Grab your swimming costume and towel and head over to Qingdao’s Number 1 Bathing Beach for a day of fun and relaxation. The beautiful beach is noted for its soft, clean sands and warm waters and is surrounded on three sides by mountains. Nearby are plenty of bars, restaurants and many other amenities you would expect of a buzzing beach resort.
At 1,900 feet (580 metres) in length, the beach is one of the largest in Qingdao. Even so, it can fill up easily on the weekends, especially during the summer. So if you want to avoid the crowds, come during the week.
If your primary mission is to sunbathe, spread out on your blanket or rent a deck chair and umbrella. Cool down with a refreshing dip in the sea and rent a rubber tube to float on the water. Go farther afield by chartering a boat from the beach and exploring the coastline.
Back on land, take advantage of your delightful surroundings by going for a walk. Stroll along the waterfront esplanade and then head up to Little Fish Hill Park. Take in views over Huiquan Bay and Qingdao and enjoy the park’s flowers, plants and pavilions.
As you tour the area behind the beach, stop to look at the architecture. The European-style influence of some of the buildings dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Qingdao was under German control. One of the most attractive buildings is the castle-like Qingdao Guesthouse. Completed in 1908 as a residence for the German Governor-General, it is now a hotel.
Surrounding the beach are plenty of bars, cafés and restaurants, where you can sample the local cuisine. Try a Tsingtao beer, made at a nearby brewery that was founded by German settlers.
You can reach the Number 1 Bathing Beach via numerous bus services in Qingdao. Among the facilities you will find here are showers, changing rooms and washrooms.
