Just got back from Qingdao and I highly recommend visiting in May!
In May, Qingdao has gentle sunshine and a non-irritating sea breeze, making it a great time to travel! I've put together a super detailed Qingdao travel guide for May to take you on an in-depth tour of this coastal city's charm. Without further ado, here's the guide 👇
I. Travel Preparations
Documents: ID card, student ID (for discounts), etc.
Clothing: The temperature in Qingdao in May is around 15–25℃, so it's recommended to bring a light jacket, short sleeves, and a long skirt. There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so be sure to keep warm.
Skincare: Sunscreen, moisturizing skincare products, sunglasses, sun hat. The ultraviolet rays on the beach are strong, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun.
Medicine: Gastrointestinal medicine, cold medicine, motion sickness medicine, and other common medicines.
Other: Power bank, camera, comfortable shoes (for lots of walking)
II. Transportation Guide
✈️ Airport: Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport. There are airport buses to various major locations in the city. You can also take Metro Line 8 and transfer to other lines, or take a taxi for about CNY 50–80.
🚄 Train Station: Qingdao Station (in Shinan District, close to the scenic spots), Qingdao North Station (slightly out of the way, but transportation is also convenient). You can take the subway, bus, or taxi to your destination.
🚌 City Transportation:
- Subway: Currently there are Lines 1–4, etc., which basically cover the main scenic spots. Download the "Qingdao Metro" APP or buy tickets at the automatic ticket vending machines. It's very convenient.
- Bus: There are many lines, but there may be traffic jams during peak hours. Alipay and WeChat can be used to scan the code to ride the bus.
- Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient for travel, but there may be queues during the peak tourist season.
- Shared bikes/electric bikes: Suitable for short trips to experience the street scenery of Qingdao, but pay attention to riding rules and parking locations.
III. Accommodation Recommendations
Shinan District: Close to core attractions such as Zhanqiao Pier, Badaguan Scenic Area, and May Fourth Square, making it convenient to travel. There are many hotels and B&Bs to choose from, but prices are relatively high.
Shibei District: Near Taidong Pedestrian Street, there is a lot of food, and the accommodation is cost-effective. There are many affordable hotels and distinctive B&Bs, and the transportation is also convenient. You can quickly reach various attractions by subway.
Laoshan District: If you want to be close to Laoshan Scenic Area and experience the mountain and sea scenery, you can choose here. The environment is good and suitable for vacations, but the location is relatively out of the way, and the journey to the city's attractions is a bit far.
IV. Must-See Attractions
Zhanqiao Pier: Qingdao's landmark building. Stroll along Zhanqiao Pier, blow the sea breeze, watch the seagulls fly, and enjoy the beauty of Qingdao Bay. The nearby Xiao Qingdao Park is also worth a visit. The tickets are cheap and the scenery is super beautiful.
Badaguan Scenic Area: It brings together many buildings with different styles and is known as the "Exhibition of World Architecture". In May, Badaguan Scenic Area is full of green trees and blooming flowers. Walking through it is like being in a European town. Princess House, Huashi House and other buildings are very photogenic.
May Fourth Square: A modern square. The "May Wind" sculpture on the square is very iconic. The light show at night is not to be missed. The lights and music are intertwined, which is very beautiful.
Olympic Sailing Center: The venue for the 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition. Here you can see many sailboats and take a boat to the sea to feel the vastness of the sea. The scenery is super beautiful at dusk.
Xiaomaidao Park: A popular spot for internet celebrities. The island is full of lush greenery, with large lawns and seas of flowers. Stroll along the wooden boardwalk by the sea, listen to the sound of the waves, and enjoy the comfort. Taking pictures at sunset is absolutely beautiful.
Laoshan Scenic Area: The first famous mountain on the sea. In May, Laoshan Mountain is green and the scenery is picturesque. You can choose Yangkou Scenic Area, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of mountains and seas, climb mountains and exercise, and overlook the sea from the top of the mountain. It's really amazing!
Daxue Road Red Wall: A must-see for literary youth. The red walls and yellow glazed tiles are full of literary atmosphere. You can take great photos with a casual shot. There are also many distinctive cafes and small shops on the nearby Daxue Road and Yushan Road, where you can take your time to stroll around.
Qingdao Beer Museum: Learn about the history and brewing process of Qingdao Beer, and taste fresh draft beer. The retro buildings and various exhibits in the museum are very interesting and suitable for taking pictures.
V. Food Recommendations
Seafood: How can you come to Qingdao without eating seafood! Spicy fried clams, salt and pepper mantis shrimp, sea urchin steamed eggs, and mackerel dumplings are all must-try delicacies. It is recommended to go to Yingkou Road Farmers Market to buy seafood, and then find a nearby beer house for processing. It's fresh and affordable.
BBQ: Qingdao BBQ is also very distinctive, such as grilled squid, grilled pork belly, and grilled chicken wings, paired with Qingdao Beer. It's simply a delicacy on earth. There are many BBQ restaurants near Taidong Pedestrian Street, so you can pick one at random.
Snacks:
- Pork Rib Rice: Fragrant and tender pork ribs with soft and glutinous rice. The soup is rich. Wanhechun Pork Rib Rice is recommended.
- Pot Stickers: Qingdao's special snack. The outer skin is crispy and the filling is delicious. Chuange Fish Dumpling's mackerel pot stickers are very popular.
- Seaweed Jelly: Smooth and refreshing, with a light seaweed flavor. You can eat it at roadside shops.
Drinks:
- Qingdao Beer: You must drink local Qingdao Beer. Draft beer and pure draft beer are very good, with a mellow taste.
- Coffee: There are many distinctive cafes in Qingdao, such as Bu She Zhou Ye Cafe on Daxue Road. The environment is super beautiful and the coffee is also very delicious.
VI. Itinerary Plan
🎈 Day 1: Zhanqiao Pier → St. Michael's Cathedral → Daxue Road Red Wall → Xiaoyushan Park → Taidong Pedestrian Street
Morning: After arriving in Qingdao, go to Zhanqiao Pier to enjoy the sea view, feed the seagulls, and feel the romance of Qingdao.
Noon: Eat seafood near Zhanqiao Pier. Jiulong Restaurant is recommended for its cost-effectiveness.
Afternoon: Go to St. Michael's Cathedral to take pictures, then stroll to Daxue Road Red Wall, and then go to Xiaoyushan Park to overlook Qingdao's red tiles, green trees, blue sea, and blue sky.
Evening: Go to Taidong Pedestrian Street to eat and taste various snacks.
🎈 Day 2: Badaguan Scenic Area → May Fourth Square → Olympic Sailing Center → Lover's Dam → Third Bathing Beach
Morning: Visit Badaguan Scenic Area and visit various distinctive buildings to take pictures.
Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant near Badaguan Scenic Area. Lao Qingdao Home Cooking Restaurant is recommended.
Afternoon: Go to May Fourth Square to visit the "May Wind" sculpture, and then go to the Olympic Sailing Center, where you can take a boat to the sea.
Evening: Watch the lighthouse at Lover's Dam and stroll to the Third Bathing Beach to enjoy the light show and night view.
🎈 Day 3: Laoshan Scenic Area
All day: Go to Laoshan Scenic Area and choose Yangkou Scenic Area to climb mountains, watch the sea, and enjoy the natural scenery. There are restaurants in the scenic area where you can have lunch.
🎈 Day 4: Qingdao Beer Museum → Xiaomaidao Park
Morning: Visit Qingdao Beer Museum to learn about beer culture and taste draft beer.
Noon: Eat seafood and drink beer at a beer house near the museum.
Afternoon: Go to Xiaomaidao Park to watch the sunset and enjoy a leisurely time.
🎈 Day 5: Free activities or shopping, prepare for the return trip
In the morning, you can go to nearby shopping malls to buy souvenirs, such as Mixc and Hisense Plaza.
After lunch, pack your luggage and return.
VII. Precautions
May is the peak tourist season in Qingdao, so book your hotel and tickets in advance to avoid delaying your trip.
Pay attention to safety when playing by the sea. Do not swim in dangerous areas and take care of your personal belongings.
Do not drink too much beer when eating seafood to avoid causing gastrointestinal discomfort.
Take care of your belongings when taking public transportation to avoid loss.
Some attractions may need to be booked in advance, such as Laoshan Scenic Area, so be sure to do your homework in advance.