Qingdao, ChinaThe Insider's Guide to Qingdao
Summary: Discover the charm of Qingdao with our guide to the city's top attractions, culinary hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, we'll also help you find the best recreational activities to enjoy, and offer advice on making lasting connections with the friendly locals.
Welcome to Qingdao! If you're planning to move to Qingdao, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Qingdao has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Qingdao.
Qingdao is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. There are many sites of interest for tourists and locals alike, including the Laoshan Scenic Area, the Zhanqiao Pier, and the Qingdao Beer Museum. The Laoshan Scenic Area is a stunning mountain range located just outside of Qingdao, and is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and sightseeing. The Zhanqiao Pier is a historic pier located in the heart of the city, and is a great spot for taking in the views of the city skyline. The Qingdao Beer Museum is a great place to learn about the history of beer in China, and to sample some of the local brews.
The restaurant and nightlife scene in Qingdao is vibrant and diverse. Some of the most popular restaurants in the city include the Qingdao Beer Street, which serves up a variety of local and international beers, as well as traditional Chinese dishes. Another popular spot is the Qingdao Grand Hotel, which offers a range of international cuisines, as well as a selection of local dishes. For a more traditional experience, the Qingdao Old Town is a great spot to sample some of the city's most famous dishes. As for nightlife, the city is home to a number of bars and clubs, such as the popular Bar Street, which offers a range of live music and DJs.
Qingdao is also home to a variety of recreational activities, such as swimming, sailing, and golf. The city is home to a number of swimming pools, such as the Qingdao International Swimming Pool, which offers a range of facilities for swimmers of all levels. For sailing, the Qingdao Yacht Club is a great spot to rent a boat and explore the city's coastline. Golfers can enjoy a round at the Qingdao International Golf Club, which offers a range of courses for all levels of players.
SJB GlobalConnect
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB GlobalSJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Insider Tips from Expats in Qingdao: Making the Most of Life and Connections
"The expat community is very active here. There is a newsletter called "The Qingdao Expat" that connects us. There is a weekly lunch which is a good place to start getting connected," said one expat living in Qingdao.
"The foreign community in Qingdao has lunches every Wednesday at noon, monthly dinner nights and other activities. Schedule is published in The Qingdao Expat and Redstar magazines," wrote a member in Qingdao.
"The locals say that you have not experienced Qingdao until you have hiked LaoShan and sampled some of its mythical waters or world renowned TsingTao Brew," commented one expat who made the move to Qingdao.
"There's always great live music at several venues around town, and organisations like Hash House Harriers and Qingdao Expat have weekly and monthly events where you can get to know loads of people from China and abroad. The essential guide to getting involved in Qingdao is the redSTAR magazine and website - they host monthly events which are always a blast (also free and open to all), and they also bring fresh international talent to the city a few times each year. You can sign in at www.myredstar.com to receive email notifications about events and great things to do (free and otherwise) throughout the city, as well as directory listings for entertainment and services," remarked one expat living in Qingdao.
"Expats in Qingdao can join a variety of clubs and activities such as scuba diving, rugby and basketball. There are also expat-oriented clubs such as the Qingdao International Wine Club, the Qingdao Chinese Chess Club and the Qingdao Comic Book Club. Expats can also meet people by attending international events and fairs held around the city. Additionally, there are meetup groups, language exchange groups and other social events held at bars, restaurants and cafes across Qingdao that allow expats to socialize and make new friends," wrote one member in Qingdao, China.
SJB GlobalConnect
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB GlobalSJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"The priority here is work. The Chinese are preparing the city for the 2008 Olympics. Sailing events will be held here in Qingdao," commented an expat living in Qingdao.
"Being the home of the 2008 Olympic Sailing Regatta, Qingdao's numerous outdoor activities include sailing, wind surfing, kayaking, hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, skiing, body surfing, mountain biking, paint ball, bird watching, basketball, tennis, volleyball, golf, football, and the list goes on. If you are an outdoor sports enthusiast, Qingdao is the place for you," said an expat in Qingdao.
"Work is always going on, but people engage heavily with relaxation during the summer and family during the winter. While Qingdao has a growing services sector drawing staff from throughout China and the world, most people who work there still have family connections in the city. Summer is truly beautiful, with miles of beautiful beaches, state-of-the-art sailing facilities, municipal parks and a breathtaking mountain resort very close by," remarked one expat who made the move to Qingdao.
"Qingdao is a popular destination for expats and digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and convenient transportation. Expats and digital nomads in Qingdao can enjoy a wide variety of activities, from exploring the city's many historical sites to taking part in the city's vibrant nightlife. The city also offers a wide range of international cuisine, making it easy for expats and digital nomads to find food that suits their tastes. Additionally, Qingdao is home to a large expat community, making it easy for newcomers to make friends and find support. All in all, Qingdao is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an exciting and rewarding experience," explained one expat living in Qingdao.
SJB GlobalConnect
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB GlobalSJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
