Trip Overview
When: Late October (autumn, fewer crowds, comfortable weather)
Duration: 3 days
Travelers: Couple
Budget: ~1,000 RMB (~$140 USD)
Transportation: Self-driving recommended for flexibility
Essential Foreigner Info
Getting There: Qingdao Liuting International Airport serves domestic and some international flights. High-speed trains connect from major cities. Renting a car is recommended for visiting the more remote spots.
Money Matters: Mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay) is ubiquitous. Carry 200 RMB cash for small vendors and tips.
Language: English is limited outside tourist areas. Download an offline Chinese translator. Key phrase: Zai nar? (在哪里? = Where is it?)
Best Time: Late October to early November offers autumn colors, fewer tourists, and lower prices post-Holiday rush.
Recommendation 1: Haiquan Bay Resort (海泉湾度假区)
Located on Qingdao's second largest bay, Aoshan Bay, this is a new and still-under-the-radar resort destination. About 50 km from Qingdao North Station and 40 km from the city center—easy to reach by car or public transit.
Whether you're after seaside views or a wellness retreat, Haiquan Bay delivers. The resort features a kilometer-long golden sand beach for wave-watching, Crowne Plaza hotel for upscale stays (their restaurant gets excellent reviews), and an奥特莱斯 outlet for shopping therapy.
Ocean Star Ferris Wheel: Qingdao's tallest Ferris wheel. Legend has it that couples who kiss at the very top will stay together forever—so naturally, young couples flock here to make romantic vows.
Dining: The Crowne Plaza's Japanese restaurant comes highly recommended—about 200 RMB (~$28) per person. We're talking premium omakase where a single abalone has been simmered for four hours, matsutake mushroom soup with sea snail, and牡丹虾 (peony shrimp) frozen for eight hours. Eating here feels like watching a magic show.
Reality check: Qingdao's hot springs are among the world's four major ocean thermal springs—fantastic for wellness. Pair with an aromatherapy back massage, fire cupping, or ear seed acupuncture. Total relaxation.
Recommendation 2: Yuming Shanfang Tea House (崂山御茗山房)
Tucked at the foot of Laoshan Mountain in Wangge Village, Xiaowang Community, this spot is nicknamed Qingdao's little Jiangnan—a perfect place to sip tea and zone out.
The architecture pure Jiangnan aesthetic—ancient Chinese elegance, tranquil and refined. Walk into the courtyard and you'll notice water dripping from eaves into a central pond, creating splashes that add endless romance.
Beyond tea and meals, you can even stay overnight in Chinese-style rooms that exude sophistication. Here's the experience: pick tea leaves at Laoshan Mountain, then try hand-frying them yourself in the craft workshop—immersing in traditional Chinese tea culture.
Recommendation 3: Saint Ronics Manor (圣罗尼克庄园)
Qingdao is a romantic capital—every year, countless couples come here to shoot wedding photos, and you'll spot brides in white at every scenic spot. That's why Qingdao has numerous wedding bases, and Saint Ronics Manor stands out as Qingdao's first seaside glass-wedding hall, offering exclusive romance right by the ocean.
Located in Huichang Community, Dagou Bay, Wangge Village, Laoshan District, the manor backs against Laoshan, faces the sea, and sits next to Guanmao Mountain—stunning surroundings. Locals call it Qingdao's little Greece.
Wedding services: The beach in front of the manor, the lawn in the courtyard, and the viewing platform—all perfect for ceremonies. This year they added forest-style and Korean-style crystal halls, making it Qingdao's first seaside glass-wedding hall.
Pro tip: The manor's lawn features adorable cats and dogs—natural props for photos. Our inner child came out playing with them.
If love has a destination, it must start with a romantic island wedding. Honestly? I'm ready to book my 20th wedding anniversary party here.
Recommendation 4: Qingshan Fishing Village (青山渔村)
This discovery happened by accident on a self-drive route—a tiny fishing village within the Laoshan Taiqing scenic area. Think hidden paradise: three sides mountains, one side ocean, red roofs among green trees, houses packed together as far as the eye sees. Absolutely spectacular.
Over 600 years old, villagers here make their living from tea planting and seafood farming. Media calls it China's most beautiful fishing village.
Foreigner tip: We didn't have time to enter the village, but the Qingshan Fishing Village arch is the best viewpoint for panoramic views—truly feels like living in a jade sea.
Recommendation 5: Huashen Book Cafe (花神书咖)
A Qingdao must-visit—this iconic cafe sits right on Shilaoren Beach. A glass house built on sand, you can watch the sea while sipping drinks inside. The interior is fresh and artistic, decorated with flowers everywhere—cozy and romantic.
Must-try: Coconut coffee. Here's the hack: drink the coconut juice first, then the coffee, then pour the coffee into the coconut—first time trying this combo. Sweetness meets richness, perfectly blended.
Recommendation 6: Ruoqi Art Space (若七美学空间)
On Keyuan Fourth Road, Laoshan District, I spotted a futuristic-looking building with an artistic name: Ruoqi Art Space.
This art space houses a jewelry museum, art exhibition hall, Six Arts workshop, cafe, and apartments. The owner, Zhong Feng, is a charismatic beauty and jewelry designer—one of the first ten Laoshan Craftspeople in Qingdao. After working in Beijing, she returned home to start her own brand. Her design Qingdao Impressions became Qingdao's official city gift.
We browsed the museum's jewelry collection—every piece made me want to take it home. We also tried coffee and steak here. Not a huge menu, but you can taste the owner's thoughtfulness.
The space is still being finished—final touches underway. I can't wait to see what惊喜 it brings. This will definitely become Qingdao's next cultural hotspot.
Recommendation 7: Taipingjiao Park (太平角公园)
Here's something new in Qingdao's Badaguan area: a Love Path—a 48-meter tree-lined road that's become the latest Instagram hotspot.
Enter Taipingjiao Park and find this love-themed path. The 48-meter road features cute cartoon Cupid, pink heart symbols, I LOVE YOUU statements for when romance peaks, and Loveseats for chatting or cuddling...
Background: This was created for the 2021 Qingdao Ocean Romance Culture Week. Once posted online, people flocked here for photos. Now it's another must-visit spot in Qingdao.
Recommendation 8: Qingdao Ocean Romance Metro Line
Qingdao launched an Ocean Love Romance Theme Metro—decorated in different themed styles. The carriages feature photos of Qingdao's famous love spots. The entire atmosphere is warm and romantic. A must-experience when visiting Qingdao!
Come to Qingdao—walk the Love Path in Taipingjiao Park, ride the Love Metro, bring your significant other, and embark on a双向奔赴的爱的旅程. Enjoy quality time together and witness your 海誓山盟 (oaths of love) in this romantic coastal city!
Epilogue
Qingdao's beauty peaks in autumn. Visiting now feels like stealing half a day of leisure. If someone gave you a free trip to Qingdao, who would you bring?