5 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in Qingdao

Qingdao is well known for its beer, beaches and mountains. However, living here, we may get stuck in our routines and not realize that there is more to this beautiful city. Perhaps you have visitors in town? Or you’re going home soon and need more stories to tell? Maybe you just want to be adventurous and experience more to Qingdao (which may or may not include spending your nights drinking and your days nursing a hangover). Whatever your reasons, check out this list and discover more to Qingdao:

1) See the Top and INSIDE of a Mountain

Fu Shan

Everyone knows about Qingdao’s pride and joy Lao Shan, but what about its lesser known counterpart Fu Shan? Actually, the fact that it has escaped the attention from the Qingdao Tourism Board and is without the typical features of a Chinese mountain—marked trails, stone steps, rickety cable cars, souvenir vendors, flag-bearing tourist groups and entrance fees (it’s all free)—is one of the reasons why we like it! It takes approximately 30 minutes to climb to the summit and take in the 360 degree view of Qingdao, which includes Shi Lao Ren Beach, Lao Shan and the skyscrapers of the business district. However, there is more to Fu Shan than just climbing to the top of the mountain – on the east side, you can explore mountain tunnels! Said to be built by the Germans prior to 1914 for military purposes, two sets of tunnels remain open. Bring a friend and flashlight along, prepared to venture through the cave at your own risk. Once you’re finished with that, make your way down the makeshift path and relax at the beach.  

Fu Shan Mountain (浮山)
Add: 190 Chongqing Bei Lu, Laoshan District, Qingdao
地址：青岛市崂山区重庆北路190
Admission: Free

2) Visit a Vineyard

Qingdao is not just home to China’s best beer, but also some great tasting wine. Enjoying the same coastal mountain climate as California’s famous Napa Valley region, Hudong Winery has received many accolades for producing top quality Chardonnays as well as being a unique tourist attraction in Qingdao. Covering more than 2,000 acres, visitors can walk amongst the vines and witness some breathtaking views down the valley. Visitors can also take a tour of the winery and find out first hand the craft and skill that is required in the wine-making process before sampling the in-house Chardonnay and other vintages. It is also an ideal place to relax and have a picnic. Located just 30 minutes away through the beautiful countryside, Hudong Winery is an ideal break away from the city life and crowded tourist spots.

Huadong-Parry Chateau & Winery (National Industrial Tourist Model Zone)
Add: Nanlongkou, Laoshan District, Qingdao
地址: 青岛市崂山区南龙口
Telephone: 0532 8388 7168
Website: http://www.huadongwinery.com
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00
Admission: 30RMB

Pichai Yuan. Photo: tripadvisor.com

3) Experience Traditional China

All too often, we see the sites of yesteryear knocked down in favour of big shiny shopping malls and skyscrapers. However, Pichai Yuan, tucked away in the Old Town, is one of the places that managed to escape the wrath of bulldoze
rs and remain as a reminder to the times of old. Although some parts may have been reconstructed, every detail is completely reminiscent of traditional China, with even old men huddled to the side practicing their ancient traditions in art. Worth a special mention is a restaurant called Jiangninghui Guan (江宁会馆), where upon entry, you will experience a totally archaic feeling as you are offered to drink Chinese tea from a long-beaked tea pot with an authentic Chinese opera playing at the same time. Visitors can also choose to eat from a ‘banquet of insects’ and other amazing food options, buy Chinese handicrafts and art on sale, take photos with small statues or simply just people-watch. Whatever you choose, Pichai Yuan is definitely worth a visit.

Pichai Yuan
Add: Zhongshan Lu, Shinan District, Qingdao
地址：青岛市市南区中山路劈柴院
Admission: Free

4) Go to Prison

Now, we are not encouraging you to commit any crime in China (goodness knows the consequences), but a trip to the Qingdao German Prison Museum could be an interesting alternative to a lazy afternoon. Built by ‘zee chermans’, the prison was used until the 1970s; the building originally held non-Chinese prisoners seized by Germany but later housed Chinese prisoners under Japanese rule, and Communist party members under Kuomintang rule. Visitors to the museum will walk away haunted by the Japanese torture chambers.

Qingdao German Prison Site Museum
Add：25 Changzhou Lu, ShiNan District, Qingdao
地址：青岛市市南区常州路25号德国监狱旧址博物馆
Tel: 0532 8286 8820/0532 8286 9773
Opening hours: 08:30-17:30 (Summer); 09:00-17:00 (Winter) 
Admission: 25 RMB (Summer); Free (Winter)  

5) Go Skiing

Located just an hour outside of Qingdao, Tian Tai Ski Resort is a fun and relaxing way to spend a winter day. Made from artificial snow, the facility contains two slight slopes, 350m and 250m long, equipped with platter pulled lifts. Although Tian Tai is a lot easier to get to than the slopes of Europe, it is more geared towards beginners and those keen for a laugh. Patrons can enjoy snowboarding, snow skiing, riding snow mobiles and the freedom to just play in the snow. The season begins in December and should last until the end of February and possibly into March, depending on weather conditions.

Tian Tai Ski Resort and Hot Springs
Add: Jimo Hot Springs Tourist Resort, Qingdao
地址: 青岛即墨市温泉旅游度假区, 天泰·温泉假日滑雪场
Tel: 0532 8656 1071, 0532 8657 9726
Website: http://www.nettvl.com/hx/tt.htm
Admission: 20RMB
 

Related links
Where to go Skiing in and Around Changchun
Weekend Getaways in Qingdao
Qingdao International Auto Show to Kick Off at the end of May