Tours

Despite Qingdao's long list of sites and attractions, crafting a tour itinerary is simple as long as you divide it into two categories: downtown and mountains. Downtown is clustered with museums, landmark buildings and water lapping beaches—perfect for those who prefer a passive, easy-on-the-legs plan. Whereas the mountains offer hiking trails that afford the kind of views normally only enjoyed by bearded National Geographic magazine photographers. Many of the hikes are rewarded with ancient temples and pagodas.

Downtown Zhongshan Road serves as a good starting point for it is centrally located, leads to the waterfront, and because of its maw of people and stores and restaurants it makes the city's quieter colonial areas appear that much more charming and quaint. Wander directly south until land yields to water and you see the Zhanqiao Pier. Hailed by locals as Qindao's city symbol it juts out into the bay affording visitors great views of the coast. The octagonal Huilan Pavilion situates on the pier's tip and is best known for being the building on the Tsingtao beer labels. After dodging the gauntlet of vendors that prey on the pier follow the bay's coastline east to the Navy Museum. A rusting destroyer and a decommissioned submarine makes it easy to spot. Visitors can wander through the halls of both vessels, but for "security" reasons cameras are not allowed. Continue east and wander on to the unimaginably scenic Little Qingdao Isle. A narrow stretch of earth connects it with the mainland making it wonderfully accessible. Despite its small size, it enjoys "Must Sojourn" status. Narrow paths shaded with peach and cherry trees and tiny cafes lend it a magical appearance, especially during spring when the trees are in colorful bloom. It is worthy of at least seven snapshots.

Temporarily abandon the coast and wander directly north inland for a few blocks on Jiangsu Street to the Protestant Church. Erected in 1908 by German builders, this stone house of prayer serves as a regal reminder to Qingdao's colonial years. Return to the coast and continue hugging the shore east until you wander into Lu Xun Park. Named after writer Lu Xun, the father of Chinese literature, its scenic paths adorned with Chinese art mesh nicely with the abutting coast. Within the park looms the obliquely named Marine Products Museum. Do not be fooled by its name, however, for it houses Qingdao's aquarium.

From here cap the day off in grand visual style by venturing north into the famous Badaguan Scenic Area. Qingdao's colonial past comes alive as more than 200 remarkably preserved European-style villas grace the streets, creating a Bavarian illusion. Thick rows of gingko, peach, pine and crab apple trees add to its beauty, especially during spring's blooming period.

Mountains The Laoshan Mountains, located about 20 miles southeast of downtown, contain miles of hiking trails that wind past many scenic and historic spots including Mount Taishan, the birthplace of Taoism. Deemed as one of China's "Top Five Holiest Mountains," its summit can be reached by either hiking or via a tram. If the legs are still willing, bag Jufeng Peak as well. It towers as the area's highest point at 1,133 meters and enjoys legendary status for its impossibly brilliant sunsets. Before exiting the peaks be sure to visit the Taiqing Palace located near the Yellow Sea along the Laoshan Mountains' southern end. Built more than 1,000 years ago it features a remarkable 140 rooms divided among three major halls. A thick surrounding forest full of exotic rare plants makes it very camera friendly.