Qingdao's Best Travel Value! ¥1 Coastal Bus Route is Legendary!

When visiting Qingdao, you absolutely must try the 618 coastal bus route! For just one yuan, you can start from Yangkou and enjoy 21 stops along the stunning coastline. The entire journey is like opening a coastal scenery surprise box, with views so beautiful at every stop you'll want to scream! I've tested and prepared this guide for you to follow without any disappointments. Deep Exploration of Attractions Along the Route This route connects Laoshan's most wild coastline, with three must-see highlights: - Yangkou Beach (Starting Point): The bus departs from Yangkou Station, but don't rush to board! Right next to it is Yangkou Beach with its fine sand. During low tide, you can catch small crabs, and the rocky shore is incredibly photogenic. At 7am, capture the sunrise when the sea surface glistens with golden light and waves crash against the rocks like scattered diamonds. - Diaolongzui Village (7th Stop): A primitive fishing village nestled between mountains and sea. Houses are arranged along the hillside with red tiles and yellow walls against the blue sea and sky. The village dock is filled with blue and white fishing boats. In the late afternoon around 3-4pm, when sunlight slants across, the long shadows of fishing boats create what looks like a moving oil painting. - Qingshan Fishing Village (Final Stop): As soon as you get off at the final stop, you'll see an amazing view! The entire village is embedded in the hillside, with terraced fields extending in layers toward the sea. The tea fields are lush green, fishing boats float on the water, and from the viewing platform, the village, terraced fields, and sea form a "master's chair" shape. On clear days, a thin mist hovers over the sea, creating a fairyland-like scene. Ticket and Transportation Guide - Bus Fare: Only 1 yuan for the entire route! You can pay with a transit card or mobile payment. Children ride free—a huge win for students and budget travelers. - Travel Tips: - Outbound Journey: Sit on the driver's right side (the sea-facing side) from Yangkou to Qingshan Fishing Village. You'll see waves crashing on the shore and fishing villages scattered along the way. Especially after passing Diaolongzui, the road hugs the cliff, offering breathtaking views overlooking the sea. - Return Journey: Sit on the other side (mountain-facing side) to see the Laoshan mountain range and panoramic views of terraced fields. The scenery is completely different on each side. - Sectional Exploration: If you want to explore in depth, don't ride the entire route at once. For example, get off at Diaolongzui and spend an hour exploring, then catch the next bus (approximately every 30 minutes). Remember to note the bus schedule to avoid long waits. - Self-driving Option: Navigate to "Yangkou Station" or "Qingshan Fishing Village." There are temporary parking spots along the coastal road, but spaces are limited during peak season. It's best to start early. Parking costs about 10 yuan per time. Best Itinerary Planning One-Day Highlights (Relaxed Pace): 7:30 Arrive at Yangkou Beach for sunrise photos → 8:30 Take the 618 bus (first bus at 8:00, check times during peak season) → 9:00 Get off at Diaolongzui Station, explore the fishing village and dock, buy fresh seafood → 10:30 Continue by bus to Qingshan Fishing Village → 11:00 Climb to the viewing platform (just 5 minutes up) for panoramic photos → 12:30 Lunch at a village farmhouse restaurant → 14:00 Take the bus back, choosing mountain-side seats for mountain views → 15:30 Get off at Liuqinghe Station to explore the beach and collect shells → 17:00 Return. Ultimate Photo Spot Guide 1. Yangkou Beach Rock Formation: During low tide, large rock formations are exposed. Stand on the rocks, lower your camera to capture the sky and waves. Use a wide-angle lens for a more dramatic effect. Wear light-colored clothes to create strong contrast with the blue sea. 2. Diaolongzui Dock Fishing Boats: Crouch at the edge of the dock, use fishing boats as foreground, focus on people with a blurred background for depth. The light is soft around 4pm, and silhouettes against backlight also look great. 3. Qingshan Fishing Village Viewing Platform: Take the small path next to "Qingshan Fishing Village Guesthouse" to a protruding platform. Use your phone's panorama mode to capture the village, terraced fields, and sea all in one frame. For close-ups, photograph tea trees with the sea in the background, using wildflowers as foreground for a fresh feel. 4. S-curve on the Coastal Road: Between Diaolongzui and Qingshan Fishing Village, there's an S-curve in the road. Stand at the high point of the curve and have a friend photograph you from the opposite side, leaning against the guardrail with the sea and road behind you. Use burst mode to capture natural walking poses. Local Food Guide - Diaolongzui Fisherman's Restaurant: Freshly caught clams for 30 yuan/plate, deliciously spicy; must-try Spanish mackerel dumplings that burst with juice when bitten, perfect with vinegar; special seaweed buns with seaweed filling, fresh and not greasy. - Qingshan Fishing Village Tea House: When tired from exploring, enjoy a cup of Laoshan green tea on the terrace overlooking the sea. Tea costs 20 yuan/cup, served with peanuts and seeds—perfect for a relaxing afternoon. - Mobile Food Carts: Near Yangkou Station and Qingshan Fishing Village entrance, you'll find stalls selling grilled squid and oyster pancakes. Squid is 10 yuan for 3 skewers, freshly grilled with chili powder—mouthwateringly delicious. - City Center Food Recommendations: After returning to the city, visit Taidong Walking Street for Wang Jie's BBQ (must-try squid tentacles) and Baiyu String City (cheese corn kernels), then buy a bag of Qingdao beer to drink while walking for a truly local experience. Important Notes 1. Bus Schedule: Route 618 runs frequently during peak season (May-October), approximately every 20-30 minutes. During off-season, it might run only once per hour. Use the "Qingdao Bus" app to check real-time arrivals to avoid unnecessary waiting. 2. Seaside Temperature Differences: Despite sunshine, the seaside can get chilly with the wind, especially in the morning and evening. Bring a light jacket (or sun protection clothing), and avoid short skirts as the wind can cause headaches. 3. Photography Etiquette: The terraced fields in Qingshan Fishing Village are tea plantations owned by villagers. Don't step into them for photos. There are designated photo spots near the viewing platform. Respectful tourism ensures these beautiful places remain accessible. 4. Sun Protection: Sea breeze + sunshine = intense UV rays. Sunglasses, hats, and high SPF sunscreen are all essential, especially when sitting by the window on the bus. Remember to wear a mask or use an umbrella for shade. 5. Off-peak Recommendation: Weekends and holidays are crowded, and you might not be able to board the bus. Weekdays are better—we went on Tuesday and found plenty of empty seats on the bus and no lines for photos. Spending just one yuan to see mountains, sea, and fishing villages by bus makes Qingdao a true "conscience representative" in the travel world! Watching waves chase the bus while listening to locals chat is more authentic than visiting typical tourist spots. Save this guide and follow this route for a guaranteed amazing experience!