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.
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.
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.
Things to Do#
Qingdao Attractions
- German Governor’s Residence
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This bavarian castle also housed chairman mao during a holiday visit.
- Jingsu Lu
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This street has a great collection of german architecture including the lutheran church.
- St Michael’s
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This catholic church was built in the 1930s and then ransacked during the cultural revolution, but locals have worked hard to preserve and rebuild.
- Tsingtao Brewery
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China’s finest brewery was founded by germans in 1903 and remains a major beer exporter to this day. call ahead for tours.
- Beaches
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Qingdao’s beaches are heavily touted by the local tourist brigade and can draw sizeable crowds on weekends, but this is the least noteworthy attraction for most tourists.
Fine scenery is perhaps the most prominent characteristic of the seaside city of Qingdao in Shandong province and the reason why it is frequently dubbed the ‘Switzerland of the Orient’. A significant Korean population contributes to the city’s unique ambience and also makes it a haven for Korean products. Korean food makes its way onto the city’s menus, but the local Shangdong cuisine is tasty enough not to have to rely on other influences.
While China is not traditionally considered a country for beach vacations, Qingdao is home to such exquisite coastal beauty spots that any trip or holiday to the city should include time spent on its beaches. The closest beaches to the city are curiously called No. 1 Beach, No. 2 Beach, No. 3 Beach and No. 6 Beach. Of these four sandy stretches, No. 2 Beach is known as the most tranquil and least developed.
Other attractions in the city target those with an affinity for alcoholic beverages, with the Huadong Winery appealing to lovers of the grape and the Tsingtao Brewery to lovers of the grain. Both venues give plenty of opportunity for visitors to sample the tasty beverages brewed on-site. The regular dose of historical and cultural sights includes Jiaozhou Governor’s Hall, Qingdao Protestant Church and Zhanshan Temple.
Highlights
Qingdao Museum: the museum’s collection includes paintings created in the period from the Yuan Dynasty through the Qing Dynasty, plus a variety of other artifacts.
Underwater World: essentially an aquarium, this popular facility presents a diverse collection of marine life in a variety of impressive tanks.
Tsingtao Brewery: loved by beer drinkers across China, here at the chief brewery, visitors can see the processes involved in creating the beer as well as enjoy plenty of opportunities to sample it.
Huadong Winery: while not known internationally for wine production, China has produced a few viable vintages, many of which have come from this winery located just 25 miles out of the city.
Beaches: No. 1 Beach, No. 2 Beach, No. 3 Beach and No. 6 Beach … confused? Forget trying to fathom the naming system and enjoy the soft white sands and wonderful scenery.