For wide-open spaces of sand, sea and sky, there’s Golden Sand Beach on the western peninsula of Huangdao district (团岛区, Huángdǎo Qū). An undersea tunnel linking Huangdao and the district of Shinan (市南, Shìnán) puts it within easy reach of Old Town. Take tunnel bus 7 (隧道7; ¥2, 30 minutes) from Jiaozhou Lu or the train station and get off at the second stop after the tunnel; from here, walk back, then turn right. A taxi costs around ¥70 including toll.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
9.04 MILES
For a self-serving introduction to China’s iconic beer, head to the original and still-operating brewery. On view are old photos, preserved brewery…
7.65 MILES
Up a hill off Zhongshan Lu looms this grand Gothic- and Roman-style edifice. Completed in 1934, the church spires were supposed to be clock towers, but…
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8.46 MILES
Within central Qingdao, Zhongshan Park is a vast 69 hectares of lakes, gardens and walking paths; it's an amusement park for kids and also the venue of…
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7.74 MILES
This museum is one of Qingdao’s best examples of concession-era architecture – the former German governor’s residence constructed in the style of a German…
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26.1 MILES
Accessible from either the Dahedong entrance or the Yangkou entrance, Lao Shan’s oldest and grandest temple was established by the first Song emperor…
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25.17 MILES
This canyon area at the north end of Lao Shan is mostly flat and takes a couple of hours to traverse. The path winds alongside and across clear, blue…
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25.07 MILES
Most easily reached from the Dahedong (大河东, Dàhédòng) entrance to the park, this peak – the name literally means 'Huge Peak' – is Lao Shan's highest point…
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29.31 MILES
You can ascend this scenic area by foot or cable car past wind- and water-carved granite. There’s a 30m scramble in total darkness up a crevice to the top…
Nearby Qingdao attractions
6.84 MILES
In the shape of a qín (a stringed instrument) jutting into Qingdao Bay, this former island – which lends its name to the city – was connected to the…
6.98 MILES
Beside the entrance to Little Qingdao lighthouse, this museum’s main attractions are the rusty submarine and destroyer anchored in the harbour, for which…
7.05 MILES
Lit up at night, this graceful pavilion decorates the end of Zhan Bridge poking into Qingdao Bay. If it looks familiar, that’s because it’s on every…
7.16 MILES
This is the closest beach to the Old Town, and a great spot come early evening, when the buildings around the bay are illuminated. No 6 Bathing Beach is a…
7.39 MILES
This small restored temple dedicated to Tiānhòu (天后), the patron of seafarers, has stood by the shore since 1467. The main hall contains a colourful…
7.51 MILES
Contemporary works are on display in this compact museum housed in its own architectural masterpiece, a 1930s structure reflecting an eclectic mix of…
7.52 MILES
This sweet little park is near No 1 Bathing Beach. Admission is free after 6.30pm.
7.57 MILES
Once reserved only for the likes of Mao and other state leaders, this sheltered cove just east of Badaguan has calm waters good for a swim. It's a short…