to encounter. 📍 Classic Sightseeing Routes ✅ Seagull Companion · Seagull Encounter Tour: The itinerary includes Zhanqiao Pier → Qingdao Underwater World → Badaguan Scenic Area → May Fourth Square → Olympic Sailing Center boat trip → Xiaomai Island → Polar Ocean Park. December to January is the best season to watch seagulls. You can interact closely with seagulls at Zhanqiao Pier, then tour along the coastline to various attractions, and take a boat trip from the Olympic Sailing Center to feel the winter sea breeze. ✅ Mountain Climbing and Blessing · Vitality Tour: The route covers Laoshan Taiqing Scenic Area → Qingshan Fishing Village → Yangkou Scenic Area → Fushan Forest Park → Zhuzian Park → Maogong Mountain → Wenwang Mountain Scenic Area. In winter, Laoshan is quieter and more majestic. You can climb the mountain to admire ice formations and sea of clouds, pray for blessings at Taiqing Palace, and then experience the fishing village culture at Qingshan Fishing Village. ✅ Old Town Stroll · Time Collecting Tour: Visit in order Zhongshan Road City Memory Museum → Catholic Church → University Road Popular Wall → Qingdao Art Museum → Signal Hill Park → Former German Governor’s Residence Museum → Xiaoyushan Park. Stroll through the old town, appreciate German and European-style historic buildings, feel Qingdao’s rich history and culture, and enjoy panoramic city views from Signal Hill Park. ✨ Special Experiences ♨️ Hot Spring Wellness: Recommended Hot Spring Wellness · Warm Winter Tour route includes Jimo Ancient City → Tiantai Hot Spring Resort → Ocean Spring Bay Resort → Heshan Scenic Area → Xiongyasuo Ancient City. After visiting Jimo Ancient City, relax and warm up at Tiantai Hot Spring Resort or Ocean Spring Bay Resort to dispel the cold. ⛷️ Ice and Snow Sports: Choose the Ice and Snow Wonderland · Joyful Tour, which includes Zangmashan Ski Resort → Moonlight Wedding Hall → A Duo Flower Islet → Mangrove Resort World → Starlight Island → Qingdao Forest Wildlife World. Experience the thrill of skiing at Zangmashan Ski Resort, enjoy ancient-style snowy scenery at A Duo Flower Islet, and relax at Mangrove Resort World. 🍢 Taste Local Delicacies: Follow the Eat in Qingdao · Flavor Seeking Tour route to Zhongshan Road Pichai Courtyard → Tuandao Farmers Market → Taidong Pedestrian Street → Licun Night Market → Lvjiazhong Night Market. Sample spicy stir-fried clams, Qingdao beer, grilled squid, and other local specialties to savor the vibrant local atmosphere. 🎫 Discounts and Offers 🎁 From now until February 28, 2026, with a train or plane ticket stub showing arrival in Qingdao within seven days, enjoy nearly 700 exclusive discounts at over 400 partner merchants citywide, covering attractions, hotels, dining, and more. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 🏡 It is recommended to stay near May Fourth Square, where you can step out to shopping and dining areas easily, and in the evening, visit the Olympic Sailing Center to watch the Fushan Bay light show. ⚠️ Notes 🧤 Temperatures in Qingdao from December to January are quite low, so keep warm by wearing thick cotton clothes, scarves, gloves, hats, and other warm clothing.