Among red tiles and green trees, encounter the sea and sky as one

Centered around Qingdao’s most iconic “red tiles, green trees, blue sea, and sky” scenery, we have tailor-made an in-depth leisurely travel guide focusing on “comfort and ease.” Instead of rushing through, let’s experience this coastal city’s laziness and romance like a local connoisseur. Core Philosophy: Slow down and feel the city’s rhythm between mountains and sea · Pace: Select 1-2 key areas daily for deep walking tours. · Transportation: Mainly walking, subway, and occasional taxis to avoid rushing. · Experience: Daydream in cafes, sunbathe on the beach, and explore flavors in old alleys. --- Comfortable Three-Day Leisure Plan Day 1: Red Tiles, Green Trees, and Artistic Moments in the Old Town Morning: Signal Hill Park → Longjiang Road & University Road · Signal Hill Park (top choice): This is the best viewpoint to overlook the panoramic “red tiles, green trees, blue sea, and sky.” The hill is not high; it takes about ten minutes to reach the top. The rotating observation deck offers a 360-degree unobstructed view of the old town and coastline. Comfort tip: Avoid the midday sun; visit in the morning or evening for soft light and the best photos. · Longjiang Road & University Road: After descending Signal Hill, wander aimlessly into these artistic streets. Longjiang Road is full of charming comic murals and cafes; the popular red wall on University Road is a must-visit photo spot, but what’s more worth savoring is the tranquility and artistic atmosphere along the way. Comfort tip: No need to seek specific spots; stroll freely and stop by any appealing cafe for a break. Lunch: Find a stylish restaurant in the old town to taste authentic Qingdao dishes, such as various fish dumplings at “Republic of China Seafood Dumpling House” or Qingdao specialty stir-fries at “Boluo Youzi.” Afternoon: Badaguan Scenic Area · This is the ultimate expression of “half mountain, half water,” with over 200 foreign-style buildings nestled among lush trees, facing the waves of the Second Beach. Comfort tip: Don’t rush! Rent a tandem bike or simply walk, take photos outside classic buildings like Princess House and Flower Stone House, then find a seaside lawn or bench to sit, listen to music, and daydream by the sea—this is the right way to enjoy Badaguan. Evening: Third Beach · The southern end of Badaguan is the Third Beach. The beach is gentle; you can take off your shoes and socks, feel the fine sand underfoot, and the gentle caress of the waves while waiting for a seaside sunset. Dinner: Head to Taidong Pedestrian Street, a food paradise. From seafood stalls to various snacks, everything is available. You can easily have dinner here and experience Qingdao’s lively local atmosphere. Day 2: Blue Sea and Sky along the Coastline and Urban Vibrancy Morning: Zhanqiao Pier → Zhongshan Road · Zhanqiao Pier: As a symbol of Qingdao, it’s a must-see. It’s best to visit early to avoid tour groups and truly feel its openness and historical charm. Check out Huilan Pavilion and feed the seagulls (from winter to spring). · Zhongshan Road: A short walk from Zhanqiao Pier. This century-old commercial street has been revitalized, featuring many time-honored brands and distinctive buildings, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Lunch: You can eat near Zhongshan Road, try the famous grilled squid at “Wang Jie BBQ,” or find a traditional restaurant. Afternoon: Xiaomai Island Park · This is Qingdao’s “new rising star” in recent years and an excellent choice for a comfortable visit. It’s a small offshore island connected to the mainland by a boardwalk. The island features large lawns and coastal trails. Comfort tip: Bring a picnic mat, some fruit, and snacks. Lie down on the sea-facing lawn, feel the sea breeze, listen to street performers, and you’ll instantly understand what “facing the sea, with spring blossoms” means. Evening: Olympic Sailing Center & Lovers’ Wharf · A short taxi ride from Xiaomai Island to the Olympic Sailing Center, the venue for the 2008 Olympic sailing events and a symbol of modern urban seaside scenery. Take a walk on Lovers’ Wharf; the lighthouse is a perfect photo backdrop. Comfort tip: Be sure to wait here for the sunset. When the sun dyes the horizon red, the sailboats, lighthouse, and city skyline form a breathtaking picture. Dinner: Near the Olympic Sailing Center, there are upscale malls like Hisense Plaza with many quality restaurants. Alternatively, visit Yunxiao Road Food Street nearby for more authentic seafood feasts. Day 3: Laoshan’s Mountain and Sea Wonders or Urban Leisure Option A (Light Laoshan Experience): Yangkou Scenic Area · The essence of Laoshan, “the most famous mountain by the sea,” is at Yangkou. Here you have mountains and sea with stunning scenery. Comfort tip: Strongly recommend taking the cable car up to save energy. After the cable car, climbing to “Mitian Cave” and “Tianyuan” is interesting but not too tiring. Sitting on the giant rock at Tianyuan, overlooking the vast blue bay below, you can truly feel the fairyland of “half mountain, half water.” Option B (Pure Urban Leisure): Qingdao Beer Museum → Shilaoren Beach · Qingdao Beer Museum: Located in the city, easily accessible. Here you can learn about Qingdao beer’s century-old history and taste freshly brewed original beer straight from the production line—very fun. · Shilaoren Beach: The largest and best sandy beach in the city. The beach is more open and well-equipped. You can lie on the beach chairs all afternoon, listen to the waves, read a book, or wade in the water to enjoy your last seaside moments. --- Comfort Travel Tips · Accommodation Suggestions: · For convenience and charm: Stay in Shinan District (near the train station/Zhanqiao Pier), very convenient for all attractions with a strong old town atmosphere. · For modernity and sea views: Stay near May Fourth Square/Olympic Sailing Center, with newer hotels, unbeatable sea views, and dazzling night scenes. · Food List: · Must-try: Spicy stir-fried clams, steamed sea urchin egg custard, scallion-braised sea cucumber, mackerel dumplings, original draft beer. · Be cautious: Seafood restaurants near scenic spots that solicit customers may have traps in price and quality. It’s recommended to choose reputable well-known restaurants or ask locals. · Preparation Before Travel: · Qingdao has large temperature differences between morning and evening, and strong sea winds; even in summer, bring a light jacket. · Be sure to prepare a pair of comfortable walking shoes because the best scenery is found on foot. · Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are the three essentials for seaside travel. We hope this guide helps you have a comfortable, pleasant, and unforgettable holiday in Qingdao! Wishing you a happy journey!