[2025 Qingdao Hotels] Travel Guide for Hello, Qingdao Zhanqiao Railway Station Hotel (Updated Oct)

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!

Autumn in Qingdao is the most comfortable and poetic season of the year. The sky is high and the sea is blue, with red tiles, green trees, and golden wutong leaves interwoven, all while avoiding the summer crowds. This “Qingdao Autumn Off-the-Beaten-Path Light Travel” guide is tailor-made for you, focusing on: fewer people, beautiful scenery, easy pace, and rich charm. --- Core Idea Avoid the crowded Zhongshan Road, Zhanqiao Pier, and May Fourth Square. Instead, delve into the old city of Qingdao, exploring corners full of local life, combined with some emerging art districts. The focus is on walking, daydreaming, drinking coffee, and visiting exhibitions to enjoy a lazy and immersive autumn holiday. --- Recommended Routes (can be split or combined) Route 1: The Artistic Slow Time Deep in University Road & Xiaoyushan This route is an “advanced version” of the classic University Road, going deeper where there are far fewer people and the slope is gentle throughout. · Morning (10:00-12:00): · Start: Don’t start at the popular photo wall corner. Navigate directly to “Huangxian Road” or “Longjiang Road.” · Stroll: These two small streets are filled with charming graffiti walls, independent cafes, and old houses. Autumn sunlight filters through the wutong leaves, casting dappled shadows—perfect for photos. You can visit the Island Bookstore to soak in the artistic atmosphere. · Features: No tour groups here, only a few scattered visitors and couples taking wedding photos, with a very slow pace. · Noon (12:00-13:30): · Lunch: Find a cozy little restaurant on Huangxian Road or Longjiang Road. There are many private kitchens, simple meals, or Japanese restaurants, such as “Healthy Home Meals” (Korean-style simple meals), with a warm environment and exquisite food. · Afternoon (14:00-16:00): · Climb for a View: Leisurely walk from Longjiang Road to Xiaoyushan Park. This is the only place on the itinerary that requires “climbing,” but don’t worry—Xiaoyushan is only 60 meters high, and the stairs take less than 10 minutes to climb, requiring very little physical effort. · Sightseeing: The Lanchao Pavilion at the top offers an excellent panoramic view of Qingdao’s old city. The red tiles, green trees, blue sea, and sky are especially vivid in autumn. You can also see the First Bathing Beach and Signal Hill in the distance. The view here rivals Signal Hill but with far fewer people. Route 2: Taipingjiao Park - The Seaside Trail’s Hidden Romance This area extends from Badaguan but is quieter and more open, perfect for an easy, relaxing walk. · Afternoon (14:00-17:00): · Start: Take Metro Line 3 to “Taipingjiao Park” station. · Stroll: Enter Taipingjiao Park, a large urban park rich with autumn colors. Then find the coastal boardwalk leading to the sea. This wooden walkway is very smooth, with old villas of various styles on one side and an unbeatable sea view on the other. · Highlights: · Encounter cafes like Milan and Sir Karl: These cafes are housed in renovated historic buildings. Sitting in the courtyard or on the terrace facing the sea with a cup of coffee is the most pleasant autumn experience. · Geological Light Exhibition Hall: A small exhibition hall converted from glacial relics, with few visitors, worth a visit along the way. · Continue walking toward the Third Bathing Beach; the scenery along the way is stunning and mostly flat. Route 3: Textile Valley’s Industrial Artistic Style If you want a completely different vibe, this is an excellent choice. · Half day (about 3 hours): · Location: No. 80, Siliu South Road, former site of the National Cotton Mill No. 5. · Activities: This is a cultural and creative park transformed from an old textile factory, similar to Beijing’s 798 Art District but less crowded and more local. Huge factory buildings, old textile machines, and powerful graffiti walls create a unique sense of history and art under the autumn light. · Features: The area is spacious, allowing you to walk and stop freely, perfect for photography with no uphill hassle. There are also some cafes and designer shops to explore. --- Special Experiences & “Easy” Activities 1. “Waste” time in old city cafes: Qingdao’s cafes are a major highlight. Find an old city cafe with a courtyard or terrace, such as “La Finca” (on Guantao Road, a grand renovation of a former bank building) or “Xu Guoming Coffee” (Nanhai Road, with excellent sea views). Reading or daydreaming here is the best way to travel. 2. Take the “Taipingjiao Cable Car”: From Zhongshan Park to Taipingjiao, this is a relaxing way to enjoy mountain, sea, and city views. On a crisp autumn day, overlooking the colorful hills from above is both fun and effortless. 3. Visit an interesting small museum: · Qingdao Post and Telecommunications Museum: On Guangxi Road, you can send a slow-mail postcard to your future self. · Qingdao Art Museum: Located inside the popular photo wall area on University Road, it often hosts great exhibitions, and the building itself is beautiful and quiet. --- Autumn Food Recommendations (Seasonal and Off-the-Beaten-Path) · Seafood Dumplings: Avoid touristy shops and go to “Chuan Ge Fish Dumplings” or “Kaihai” near residential areas to taste dumplings made with mackerel and yellow croaker—exceptionally fresh and delicious. · Claypot Wontons: When the autumn chill sets in, a hot bowl of claypot wontons is the ultimate comfort food. · Crab! Crab! Crab! Autumn is crab season, and Qingdao’s swimming crabs are plump and tasty. You can buy fresh seafood at the market and have it cooked at a nearby beer house—this is the most authentic way to enjoy it. Recommended markets are “Tuandao Agricultural Market” or “Yamei Seafood Agricultural Market.” --- Suggested Itinerary (3 Days 2 Nights Easy Version) · Day 1: Arrival and Initial Exploration · Afternoon: Check into a hotel (recommended near the old city in Shinan District, such as around Guanxiang Hill or the train station). · Evening: Follow Route 2, watch the sunset on the Taipingjiao coastal trail, and settle in at a sea-view cafe. · Day 2: Old City Artistic Stroll · Morning: Follow Route 1, immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere of Huangxian Road and Longjiang Road. · Noon: Lunch near University Road or Yushan Road. · Afternoon: Climb Xiaoyushan for panoramic views, then visit the Qingdao Post and Telecommunications Museum to send a postcard. · Day 3: Industrial Style and Farewell · Morning: Sleep in, then visit Textile Valley to experience a different side of Qingdao. · Noon: Have lunch inside or near Textile Valley. · Afternoon: Depending on time, take a walk at the Olympic Sailing Center’s Lovers’ Wharf (also spacious and flat), or visit another favorite cafe before ending the trip. --- Warm Tips · Transportation: Qingdao’s old city has many one-way streets and limited parking. It is strongly recommended to use “metro + walking + ride-hailing” as the main travel mode. The metro covers almost all recommended spots. · Clothing: Qingdao’s autumn (September to November) has large temperature differences, known for “random dressing.” It’s best to use the “onion layering method” with thin jackets, trench coats, and sweatshirts as essentials. When the sun is out at noon, a single layer is enough. · Mindset: Let go of the “check-in” obsession, bring a relaxed heart, follow your feelings, and in Qingdao’s autumn, getting lost is also a kind of enjoyment. We hope this guide helps you spend a relaxed, pleasant, and surprisingly delightful autumn holiday in Qingdao!

How much do I love it? Even when watching a bad drama, I insist on continuing just because it was filmed in Qingdao Old Town. This summer was especially long, and as soon as it got a bit cooler, the rain, rain, rain mode started again. During the holiday, I rushed to the old town as soon as the rain stopped. The plants in early October are still lush, and only the fallen leaves after the wind and rain remind people that it is autumn. While taking photos, I noticed there are so many slopes, some with such a big drop that stairs had to be built. I lived in the old town during my middle school years, and I had to climb nearly a hundred steps every day going to and from school. Because of this, we don’t have bike lanes! Please refer to — photos 1️⃣, 2️⃣, 7️⃣, 8️⃣. Starting from photos 1️⃣ and 2️⃣, this is the site of the first German postal agency explored during the holiday, which later became a mosque and now is a café and restaurant. The indoor furniture and old house complement each other well, showing the owner’s good taste (the black cat adds extra charm). I ordered coffee, which was ordinary — not the kind that leaves a lasting impression. Needs improvement!

In the fabric of Qingdao's old town, I encountered "Hello Hotel." Like a seashell washed ashore by the waves🐚, its exterior is unassuming, yet inside it holds the whispers of the entire ocean. The hotel's façade features traditional Chinese elements, with yellow walls glowing like honey in the sunlight🍯. As I wheeled my suitcase up the gently sloping street, I saw local elders chatting on stools, the hotel's understated entrance behind them. No flashy signs—just a small brass plaque reading "Hello Hotel" in Chinese and English, like the simplest greeting between old friends👋. The lobby was unexpectedly bright✨. A floor-to-ceiling window let in Qingdao's unique light—filtered through seawater, tinged with blue. The receptionist spoke with the soft Jiaodong accent, her fingers brushing my palm as she handed me the keycard, carrying the warmth distinctive to this city💫. In the corner, an old gramophone played "The Wind of Qingdao" on vinyl, its melody echoing the rhythm of waves against the shore🎶. My room was on the fifth floor. The elevator emitted faint clicks during its ascent, like the turning gears of time⏳. The hallway's navy carpet muffled footsteps, lined with vintage photos of Qingdao: Zhanqiao Pier in the 1930s, robed pedestrians; the First Bathing Beach in the 1950s, swimmers with guileless smiles; 1980s streetscapes with youths on large-wheeled bicycles🚲. These images formed a tunnel through time, and my room waited at its end. Opening the door, I was greeted by a sea breeze🌊. The room was compact but meticulously designed. Setting down my luggage, I approached the window to see Zhanqiao Pier stretching into the sea like a white jade ribbon, white sails dotting the blue satin water⛵. The window framed this living oil painting, its hues shifting with the clouds🎨. The bathroom held surprises too🛁. The shower's strong stream felt like a miniature waterfall. After washing away fatigue, I noticed locally branded toiletries on the shelf—pale green bottles labeled "Laoshan Green Tea"🍵. Uncapping one released a fresh tea aroma, mingling with the sea breeze to create Qingdao's unique fragrance. At dusk, I ventured out with my camera📷. The hotel's location was ideal—just five minutes to Zhanqiao Pier. The sunset gilded Huilan Pavilion🌅 as seagulls circled overhead. After capturing this classic view, I wandered into Zhongshan Road's alleys, where time-honored eateries hid: Wangjie Skewers' sizzling squid, Chunhe Tower's crispy chicken with long queues, and street vendors serving freshly made seaweed jelly🍜. Ordering like a local, I got a portion of jelly. "Staying nearby?" the vendor asked, adding an extra spoonful of dried shrimp when I mentioned Hello Hotel🦐. I returned to find the lobby softly lit🏙️. A young couple studied maps while a foreign backpacker scribbled in a notebook✍️. The bookshelf caught my eye—historical volumes about Qingdao. One detailed the neighborhood's past: German-era bank buildings, Japanese trading firms, now preserved landmarks standing silently amid neon lights📖. That night, I lay in bed listening to the sea🌌. With the window slightly ajar, the tides flowed in—sometimes murmuring like scattered foam, sometimes sighing like deep swells. The sound was hypnotic yet kept me from sleep😴, reluctant to miss any wave's melody. Half-dreaming, I heard the elevator's clicks again, unsure if real or imagined💤. Dawn kissed me awake☀️. The sea gleamed like gold leaf as morning ferries sliced the calm⛴️. Breakfast was simple yet thoughtful: old-fashioned bread, sweet porridge, jianbing guozi, and eggs boiled with Laoshan mineral water🍳. "Seaside Tone Poem" played in the dining room, music mingling with morning light🎵. Checking out, the receptionist recognized me: "Took many photos?" I showed her my captures—Zhanqiao's sunrise, old-town corners, hotel details, and long-exposure seascapes from my window📸. "You made our hotel look better than it is," she laughed. I disagreed: "The hotel simply contained all of Qingdao's beauty💝." Stepping through the revolving door, the sea breeze embraced me💨. Looking back at the yellow building, it was no longer a stranger but a chapter in my Qingdao story📖. Among countless hotels here, "Hello" is the plainest greeting yet the sincerest invitation. It doesn't flaunt its central location but lets you discover old Qingdao at every turn; it doesn't boast avant-garde design but embeds the city's memories in every detail🏮. Wheeling my suitcase toward the train station🚆, I suddenly understood the hotel's charm—like Qingdao itself, it blends German architectural precision with oceanic openness. Staying here, you take away not just photos but time itself, clear as seawater💎. Next time in Qingdao, I'll still say: "Hello."👋