Qingdao
Coastal charm, colonial relics and bustling seafood restaurants
Join the locals on their customary stroll along the 19th-century Zhanqiao Pier as the sun sets, and you’ll understand why Qingdao is rapidly becoming one of China’s biggest hits with visitors. Looking back to shore, the red-roofed colonial buildings make an unusual sight on the horizon, sharing the undulating hills with colourful, multi-tiered pagodas. All are dwarfed by the gleaming, plate-glass skyscrapers that signify the city’s growth and future potential.
With the twin towers of St. Michael’s Cathedral as a focal point, the old town’s warren of streets, lined with German colonial edifices, is a joy to explore on foot. Buzzing restaurants and market stalls spill out onto Zhongshan Road. As evening draws on, crowds swell as they graze at street-food stalls on chicken skewers, steamed pork dumplings and fried crickets.
And when it comes to a dinner, premium seafood dominates the menus of traditional restaurants. The best specials boards are seasonal, featuring octopus in winter, and squid in summer and autumn. Favourites may include kǎo yóuyú roast squid, or huŏguō hot pot with a selection of abalone, prawns and sea cucumber, all washed down with a bottle or two of locally brewed Tsingtao beer.
Laoshan National Forest Park lures visitors keen to visit sacred Taoist temples, which add flecks of red, blue and gold to the area’s natural canvas. Off the beaten track, you may come upon bubbling springs and the sacred cave where the monk Tian Baiyun once lived and meditated. From there, paths up forested peaks lead to more of those views of Qingdao’s spectacular skyline.
Our hotel in Qingdao
Discover also
Beijing
Skyscrapers rise beside centuries-old temples on the broad boulevards of the Chinese capital. A new creative culture thrives along hútòng alleys, while world-class dining and high-end shopping define modern life in the
Dongguan
An intriguing blend of laid-back charm and pulsating energy, Dongguan sits on the Pearl River Delta. The catalyst for the Opium Wars is fast becoming an eco-destination, thanks to the necklace of greenery wrapped around its heart.
Foshan
With a seamless blend of modern energy and ancient customs, Foshan is a 21st-century powerhouse backed by 5,000 years of history. As well as being the city of Bruce Lee, it’s also home to rich musical and creative traditions.
Guangzhou
As a bright star in China’s economic boom, many people come to Guangzhou on business, but return to explore its traditional shopping streets and incense-infused temples, or sample Cantonese yum cha eateries at their best.
Jinan
Jinan is known for its artesian wells, many of which are set in serene parks, but it’s also a gateway to China’s spiritual heartland. The home of Confucius and the country’s most sacred mountain are close to the “City of
Pingdu
A gateway to scenic wildlife areas and mountain trails, manufacturing hub Pingdu lies at the heart of Shandong’s productive agricultural belt, so it’s no surprise that residents enjoy fine teas and cuisine using local
Shanghai
A thriving cultural, culinary and commercial centre, Shanghai is the engine room of China’s economic boom. The pulsating metropolis is a place where ancient sites like Jing’an Temple sit comfortably beside ultra-modern towers.
Shenzhen
A new economic powerhouse with an eye to the future, Shenzhen has risen at breakneck speed beside the Pearl River. Peep behind the gloss to rediscover a city that continues to cherish its Buddhist heritage and Cantonese cuisine.
Wuhan
The capital of Hubei province, Wuhan draws crowds with its Yellow Crane Tower, a replica of the Qing-era marvel, but hidden wonders await in this huge city.
Xi'an
Best known for its terracotta warriors, Xi’an once marked the eastern end of the fabled Silk Road. Brimming with historic landmarks, from the Bell and Drum Towers to the Great Mosque, the ancient city also embraces modern China.
Xiamen
While well known for the Nanputuo Temple and its verdant gardens, along with the historic Hulishan Cannon Fort, the cosmopolitan oasis of Xiamen is fast becoming popular for its blend of beachside charm and modern city living.
Zhengzhou
Tree-lined avenues and restaurants serving Henanese cuisine set the tone for modern Zhengzhou. Yet kung fu and Bronze Age artefacts also come to mind when you think of the city, with its Shaolin temple and ancient ruins located
Ürümqi
Central Asia and China are juxtaposed in Ürümqi’s lively bazaars and shopping malls, Silk Road ruins and modern skyscrapers, and its minarets and pagodas. Uyghur heritage lends the city and its cuisine a unique flavour.
