Qingdao, China

Qingdao is one of China’s most surprising coastal cities—a place where German colonial architecture, fresh seafood markets, and beaches all blend into one unforgettable experience. Walking through the city feels like moving between worlds. In one moment, you’re standing in front of a Gothic cathedral or strolling past Bavarian‑style villas with red‑tiled roofs; in the next, you’re barefoot on the sand, listening to waves roll in from the Yellow Sea.

The city’s unique character comes from its fairly unusual past. Once a small fishing village, Qingdao was transformed in 1897 when German forces occupied the area and built an entire European‑style town from scratch. They brought architects, engineers, and planners who designed churches, villas, tree‑lined streets, and even China’s first modern brewery—Tsingtao, founded in 1903. That’s why parts of Qingdao look more like southern Germany than northern China.

But Qingdao isn’t just about history. It’s a living coastal city with real beaches, a working harbor, and a beer culture that’s woven into everyday life. Whether you’re wandering the cobblestone lanes of Badaguan, watching the sunset from Zhanqiao Pier, or enjoying a fresh pour at the Tsingtao Brewery, the city invites you to slow down and take it all in. It is pretty mountainous with tight, narrow streets in the central city because of that. It kind of felt a little bit like San Francisco in that way.

Qingdao is more than a destination; it’s a mood—salty air, red roofs, cold beer, and a coastline that feels both relaxed and full of stories. If you’re looking for a Chinese city that’s different from the usual big‑city circuit, Qingdao is the perfect coastal chapter. My dad likes the Tsingtao beer outlets which were almost on every block downtown. You can buy a beer for about $3 USD.