Things To Do in Qingdao & Qingdao Airport Layover Ideas

Zhan Qiao pier is an iconic symbol of Qingdao, and is a popular tourist attraction. The famous pavilion was built in 1931 and now houses a small aquarium just renovated. The pier is now lined with people selling all manner of goods - though you will find beggars here as well.

Situated at the foot of Zhanshan Hill and to the east of Taiping Hill, Zhanshan Temple is an interesting visit. The temple was built in 1945, and has 5 halls and a pagoda, and a total area of 20,000 square meters. The temple boasts a large collection of beautifully carved statues of Buddha and Buddhist scriptures. Tens of thousands visit Zhanshan Temple April 8-10 on the lunar calendar every year. 08:00-17:00 daily.

Xiao Qingdao Park, or Little Qingdao Island, is the island from which Qingdao takes its name: literally, Green Island. The Island was used for military purposes for many years: the Germans built it a lighthouse here in the 1900s, and the Japanese later built a bridge to the island. Today, visitors can tour the botanical gardens and enjoy great views of Qingdao. 07:00-18:30.

Qingdao Underwater World / Qingdao Aquarium consists of four main areas on both sides of the street, connected via an underground tunnel. A highlight is a moving platform that takes visitors through the aquarium in a tunnel, where you can see fish from every angle. The mermaid shows are popular. Note: when it is packed during the daytime and in summer, it will be very noisy, and 2 exhibits do not have air-conditioning. Open daily.

Xinhaoshan Park hill was originally used by the Germans as a signalling station. Today, the park has lovely features a revolving tea shop with 360 degree panorama views of the city. At Heart to Heart Bridge, local couples place a heart-shaped padlock on the bridge to declare and ensure long lasting love. 06:00-21:30. 

On a clear day, you can. take a ferry from Qingdao port to the neighbouring district of Huangdao. It's a pleasant ride, though there is not much to see once you get there. Alternate transportation options exist: a new bridge and a new tunnel (with tunnel buses), but you lose the best part, the view from the water. If it gets foggy, you'll have to take a taxi back, so don't travel broke.

Qingdao has half a dozen beaches worth visiting. But these are not Western style: beaches are badly littered, and you can't buy sunscreen (though you can buy water and snacks).  Qingdao beaches are extremely crowded, though slightly less crowded on summer weekdays. You can find bathing beaches all along the seaside from the Zhanqiao Pier to the Shilaoren Beach in the eastern suburbs.