Qingdao Travel Guide
The self-titled 'China's Switzerland' might be a little misleading (the architecture is German), but that doesn't detract from the splendor of Qingdao. Easily one of China's most beautiful cities, this is a must-see for tourists in China.
- Worth It?
- Qingdao is a major highlight on China's eastern seaboard.
- What to Do
- explore the German city, visit museums, tour the Tsingtao brewery.
- Best Time to Go
- April to May or September to October.
- How Long?
- Two or three days is a good start, but many tourists stay longer.
- Trivia
- the German Governor's Residence cost so much to build that the Kaiser relieved the governor of duty after receiving the bill.
There are a staggering number of sites in the city center, most of which can be broken down into two categories: century-old architecture and beaches. The beaches vary in quality and many are numbered but otherwise unnamed. The nicest beach is Shilaoren.
But the side of Qingdao that international tourists relish is the unique historic center. Germany received Qingdao on a 99-year lease in the late 20th century and immediately set about building a classic, Bavarian-style core. The churches, alleyways, residences and even the brewery are distinctly German and unlike anywhere else in China.
Travel to Qingdao - Getting There
Qingdao has an international airport with limited international routes to regional cities like Seoul and Osaka. Otherwise there are quick, frequent connections to Beijing (1 hour, 30 minutes) where the list of international flights is extensive. Trains to Beijing take 10 hours, and buses take slightly longer.
Qingdao Things to Do
Qingdao Attractions
Best of the World 
Best in the Country 
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