Just got back from Qingdao, and here's the truth! Nanny-level travel guide

9 selected attractions and a 5-day, 4-night itinerary for Qingdao ✅ 9 must-see attractions ✅ Zhanqiao Pier Scenic Area 💸 Admission: Free 🍎 Highlights: Qingdao landmark, century-old history, Huilan Pavilion overlooking the sea, seagulls can be fed in winter, suitable for photo ops. ✅ Badaguan Scenic Area 💸 Admission: Free (some exhibition halls require tickets) 🍎 Highlights: World Architecture Expo, Princess House, Huashi House and other distinctive buildings, lush greenery, suitable for strolling and photography. ✅ Laoshan Scenic Area 💸 Admission: From ¥90 (Yangkou Scenic Area + Taiqing Palace) 🍎 Highlights: The first famous mountain on the sea, a sacred place of Taoist culture, take a cable car to overlook the mountains and seas, and don't miss the seafood feast in Qingshan Fishing Village. ✅ Xiao Qingdao Scenic Area 💸 Admission: ¥5 🍎 Highlights: Qin Yu Road Lighthouse, overlooking the panoramic view of Zhanqiao Pier, the sunset is gorgeous in the evening, suitable for couples dating and walking. ✅ Qingdao Beer Museum 💸 Admission: ¥60 🍎 Highlights: Renovated from a century-old brewery, visit the brewing process, get a free drink of raw beer, and experience Qingdao beer culture. ✅ Golden Beach Bathing Beach 💸 Admission: Free 🍎 Highlights: The first beach in Asia, with fine sand, suitable for swimming and beach sports. The VIP lounge area provides a more comfortable experience. ✅ May Fourth Square 💸 Admission: Free 🍎 Highlights: The city landmark "May Wind" sculpture, light show every night, the Lover's Dam of the Olympic Sailing Center has excellent night views. ✅ Xinhaoshan Park 💸 Admission: ¥10 (including the revolving observation deck) 🍎 Highlights: Overlooking Qingdao's red tiles, green trees, blue sea and sky, the 360° observation deck captures panoramic views of the old city. ✅ Haichang Polar Ocean World 💸 Admission: From ¥259 🍎 Highlights: Polar animal shows, underwater tunnels, suitable for family trips, VIP channel avoids queuing. 🏨 Accommodation Guide High-end luxury hotels Qingdao Haitian Hotel (Shinan District): Sea view rooms face the coastline, close to Zhanqiao Pier and Badaguan, suitable for business or vacation. Qingdao Hanbi Building Hotel (Huangdao District): Cliffside sea view hotel, strong privacy, suitable for couples or high-end vacations. Featured B&Bs/Design Hotels Qingdao Mo Hai Boutique Villa (Laoshan District): Mountain and sea view B&B, close to Laoshan Scenic Area, suitable for families or art lovers. Red House Musician Hotel (Shinan District): Music-themed design hotel, retro style, suitable for couples or art lovers. Budget Accommodation Qingdao Compass Youth Hostel (Shinan District): Close to Lao She Park, cost-effective, suitable for backpackers or students. Qingdao Xinjiang Wyndham Hotel (Chengyang District): Four-star hotel, close to the airport, suitable for transit or tourists with limited budgets. 🗺️ May 4th Travel Itinerary 📅 Day 1: Old Town Style First Experience Morning: Zhanqiao Pier Scenic Area (free) 🍎 Feed seagulls and photograph Huilan Pavilion and the sea view. Afternoon: Badaguan Scenic Area (free) 🍎 Visit Princess House and Huashi House, and stroll along the tree-lined road. Evening: Taidong Pedestrian Street (free) 🍎 Taste Wangjie barbecue and Shisanbukao dim sum, and experience the fireworks of Qingdao Night Market. 📅 Day 2: Mountain and Sea Wonders Day Morning: Laoshan Yangkou Scenic Area (¥90) 🍎 Take the cable car up and down, visit Taiqing Palace, and experience Taoist culture. Noon: Qingshan Fishing Village Seafood Feast (¥100 per person) 🍎 Taste Laoshan mushroom stewed chicken and sea water tofu. Afternoon: Shilaoren Bathing Beach (free) 🍎 Relax on the beach and watch the sea from the VIP lounge area. Evening: May Fourth Square Light Show (free) 🍎 Watch the light show of the "May Wind" sculpture. 📅 Day 3: Seaside Leisure Day Morning: Xiao Qingdao Scenic Area (¥5) 🍎 Visit the lighthouse and overlook the panoramic view of Zhanqiao Pier. Afternoon: Qingdao Beer Museum (¥60) 🍎 Visit the brewing process and get a free drink of raw beer. Evening: Olympic Sailing Center Lover's Dam (free) 🍎 Have dinner at a sea view restaurant and enjoy the night view of Fushan Bay. 📅 Day 4: Cultural Exploration Day Morning: Xinhaoshan Park (¥10) 🍎 Climb the revolving observation deck to photograph a panoramic view of Qingdao. Afternoon: Haichang Polar Ocean World (¥259) 🍎 Watch polar animal shows and cross the underwater tunnel. Evening: Xiaomaidao Park (free) 🍎 Visit the popular check-in spot during off-peak hours and photograph the sunset. 📌 Useful Tips Transportation: It is recommended to use online car-hailing or chartered cars between attractions. The Qingdao subway covers the main areas. Food: Must-eat spicy fried clams, mackerel dumplings, and Qingdao raw beer. Tickets: It is recommended to book Laoshan and Polar Ocean World in advance to avoid peak crowds during holidays. Dress: The temperature in Qingdao in May is 15-25℃, it is recommended to wear a thin coat, sunscreen clothing, and comfortable sneakers. This route covers history, nature, culture, and cuisine, and is suitable for families, couples, or family trips!