Itinerary
2-Day Qingdao Itinerary
The weekend escape. Old Town on Day 1, Beer and coast on Day 2. Perfect if you are flying in from Beijing or Shanghai for a quick trip.
Day 1: Old Town & German Heritage
Zhanqiao Pier
Start at Qingdao's iconic pier. Walk to the end for views back to the Old Town skyline. Free, 1 hour.
St. Michael's Cathedral
Walk 10 minutes inland to this twin-spired neo-Romanesque church. Entry ¥10.
Tip: The cathedral area 10am mass can be busy on Sundays.
Lunch at Pichai Yuan
Old food court area. Try the grilled squid and Qingdao-style potstickers (guotie).
Badaguan Scenic Area
Stroll through tree-lined streets with German villas. Best in spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (golden leaves). Free, 2 hours.
Huiquan Bay at sunset
Walk 5 min from Badaguan to the beach. Sunset over the bay, locals fishing off the rocks.
Dinner on Yunxiao Road
The food street of central Qingdao. Seafood restaurants line both sides. Try the spicy clams and beer-battered prawns.
Day 2: Beer & Coastal Views
Tsingtao Beer Museum
The highlight. Tour the original 1903 brewery, see the bottling line, taste fresh draft beer. ¥60-80, 2 hours. Go early to beat the crowds.
Beer Street (Dengzhou Lu)
Step outside the museum onto Beer Street. Lively lunch spot with outdoor seating and fresh Tsingtao on tap.
May Fourth Square
The modern city center. Iconic red sculpture, ocean views, and the start of the seaside promenade. Free, 1 hour.
Olympic Sailing Center
Walk 10 minutes east along the promenade. See the 2008 Olympic marina. Optional sailing experience.
Golden Beach (Huangdao)
Take the cross-bay ferry (20 min) to Huangdao for the best sand beach in Qingdao. Wide, clean, great for sunset.
Dinner in Huangdao
Seafood market restaurants near Golden Beach. Pick your seafood from tanks, they cook it. Fresh and affordable.