Best things to do and see in Qingdao, China, from Zhongshan Road to a stunning bay

Located on the southern coast of northeast China’s Shandong Peninsula, Qingdao is a vibrant port city and popular tourist destination known for its stunning bays, unique blend of Chinese and German architecture, and, of course, its most famous export: Tsingtao beer. Steeped in history, the city has a fascinating colonial past – one it shares with Hong Kong, around 1,600km to the south – that shaped its cultural and architectural landscape. In 1897, Germany invaded and occupied Jiaozhou Bay, a natural harbour on the southern tip of the Shandong Peninsula. The following year, the weakening Qing dynasty government, unable to fight against foreign powers, agreed to lease Qingdao to Germany for 99 years. The same year, the Qing court also agreed to lease Hong Kong’s New Territories to the British for the same duration. However, while Hong Kong remained under British control for the entirety of the lease until 1997, Qingdao’s German colonial rule lasted only 16 years. In 1914, Japan seized control of Qingdao and ruled it until the end of World War II. Despite its relatively short rule, the German colonial period left an indelible mark on Qingdao. The city’s architecture, infrastructure and cultural landscape were heavily influenced by German design and urban planning. The Dabaodao Culture and Leisure Block is a fine example. The area, which covers 67 hectares (166 acres), includes over 180 courtyards whose unique liyuan buildings that combine traditional Chinese architectural elements with Western styles were built by the Germans during their occupation. Another landmark is Zhongshan Road, which served as the regional financial centre and was home to the Qingdao branch of Daqing Bank, Imperial China’s first central bank. Over time, the road evolved into a cultural hub as well, brimming with bookstores, news agencies, printing presses and theatres. At its peak, the road and its surroundings housed 13 newspaper offices, including the country’s first German-language newspaper, Deutsch Asiatische Warte, and an English-language newspaper, The Qingdao Daily News. One of the most significant foreign cultural landmarks still standing today is St. Michael’s Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture built by German missionaries. The cathedral is a popular spot for newlyweds to capture their wedding photos, even during the biting cold of northern China’s winters. Today, Zhongshan Road remains a bustling thoroughfare, lined with cafes, restaurants and museums. One notable spot is SoBook, a bookstore that offers English-language titles on Qingdao alongside locally produced souvenirs, making it a popular destination for tourists. The Badaguan Scenic Area is another must-visit place for travellers. Badaguan means “eight passes”, referring to the eight streets that make up this picturesque area. Each street is lined with a specific type of tree, such as maple, pine and ginkgo, and is further adorned with charming villas, each showcasing distinct architectural styles. Such a blend of natural beauty and architecture makes Badaguan one of the most popular places for photography, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Another photogenic spot that should not be missed is May Fourth Square, a vibrant public space that serves as both a cultural landmark and a gathering place for locals. At its heart stands a striking red, tornado-like sculpture known as the “May Wind”, which has become an iconic symbol of Qingdao. This sculpture commemorates a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history: the May Fourth Movement of 1919. The political movement that emphasised national independence grew out of student protests in Beijing sparked by the government’s acquiescence to the Treaty of Versailles, which transferred former German concessions in Shandong to Japan, igniting widespread outrage. A short journey from the city brings visitors to Laoshan, one of China’s most significant Taoist mountains. Laoshan is home to the Taiqing Palace, a historic Taoist temple where visitors can learn about Taoist philosophy while soaking up breathtaking views of the mountain meeting the sea. The temple houses the largest statue of Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. The statue, 36 metres (118ft) high, captures Lao Tzu in his iconic pose, one hand pointing to the sky and the other to the ground, symbolising the harmony between heaven and earth. Throughout history, numerous Taoist seekers retreated to the Taiqing Palace, leaving behind the materialistic world to pursue a simpler life and spiritual transcendence on the secluded mountain. They meditated in caves such as the Lianhuan Temple-Cave, which has been restored to offer modern-day visitors a glimpse into their ascetic lives. Even today, the tradition continues. Visitors may encounter Taoist priests, their long hair tied in top buns, quietly going about their daily rituals. Finally, no visit to Qingdao would be complete without exploring Qingdao Bay and Zhanqiao Pier. Built in 1891, Zhanqiao Pier was the first man-made wharf in Qingdao. From the pier, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the bay, where old colonial architecture contrasts with modern skyscrapers. At the end of the pier stands the Hualian Pavilion, a two-storey octagonal pavilion that offers the perfect vantage point for taking in the scenery. The pavilion might feel strangely familiar to beer enthusiasts, as it inspired the logo of Tsingtao beer. During the winter months, Qingdao Bay becomes a haven for thousands of migratory seagulls from Siberia. These birds add a touch of magic to the bay, creating a picturesque scene that attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts. How to get there From Hong Kong Multiple airlines fly between the two cities. Flights take around 3 hours 10 minutes. From Shanghai Twenty-five daytime high-speed trains serve Qingdao. The fastest journey time is around 4 hours 30 minutes.

Best things to do and see in Qingdao, China, from Zhongshan Road to a stunning bay

A vibrant coastal city and popular tourist destination, Qingdao’s natural beauty and interesting architecture make it a photography hotspot