Check out our guide to life in Qingdao
Qingdao is a major seaport, naval base and industrial city on the south facing coast of China’s Shandong Peninsula. Many westerners know Qingdao best as the home of Tsingtao Brewery, producers of Tsingtao beer, China’s most famous export beer. Although the German colonial period in Qingdao only lasted 16 years (1891–1914), the architectural impact can be seen to this day, with a number of German style buildings still throughout the city centre. Foodies will enjoy Qingdao’s distinct style of cuisine called Lu Cai, along with seafood caught fresh from the ocean.
Qingdao Fast Facts
Prefecture-level and Sub-provincial city
Settled – 4,100 to 2,600 BCE
Population – 9,046,200
Qingdao Weather
Hottest Month August (26 °C avg)
Coldest Month January (-1 °C avg)
Wettest Month July (73.9 mm avg)
Windiest Month April (18 km/h avg)
Annual Rainfall 259.8 mm (per year)
10 Things to See and Do in Qingdao
Tsingtao Brewery Museum
The world-famous brewery offers tours, informative displays, beer tasting and snacks.
Qingdao Aquarium
Marvel at the variety of marine life on display at this established seaside aquarium.
Beaches
Qingdao City has three public beaches where you can enjoy water sports and sunbathing.
Zhanshan Temple
This active Buddhist sanctuary includes a bell tower, stupa, Buddha and prayer halls.
Mount Lao
Take a hike or cable car on Laoshan, a mountain regarded as one of the “cradles of Taoism”.
Badaguan
German style architecture, beautiful scenery and plenty of beachside activities to enjoy.
Lu Xun Park
Dedicated to famous writer Lu Xun, this park perfectly blends natural and cultural elements.
Naval Museum
Naval history buffs will enjoy the exhibits and artefacts, submarine, plane and ship tours.
Yangkou Scenic Area
Ride the cable car to the scenic area for ocean views and large inscriptions in the rockface.
May Fourth Square
Take a relaxing seafront stroll around this square with grassy areas and huge sculpture.
Cost Of Living
| ITEM | RMB | GBP | AUS | RAND |
| Cinema | 60 | 6.85 | 12.52 | 124.78 |
| Water | 2 | 0.23 | 0.42 | 4.18 |
| Beer in a bar | 19 | 2.17 | 3.96 | 39.51 |
| Beer in a shop | 4 | 0.46 | 0.84 | 8.35 |
| Coke | 3 | 0.34 | 0.63 | 6.27 |
| Meal at a cheap restaurant | 18 | 2.05 | 3.75 | 37.43 |
| Meal at an average restaurant | 35 | 3.99 | 7.30 | 72.79 |
| Meal at a high end restaurant | 85 | 9.70 | 17.73 | 176.77 |
| Gym per month | 200 | 22.83 | 41.72 | 415.92 |
| City bus | 2 | 0.23 | 0.42 | 4.18 |
| Monthly utility bills (electricity, heating, water, rubbish) | 430 | 49.08 | 89.69 | 894.23 |
| Loaf of bread | 6 | 0.68 | 1.67 | 12.48 |
