Roaming Qingdao: From Shi Laoren to Guangxingli

Starting from Shi Laoren and following the coastal wooden plank road from west to east is like a str[...]

Starting from Shi Laoren and following the coastal wooden plank road from west to east is like a string of pearl necklaces connecting Qingdao’s iconic scenic spots: Shi Laoren – Xiaomaidao Island – Lover’s Dam – Taipingjiao Park – Huashi Tower – Badaguan – Xiaoyushan Hill – Zhanqiao Pier – Guangxingli.

Sunrise at Shi Laoren
When coming to Qingdao, one must not miss the sunrise at Shi Laoren. After mid-October, Shi Laoren Bathing Beach in Qingdao is the best place to photograph the sunrise. The location will be slightly different every day and will gradually shift to the southeast. So, find a shooting position early in the morning. Around December, the sunrise time is about seven o’clock, and the blue hour starts at six. With good luck, one can also see the ‘Jesus light’. Another perspective is aerial photography. The rough and masculine beauty becomes the most unique scenery on Qingdao’s coastline.

Strolling on Xiaomaidao Island
This is one of the leisure places that locals are most willing to go to on weekends. It seems ordinary at first glance but everywhere exudes a sense of tranquility and beauty. Flying to a height of 500 meters and overlooking the entire island, I see the extraordinary and magical side of this city. It is recommended to walk around the island slowly and look around. You will find many unique perspectives. Perhaps it’s a tree or a road that can move you. The only inconvenience is that there is no parking lot. It is recommended to take the subway.

Lover’s Dam: Lovers Finally Get Married
Enduring Love on a Stormy Road
This is my beautiful blessing for 12 new couples. On the road of love, it is inevitable to experience storms, but I believe that the power of love can enable them to brave the wind and waves and stick together through thick and thin. On December 12, 12 new couples held their [Love·Sweetness] collective wedding with vows by the sea on Lover’s Dam. As the [Qingdao Ocean Romance Cultural Tourism Recommendation Officer], I witnessed this extraordinary and unforgettable moment. What a memorable day and what a ceremonial event. Every new couple can share their joy and happiness with everyone present. The cold wind takes away the whispers by their ears and drifts towards a beautiful future; the warm sunlight remembers the bright smiles on their faces and gives a warm life. [Lover’s Dam] located at Qingdao Olympic Sailing Base is a must-visit place for couples. Now, sea cruises have also been opened. The route passes through: Olympic Sailing Center – Xiaomaidao Island – Qingdao Sculpture Park – National Shi Laoren Scenic Area – Kaolao Island – Laogong Island – Taiqing Bay in Laoshan. Couples can truly experience a journey of braving the wind and waves. Viewing Qingdao from the sea has a very special perspective. Even local people like me rarely have such an opportunity. You will find that in addition to the beautiful and elegant scenery of red tiles and green trees, there is also the majestic atmosphere of blue sea and green mountains. It is the same for every new couple. From falling in love to getting married and viewing each other from a different perspective, perhaps you will find that the once vows by the sea seem like a mirage. But as long as you focus on the gaze of love, you will find that love is growth, understanding, and tolerance.

Sunny Afternoon, Coffee Time
On a sunny winter afternoon, walk from Huashi Tower to Taipingjiao Park and enter [C-UP Song Mansion]. Have a cup of oat latte and drink it slowly until the blue hour after the sun sets. The lights slowly turn on and snowflakes gently fall. Is this lazy and comfortable afternoon the time when you often want to lie flat? In Qingdao, you can spend countless such coffee times because unique cafes scattered in the corners of the city are everywhere. Just like the scenery seen everywhere, some are stunning yet seem natural.
A romantic and warm city should be just like this.

View the changing clouds and winds from the Lan Chao Pavilion
Embrace the cityscape in Yongcui Hall
One of Qingdao’s top ten scenic spots: the Fish Hill Sea Moon, is to enjoy the moon rising from the sea at Lan Chao Pavilion on Xiaoyushan in Qingdao. Standing on Xiaoyushan, you can also overlook the beautiful coastline of Qingdao and gaze at the opposite Ju Lin Mountain. You can also climb to the Lan Chao Pavilion on Xiaoyushan to overlook Huiquan Bay and the Zhanqiao Pier. Looking around in Yongcui Hall, Tai Ping Mountain, the First Sea Water Bathing Beach, Zhongshan Park, Huiquan Square, Qingdao TV Tower, are all within sight.

Encounter seagulls at Zhanqiao Pier
Seagulls arriveMore importantly, the people here are very happy to get close to seagulls. Seagulls have a good memory. If a place’s people are kind to them, they will come back the next winter.

In 1994, Qingdao only had red-billed gulls and silver gulls, with only about 2000. Currently, the number of seagulls in Qingdao is about 100,000, and the population has reached 16. The more common ones are red-billed gulls, silver gulls, and black-tailed gulls. In 2015, for the first time, the national first-class protected bird – Relict Gull was discovered. The red-billed gull is a winter migratory bird, breeding and feeding in the North Temperate Zone in summer, starting to winter in Qingdao in autumn, and returning to its hometown in spring. Silver gulls and black-tailed gulls stay in Qingdao all year round.

Guangxingli tells the past and present life. The courtyard blooms with the new face of the old city.

What is the soul of a city? It is the people, history, and culture here. What can concentrate these elements together to display? That is the old buildings in the city that are easily forgotten by people. They are vividly performing the century-old changes of the city.

Located at No. 63 Haibo Road, Guangxingli, with a history of a hundred years, has both German architectural style and Chinese traditional courtyard characteristics. It is a typical representative of the early construction of Qingdao’s courtyard-style architecture and is also the largest existing courtyard. It has now become a historical and cultural district and an industrial design innovation center.

I am not unfamiliar with the courtyard. Which once had the mark of my first love. My first love’s family had an old house here. And before the demolition, her grandmother and uncle always lived here. During our passionate period, I would often accompany her to visit the elders here. Walking through the narrow alleys, stepping into the not very spacious courtyard. The sunlight pours into the courtyard. Climbing up the steps, the grandmother always sat in the room on the second floor drinking tea.

At first, I thought the courtyard was not eye-catching. But as long as I quietly stayed for a few minutes, I could feel the strong smell of fireworks and the light taste of human feelings. This atmosphere is the unique attribute of Qingdao city. And such ‘Old Qingdao’ stays in many people’s memories. I am very happy that this memory has come back. Not just a story, a feeling, but also a love and sentiment for this city.

This is a golden route. Take your time. It will take about two to three days. Qingdao is a city that is slower than most cities. And I like this rhythm.

What kind of beautiful imagination and expectations have you had for love? Have you ever thought about going on a marine wedding tour with your lover? The beautiful and charming coastline is very much like your extraordinary emotional journey. And every surging wave seems to be telling your love story.

Embark on an enchanting journey through the charming city of Qingdao. Starting from the iconic Shi Lao Ren to the bustling Guangxingli. Discover the unique blend of modern and traditional architecture. Explore the rich cultural heritage. And indulge in the vibrant local cuisine. This comprehensive guide will take you through the must-visit spots, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences that Qingdao has to offer.