Daily Travel Journal: Xiaoyushan in Qingdao

Qingdao Xiaoyushan Guide｜Climb high in autumn to see red tiles and blue sea, stay at Manyue Hotel for ultimate comfort 🍂 The top spot for climbing in Qingdao is definitely Xiaoyushan! The autumn wind turns the Chinese sumac on the hill red. Standing on the summit, you can see the red-tiled roofs layered with greenery and the blue sea stretching to the horizon. Staying at Manyue Hotel adds “healing autumn scenery + relaxing rest” to your itinerary. Friends, just copy this plan~ First, a fun fact: This is the lowest famous mountain in Qingdao (only 60 meters high), yet it hides one of the “Top Ten Scenic Spots of Qingdao” called “Fish Mountain Autumn Moon.” Built in 1934, the pavilions and towers on the hill are all in classical garden style. You can easily climb up and take in the entire old city view✨ 🌅 Must-do highlights of Xiaoyushan in autumn (with photo tips) Climb the Tide-view Pavilion—legendary! The three-story pavilion at the top is the best viewing platform. On the first floor, shoot the cluster of red-tiled buildings; on the second floor, enjoy the sea view of Huiquan Bay; on the third floor, you can see Signal Hill in the distance. In the autumn afternoon sunlight, the red Chinese sumac leaves and yellow phoenix tree leaves contrast with the blue sea, making every photo a “Qingdao postcard.” Autumn viewing on the mountain trail—super healing! Stroll along the stone steps, with Chinese sumac and sweetgum trees gradually changing colors by the roadside. Fallen leaves cover the bluestone slabs, crunching underfoot. Choose a lush ancient tree as your background, wear an off-white or caramel-colored coat for a side profile shot, and let the autumn breeze blow through your hair for maximum atmosphere. Sunset viewing platform—a must-wait! Around 5 p.m., the sunset dyes the sea golden-red, and the red-tiled roofs glow warmly. Stand on the platform next to the “Tide-view Pavilion” to shoot silhouettes, blending people and scenery for a story-rich photo. If lucky, you might see fishing boats returning, making the scene lively and healing. Cultural wall check-in—a hidden gem for photos! At the foot of the hill, the cultural wall is carved with patterns of old Qingdao buildings, paired with a stone wall covered in ivy. It’s perfect for vintage-style photos. When tired, sit on the nearby stone bench and relax while listening to the distant sound of waves—super cozy. 📍 Stay at Manyue Hotel: Perfect for climbing and exploring the old city Choosing the right hotel saves you half the effort! Manyue Hotel is literally located within the scenery: Zero hassle transportation: 16 minutes by car to Xiaoyushan, with a dedicated parking lot at the hotel for easy parking; even more convenient by subway—500 meters to Jiangxi Road Exit B, take Line 2 then transfer to Line 3 to People’s Hall Station, then a 10-minute walk to the mountain, with old Qingdao streets to explore along the way. Seamless eating and exploring: Hungry after climbing? Rest 10 minutes at the hotel, then drive 8 minutes to Taidong Pedestrian Street for snacks, or walk 800 meters to MixC Mall for a feast—seafood, hot pot, anything you want. Foodie happiness never stops. Thoughtful details: After the chilly autumn climb, the front desk offers hot ginger tea 24/7, warming you right when you enter. 🛏️ The “healing little nest” after climbing After walking on the mountain all day, returning to the hotel instantly heals you! The zero-pressure bedding is as soft as clouds; you fall asleep the moment your head touches the pillow, and the next day your sore legs feel relieved—more relaxing than your own bed. Don’t worry about leaves and dust on your clothes; the self-service laundry room has both washers and dryers. Toss in your dirty clothes, and in an hour they come out fresh and soft—no need to bring a bunch of extra clothes. The whole room is controlled by Xiaodu smart system, super convenient. Just say “turn on the air conditioner” or “close the curtains” without getting up—perfect for those too tired to move. Want to relive the beautiful scenery? The small sofa by the window is super comfy. Brew a cup of hot tea and browse the photos you took during the day, savoring the autumn view of red tiles and blue sea, fully relaxing your body and mind. 💡 Practical tips to avoid pitfalls Travel off-peak for a better experience: Come before 8 a.m. or on weekdays to avoid tour group crowds, enjoy the summit viewing platform alone, and take photos without dodging people. Outfit advice: Wear caramel or khaki colors to match the autumn forest; bring a light jacket because it’s windy on the summit and can get chilly in the evening. Tickets are super affordable: 10 RMB per adult, half price for students. You can buy tickets on-site by scanning a QR code, no need to book in advance—just go when you want. Don’t wear high heels! The mountain trail has stone steps, so sneakers or flat shoes are more comfortable and won’t tire you out after a day of walking. See the red tiles and blue sea at Xiaoyushan, then cozy up on the soft bed at Manyue Hotel while scrolling through photos—this is the true autumn romance of Qingdao! Whether traveling with girlfriends or family, staying here is perfect. Add it to your must-stay list for your next visit~