I Visited the Sea You Missed | Qingdao

【Complete 3-Day Qingdao Guide】Unlock Hidden Gems in the "Oriental Switzerland" - These Photo Spots Are Stunning! Just returned from Qingdao and I'm completely won over by this city where mountains embrace the sea! From September to November, Qingdao offers crisp autumn weather and delicious seafood. This personally-tested guide will help you discover artistic experiences even locals keep secret! 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ By Air: Jiaodong International Airport (direct access to downtown via Metro Line 8) 🚄 By Train: Qingdao Station (European-style station perfect for photos) 🚇 Metro: Download "Qingdao Metro" APP for QR code scanning 🚲 Shared Bikes: Coastal cycling is incredibly relaxing 🌊 Perfect 3-Day Itinerary Day 1: Old Town Stroll 📍 Badaguan (8:00-10:00) Over 200 European-style buildings! Don't miss Princess Building and Huashi Building. The fallen ginkgo leaves on Shanhaiguan Road are incredibly romantic! 📍 Xiaomaidao (16:00-18:00) Trending island spot! The lawn concerts at sunset paired with the orange sea twilight are absolutely stunning! Day 2: Coastal Exploration 📍 Shilaoren Beach (9:00-11:00) Check tide times for the Instagram-worthy cave spots! Be prepared to queue for photos at the famous white house! 📍 Liuqinghe Beach at Laoshan (15:00-17:00) A hidden gem with few visitors! The "Write to Poetry" café facing the sea is a must-visit! Day 3: Artistic Discovery 📍 University Road (10:00-12:00) Red wall corners perfect for photos! Surrounded by hidden gem shops, the "Day and Night" café looks like a scene from a Miyazaki animation! 📍 Taidong Night Market (18:00-20:00) Locals' favorite night market! Eat until you're stuffed with Thirteen Spice Ball Pastries, Pregnancy Tofu, and seafood barbecue! 🍺 Food Hit and Miss List ✅ "Kaihai": Family Dumplings + Spicy Stir-fried Baby Abalone ✅ "Lao Xie Wild Wonton": Late-night soul BBQ ✅ "Chuange Fish": Squid dumplings that will blow your mind ❌ Food stalls near Zhanqiao Pier: Tourist traps 📸 Top 5 Must-Visit Spots 1. Xiaomaidao Sunset (healing scenery) 2. Badaguan Ginkgo Trees (European charm) 3. Shilaoren Cave (Instagram-worthy) 4. University Road Red Wall (artistic youth favorite) 5. Laoshan Beach (beautiful with fewer crowds) ⚠️ Tips 1. Bring a jacket for temperature changes during September-November 🧥 2. Compare prices at seafood markets 💰 3. Hotel prices double during Beer Festival 💰 4. Only use official taxis 🚕 5. Avoid weekends for smaller crowds Qingdao offered me much more than beer and seafood. When I encountered German architecture around corners in the old town, watched elderly locals winter swimming, or felt surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere at night markets, I experienced both European romance and Shandong's warmth and hospitality - making it a place you'll never want to leave.