Travel with Phoebe: A 5-Day Winter Escape to Qingdao & Weihai

Nestled along Shandong Province’s picturesque coastline, Qingdao and Weihai are two enchanting seaside cities that seamlessly combine natural beauty, historical charm, and cultural allure. Qingdao, with its iconic red-roofed German-style architecture, lively beaches, and vibrant city life, offers a mix of modernity and nostalgia. Weihai, on the other hand, exudes a peaceful coastal vibe, with a touch of Korean influence, and a more laid-back atmosphere.

As residents of the inland south, we were drawn to Qingdao and Weihai for the rare opportunity to see both the sea and snow in one trip. Yes, winter may not be the typical season for seaside travel, but it unveils a quieter, more serene side of these destinations. Snow-covered shores, dramatic sunsets, and fewer crowds allow for a unique and intimate experience. ⋙ Best Time to Visit Qingdao

To make the most of our trip, we flew from Chengdu to Qingdao the night before, eager to begin our adventure. ⋙ How to Get to & around Qingdao

5 Days Qingdao Weihai Yantai Coastal Tour

Itinerary: Qingdao / Weihai / Yantai / Penglai / Qingdao
Highlights: Qingdao Laoshan Mountain, Tsingtao Beer, Badaguan Scenic Resort, Weihai Liugong Island, Chengshantou Scenic Area, International Bathing Beach, Yantai Hill,, Penglai Pavilion

Day 1: Exploring Qingdao

Our first stop was the iconic Zhanqiao Pier, a must-see landmark and one of Qingdao’s most famous sights. The sun was shining brightly, the sea was a brilliant shade of blue, and flocks of seagulls filled the air. We even spotted locals swimming in the chilly winter water—a testament to their resilience and courage.

Beautiful Coastal Views at Zhanqiao Pier

How could we visit the seaside without indulging in seafood? For lunch, we headed to a local seafood restaurant and tried sea sausage rice, a Qingdao specialty that was both delicious and comforting.

Delicious Qingdao Specialty

After lunch, we visited Signal Hill Park and Xiaoyushan Park, two scenic spots located within walking distance of each other. From their vantage points, we enjoyed a panoramic view of Qingdao: red-roofed buildings standing out against the blue sea and golden beaches. It was a picture-perfect moment.

Panoramic Views of Qingdao at Signal Hill and Xiaoyushan Parks

We continued our journey along Qinyu Road, passing Lu Xun Park and heading toward Little Qingdao. Along the way, we admired the Qingdao Naval Museum from the outside.

Strolling Along the Sea

By the time we reached Qingdao No. 1 Bathing Beach, the sun was beginning to set, painting the horizon with warm, golden hues. We happened to see a man slapping his body on the shore to warm up before singing his way into the freezing sea. A passerby cheered him on, and that scene really left a lasting impression.

Stunning Sunset at Qingdao No. 1 Bathing Beach

Our original plan included visiting Badaguan Scenic Resort, known for its European-style villas and romantic atmosphere. However, we were so captivated by the glowing sunset across the sea that we lingered longer than expected. Although we only had time to admire Badaguan from the outside, its elegant charm still fascinates us.

Scenery Near Badaguan Scenic Resort

Dinner that night featured seafood dumplings, a Qingdao classic. The dumplings, packed with the rich umami of fresh seafood, offered a unique twist on a familiar dish and were the perfect way to end our first day.

Trying Seafood Dumplings for the First Time

3 Days Qingdao Highlights Tour with Laoshan Mountain

Itinerary: Qingdao
Highlights: Laoshan Mountain, Qingdao Beer Museum, Badaguan Scenic Resort

Day 2: More Qingdao & Journey to Weihai

The weather took a dramatic turn today, alternating between sunshine and snow, giving us a taste of Qingdao’s unpredictable winter climate.

In the morning, we explored May Fourth Square and the 2008 Olympic Sailing Center, two landmarks that highlight Qingdao’s modern side. The coastal walkways were clean and inviting, offering breathtaking views of the city’s blend of natural and urban landscapes.

Modern Vibes at May Fourth Square

Next, we visited Yan’er Island, and on the way there, snow began to fall, gently blanketing the landscape in white. By the time we arrived, the snow had stopped, and the skies cleared, leaving behind a stunning scene where fresh snow glistened under the sunlight. A highlight of this stop was spotting a cute teddy bear placed on a chair, seemingly enjoying the sunshine. Nearby, Wheat Island provided similar moments of magic as we photographed the shifting weather.

Unexpected Weather Change at Yan'er Island

For lunch, we bought fresh seafood from a bustling local market and had it cooked at a nearby restaurant—a must-try experience for food lovers visiting Qingdao.

Wheat Island and More Fresh Seafood

After a relaxing afternoon at a shopping mall, we boarded an evening high-speed train to Weihai, a smaller and quieter coastal city. Located just across the sea from South Korea, Weihai has many authentic Korean restaurants scattered throughout the city. Our first stop upon arrival was a cozy Korean restaurant popular among tourists. Despite our late lunch, the food was so delicious we finished every dish, even packing the seaweed corn fried rice to enjoy later.

The First Taste of Weihai

Day 3: Discovering Weihai

We started the day at Torch 8th Street, often referred to as the “little Kamakura” of Weihai due to its coastal charm and unique architecture. It’s a hot spot for photography enthusiasts.

At Weihai International Bathing Beach, we were greeted by a rare sight: snow covering the sandy beach.

Torch 8th Street & Snow on the Beach

Another highlight was the “BLUEWAYS” shipwreck, a cargo ship that ran aground in 2022 and has since become a popular site for tourists. Standing in front of this haunting yet beautiful relic, we felt a mix of curiosity and awe.

Incredible BLUEWAYS Shipwreck

We then visited the Dream Sea, where the vast expanse of the ocean brought a profound sense of peace and freedom. We ran along the shore, embracing the moment fully. Later, we explored Weihai Park, home to traditional seagrass houses—a charming touch of local culture to which I'm really looking forward.

Weihai Park and the Dream Sea

Our final stop was Yuehai Park, where we were lucky enough to find the sea dramatically shimmering in gray and blue at the same time.

Magical Moment of Nature

Dinner was, once again, Korean food, featuring grilled mackerel—a dish we were hesitant about but ultimately loved, especially with a dip of wasabi and soy sauce.

Authentic Korean Food in Weihai

2 Days Weihai Leisure Vacation Tour

Itinerary: Weihai
Highlights: Liugong Island, Weihai International Bathing Beach, Chengshantou Scenic Area, Hailu Island

Day 4: More Weihai & Return to Qingdao

In the morning, we visited Maotou Mountain, whose silhouette resembles a sleeping cat from afar—a whimsical sight that lives up to its name.

Maotou (Kitty's Head) Mountain

Next, we stopped by Grape Beach Bathing Beach, where we admired the serene winter seascape. Afterward, we enjoyed lunch and explored a local market before taking the train back to Qingdao.

Grape Beach Bathing Beach

P.S. While there are direct flights from Weihai to Chengdu, schedules may vary. Be sure to check in advance to see if flying or returning via Qingdao works better for you. ⋙ How to Get to & around Weihai

Day 5: Farewell to Qingdao

On our final day, we bid farewell to Qingdao, a city that had gifted us so many unforgettable memories. As our flight soared above the coastline, we found ourselves reflecting on the vibrant mix of experiences this journey had offered. From the charm of snow-dusted beaches to the warmth of hearty seafood meals, every moment felt like a perfect balance of nature and culture.

The serendipitous encounters—like catching a sunset we hadn’t planned for or arriving just as the snow gave way to sunshine—added a layer of spontaneity that made the trip even more special. As we landed in Chengdu, the sights, flavors, and emotions from Qingdao and Weihai lingered in our minds, leaving us eager to return to Shandong someday and create even more cherished memories.

5 Days Qingdao Weihai Yantai Coastal Tour

Itinerary: Qingdao / Weihai / Yantai / Penglai / Qingdao
Highlights: Qingdao Laoshan Mountain, Tsingtao Beer, Badaguan Scenic Resort, Weihai Liugong Island, Chengshantou Scenic Area, International Bathing Beach, Yantai Hill,, Penglai Pavilion

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Travel with Me

Hi, I'm Phoebe. Are you interested in my exploration of Qingdao and Weihai? Feel free to contact me and I will be glad to tell you more travel stories about the places I have visited. Or, if you want to customize a tour on your own, I'm always ready to help at any time. With my passion and knowledge, I promise to make the tour memorable and meaningful for you.

Phoebe

Travel Consultant

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