By Sherry Fei | December 2025

 

With its long semi-colonial past (oh no……), Qingdao is a refreshing blend of German colonial architecture, shimmering coastlines, and a world-famous beer culture. Whether you are looking to hike rugged mountains or sip a cold brew by the sea, this city offers a unique laid-back vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere in China.

If you’re searching for things to do in Qingdao, you’ll quickly realize this city isn’t about ticking landmarks off a list. It’s about slowing down—walking tree-lined avenues, drinking beer straight from the brewery, hiking coastal mountains, and watching locals live their everyday lives by the sea.

While it may not have the global fame of Beijing or Shanghai, that’s exactly what makes it special. Here are the top things to do to make the most of your Qingdao adventure.

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1. Walk the Historic Streets of Badaguan

The Badaguan Scenic Area (Eight Passes) is where Qingdao’s soul truly resides. It isn't just a neighborhood.

It’s a lush, coastal labyrinth featuring over 200 villa-style residences representing 20 different countries, including Russian, English, and French designs. Walking here feels like stepping into a time capsule of early 20th-century Eurasia.

The Highlights:

• Princess House: a fairy-tale-style Nordic building painted in a striking sea-foam green,originally built for a Danish princess. 
• Huashi Lou (The Stone House): located right on the edge of the sea, this granite castle blends Gothic and Romanesque styles and offers a stunning view of the waves crashing against the rocks below.
• The Natural Rhythm: What locals love most isn't just the buildings, but the flora. Each of the "Eight Passes" is lined with a specific type of tree—some are famous for their flowering peaches in spring, while others, like Juyongguan Road, turn into a golden tunnel of Ginkgo leaves in the autumn. It is arguably the most romantic square mile in all of China.

Bridge to Locals’ Tips: Each street is lined with a different species of tree, making it particularly stunning in autumn.

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2. Experience the Spirit of Tsingtao

You can’t talk about things to do in Qingdao without mentioning beer.

The Tsingtao Beer Museum is housed in the red-brick ruins of the original brewery founded by German and British settlers in 1903. It’s a sensory journey through copper vats, vintage neon signage, and the hoppy aroma of fermentation.

Don’t Miss:

• Raw Beer (Yuanjiang): This is unfiltered, unpasteurized, and served straight from the production line—it’s creamy, hazy, and tastes completely different from the bottled version you find in grocery stores.
• Live Like a Local: Once you leave the museum, you’ll find yourself on Dengzhou Road (Beer Street). Here, you'll see residents walking around with literal plastic bags filled with fresh beer. Grab a bag, find a street-side table, and pair it with a plate of spicy grilled clams (Gala).

Want to go deeper than the tourist traps? The best beer in Qingdao isn't always on the main street—it’s tucked away in community spots where the locals gather after work.

Contact our team to connect with a Qingdao local who can take you to these hidden beer shacks and teach you the local drinking customs, ensuring you experience the true heart of the city's social fabric.

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3. Conquer Mount Lao (Laoshan): Where the Mountains Meet the Sea

One of the most unforgettable things to do in Qingdao is visiting Mount Lao, the only mountain in China that rises directly from the sea.

• What to see: Taiqing Palace, a sprawling Taoist complex that has stood for over 2,000 years, offer panoramic views of the Yellow Sea crashing against the cliffs.
• The Experience: Whether you choose to hike the rugged stone steps or take the cable car, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of jagged cliffs plunging into the ocean.
• Getting There: It’s about a 45-minute drive from the city center, making it the ultimate day trip for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

If your journey takes you through other metropolises, don't let the fun stop at the coast.

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4. Relax at Golden Sands Beach

If you’re looking for the best sand in Northern China, head across the bay to the Huangdao District. Golden Sands Beach earned its name for a reason—the sand is incredibly fine, soft, and has a shimmering golden hue that feels like silk under your feet.

Stretching over 3,500 meters, it’s one of the longest and cleanest beaches in the country. It’s the perfect spot for a refreshing summer dip, a game of beach volleyball, or a quiet sunset stroll when the sky turns a hazy shade of pink and orange.

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5. Catch the Sunset at Zhanqiao Pier

The 440-meter Zhanqiao Pier is the definitive symbol of Qingdao—so iconic that it graces the label of every bottle of Tsingtao Beer. Built in 1891, it reaches out into the bay like a welcoming arm.

Walk to the octagonal Huilan Pavilion at the end of the pier for:

• Views of the Old Town’s red roofs
• A contrasting skyline of modern Qingdao
• One of the best sunsets in the city

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6. St. Michael’s Cathedral (The Catholic Church)

Located on Zhejiang Road, this stunning Romanesque and Gothic revival cathedral is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.

Its twin 56-meter spires and red-tiled roof stand out beautifully against the blue sky. The surrounding cobblestone streets are often filled with newlyweds taking wedding photos.

Bridge to Locals’ Tip: Visit in the evening when the church is illuminated by soft, multicolored lights, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere.

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 7. Little Qingdao Island (Xiao Qingdao)

Just a short distance from the bustling pier lies Little Qingdao Island. Shaped like a traditional Chinese lute (or violin), this tiny emerald isle is connected to the mainland by a scenic causeway.

While the rest of the city can be high-energy, this island is a sanctuary of calm. It features a charming white lighthouse built by German settlers in 1900 and hidden benches tucked away in lush gardens. It’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee, feel the sea breeze, and watch the distant ships pass by.

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8. Pichai Yuan (Firewood Court)

For a taste of old-world Qingdao, dive into the narrow alleys of Pichai Yuan. This traditional 1900s-era courtyard was once the city’s cultural heart, filled with storytellers and opera singers; today, it is a street food paradise.

The stalls here are a sensory overload. You can find everything from succulent grilled squid and steaming dumplings to "daredevil" snacks like deep-fried starfish and scorpions. For a more traditional bite, try the local minced fish dumplings, a true Qingdao delicacy.

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8. Pichai Yuan (Firewood Court)

For a taste of old-world Qingdao, dive into the narrow alleys of Pichai Yuan. This traditional 1900s-era courtyard was once the city’s cultural heart, filled with storytellers and opera singers; today, it is a street food paradise.

The stalls here are a sensory overload. You can find everything from succulent grilled squid and steaming dumplings to "daredevil" snacks like deep-fried starfish and scorpions. For a more traditional bite, try the local minced fish dumplings, a true Qingdao delicacy.