Qingdao's Popular Coastal Leisure Spot – Xiaomai Island Park

1. Introduction to Xiaomai Island Park Address: 50 meters west of Maidao Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao Opening Hours: Open all day Admission: Free Core Features: An ecological green island covering 15.71 hectares, connected to the mainland by a boardwalk. To the west, you can view the cityscape; to the south, the rocky sea; to the east, the full view of Laoshan Mountain. Featuring a "simple and natural" ecological style, it preserves native vegetation and natural landscapes. Selected as a "Popular Check-in Spot on Hospitable Shandong" in 2021, it welcomed over 5.2 million visitors in 2024, making it a popular coastal leisure landmark in Qingdao. Main Attractions: The Lonely Tree, Pink Pavilion, Five Trees, White Lighthouse, Dolphin Sculpture, and other popular check-in spots, as well as facilities like the island’s wooden boardwalk, hilltop lawn, and marine environment monitoring station. 2. Recommended Routes 1. Classic Island Loop (about 2 hours) Route: Entrance boardwalk → West Coast wooden boardwalk (Lonely Tree) → East Island Road (Sea-view Pavilion) → South Coast windmill lawn → White Lighthouse → Exit Highlights: 360-degree sea views covering key check-in spots like the "Lonely Tree" and "Orange Sea Sunset," perfect for photography and leisurely walks. 2. City Walk Route (about 3 hours) Route: Love of the Sea Park → Xiaomai Island Entrance → Flower Sea → Lonely Tree → Pink Pavilion → Five Trees → White Pebble Road Highlights: Connects Love of the Sea Park with Xiaomai Island, passing by swings, heart-shaped sculptures, and a poppy flower sea, ideal for an immersive coastal experience. 3. Sunset Exclusive Route (about 1.5 hours) Best Time: 16:00-19:30 Route: Entrance → Circular Viewing Platform (270-degree sunset view) → Hilltop Lawn (sit quietly to watch the sunset) → West Coast wooden boardwalk (Orange Sea photography) Highlights: Avoid peak crowds, wait for the sunset at the viewing platform or lawn, and capture stunning shots of the "Orange Sea" alongside the city skyline. 3. Transportation Guide Metro: Line 2 Maidao Station Exit E, 20-minute walk or taxi; Line 2 Haiyou Road Station Exit B, 15-minute walk (passing Love of the Sea Park). Bus: Take routes 225, 232, 304, or 317 to Donghai Middle Road Maidao Road stop, then a 4-minute walk. Driving: Navigate to "Xiaomai Island Park Parking Lot" (opening late 2024, with 650 public parking spaces). Arrive early during peak season to avoid queues. 4. Travel Tips Best Photo Times: 8:00-9:00 (fewer people and soft light) or 16:00-19:30 (sunset period). Essentials: Non-slip shoes (rocks can be slippery), jacket (sea breeze is strong), drinking water (only a small shop on the island). Food Recommendations: Chuan Ge Fish Dumplings (Maidao Road branch): Black tiger shrimp dumplings, about 60 RMB per person; Haiping Wontons (Maidao Road branch): Family-style wontons, fresh and tasty. Avoidance Tips: Weekends in the afternoon are crowded; it’s recommended to visit during off-peak times. Popular check-in spots (like the Lonely Tree) may require waiting in line, so plan your route in advance.