Print: 30 Oct 2025
My first trip to china: A coastal discovery in Qingdao
Nestled between sacred mountains and the sea, this coastal city has the potential to be one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world
Photo: Collected
My first trip to China, sponsored by the country’s Ministry of Commerce, was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride.
Travelling through different cities with more than 60 journalists from around the world, attending countless workshops and seminars, and getting lost on unfamiliar roads, it was an unforgettable experience, to say the least.
When I reflect on the tourorganised by CBIC, the coastal city of Qingdao, located in northeast China’s Shandong Peninsula, stands out above the rest.
If someone were to ask me about my favourite place in China, I would name this city without hesitation. After having a hectic schedule in Shandong’s Jinan, we embarked on a high-speed train for Qingdao. As soon as I arrived, a cool sea breeze greeted us, instantly lifting our spirits. Moreover, the vibe of the city, with its shopping malls and universities mesmerised me in the best possible way.
Nestled between sacred mountains and the sea, Qingdao has the potential to be one of the most attractive tourist destinations not only in China but also in the world. It needs no emphasising that in the coming days, more and more tourists will visit this vibrant coastal city, whose natural beauty and striking architecture make it a photography hotspot.
Qingdao is a city where history, culture, and nature come together effortlessly. Known for its picturesque bays and world-famous Tsingtao beer, the city offers a rare blend of coastal charm and cultural richness. It is a city that exemplifies east meets west, with captivating German architectural motifs set against a backdrop of soaring skyscrapers.
Despite being a major economic hub with a GDP exceeding ¥1.2 trillion (as of 2018) and homegrown giants like Haier and Hisense, Qingdao doesn’t feel like a city constantly in a rush. It’s busy, yes, but in a balanced way. Qingdao is modern and well-connected. Its efficient infrastructure includes a fast-expanding metro system, an extensive bus network, and high-speed trains that now make the journey from Beijing in just three hours. The Jiaodong International Airport, opened in 2021, handles both domestic and international flights, while the impressive Haiwan Bridge—one of the longest sea bridges in the world—connects districts across Jiaozhou Bay.
In the Shinan District, the historic heart of the city, I found remnants of its colonial past—like the twin-towered St Michael’s Cathedral, completed in 1934. Not far from there lies Badaguan, a beautiful area with pastel villas and cobblestone streets that feel frozen in time. Walking there felt like stepping into a postcard.
Modern Qingdao doesn’t shy away from its heritage—it embraces it. From the grand annual Qingdao International Beer Festival to the neatly preserved architecture, the city seems to understand the value of its own story.
With over 700 kilometres of coastline, Qingdao is one of China’s top seaside resorts. Popular beaches like No 1 Bathing Beach and Shilaoren Beach offer sandy escapes for swimmers and sun-seekers alike. Qingdao's landscape is not only decorated with azure waters but also with verdant mountains. As we went there for just a couple of days and had a bit of a busy schedule, we could not explore the mountainsides, unfortunately.
Whether it was the sea breeze on my face, the quiet elegance of historic buildings, or the genuine warmth of the locals, Qingdao left an impression that hasn’t faded. For me, it was more than just another stop on a packed itinerary. It was a place where history, nature, and modern life existed in perfect balance.
What truly sets Qingdao apart is its ability to feel both relaxed and alive. It invites you to slow down and take it all in, whether you're exploring the old town, sipping freshly brewed beer, or simply walking along the coast.
Qingdao may not yet be a household name in global tourism, but it deserves to be. With its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and postcard-worthy views, this coastal gem has all the ingredients of a world-class travel destination.And if I get another opportunity to visit China, I know exactly where I’m heading first.
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More From China Day Special
My first trip to china: A coastal discovery in Qingdao
Nestled between sacred mountains and the sea, this coastal city has the potential to be one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world
Photo: Collected
My first trip to China, sponsored by the country’s Ministry of Commerce, was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride.
Travelling through different cities with more than 60 journalists from around the world, attending countless workshops and seminars, and getting lost on unfamiliar roads, it was an unforgettable experience, to say the least.
When I reflect on the tourorganised by CBIC, the coastal city of Qingdao, located in northeast China’s Shandong Peninsula, stands out above the rest.
If someone were to ask me about my favourite place in China, I would name this city without hesitation. After having a hectic schedule in Shandong’s Jinan, we embarked on a high-speed train for Qingdao. As soon as I arrived, a cool sea breeze greeted us, instantly lifting our spirits. Moreover, the vibe of the city, with its shopping malls and universities mesmerised me in the best possible way.
Nestled between sacred mountains and the sea, Qingdao has the potential to be one of the most attractive tourist destinations not only in China but also in the world. It needs no emphasising that in the coming days, more and more tourists will visit this vibrant coastal city, whose natural beauty and striking architecture make it a photography hotspot.
Qingdao is a city where history, culture, and nature come together effortlessly. Known for its picturesque bays and world-famous Tsingtao beer, the city offers a rare blend of coastal charm and cultural richness. It is a city that exemplifies east meets west, with captivating German architectural motifs set against a backdrop of soaring skyscrapers.
Despite being a major economic hub with a GDP exceeding ¥1.2 trillion (as of 2018) and homegrown giants like Haier and Hisense, Qingdao doesn’t feel like a city constantly in a rush. It’s busy, yes, but in a balanced way. Qingdao is modern and well-connected. Its efficient infrastructure includes a fast-expanding metro system, an extensive bus network, and high-speed trains that now make the journey from Beijing in just three hours. The Jiaodong International Airport, opened in 2021, handles both domestic and international flights, while the impressive Haiwan Bridge—one of the longest sea bridges in the world—connects districts across Jiaozhou Bay.
In the Shinan District, the historic heart of the city, I found remnants of its colonial past—like the twin-towered St Michael’s Cathedral, completed in 1934. Not far from there lies Badaguan, a beautiful area with pastel villas and cobblestone streets that feel frozen in time. Walking there felt like stepping into a postcard.
Modern Qingdao doesn’t shy away from its heritage—it embraces it. From the grand annual Qingdao International Beer Festival to the neatly preserved architecture, the city seems to understand the value of its own story.
With over 700 kilometres of coastline, Qingdao is one of China’s top seaside resorts. Popular beaches like No 1 Bathing Beach and Shilaoren Beach offer sandy escapes for swimmers and sun-seekers alike. Qingdao's landscape is not only decorated with azure waters but also with verdant mountains. As we went there for just a couple of days and had a bit of a busy schedule, we could not explore the mountainsides, unfortunately.
Whether it was the sea breeze on my face, the quiet elegance of historic buildings, or the genuine warmth of the locals, Qingdao left an impression that hasn’t faded. For me, it was more than just another stop on a packed itinerary. It was a place where history, nature, and modern life existed in perfect balance.
What truly sets Qingdao apart is its ability to feel both relaxed and alive. It invites you to slow down and take it all in, whether you're exploring the old town, sipping freshly brewed beer, or simply walking along the coast.
Qingdao may not yet be a household name in global tourism, but it deserves to be. With its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and postcard-worthy views, this coastal gem has all the ingredients of a world-class travel destination.And if I get another opportunity to visit China, I know exactly where I’m heading first.