Qingdao — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Qingdao.
Beer city on the Yellow Sea with German architecture and seafood.
🍜 Signature dishes in Qingdao
- 辣炒蛤蜊Spicy Clams
- 鲅鱼水饺Mackerel Dumplings
- 烤鱿鱼Grilled Squid
- 青岛啤酒Tsingtao Beer
- 海菜凉粉Seaweed Jelly
- 流亭猪蹄Liuting Pig Trotter
- 油爆海螺Wok-fried Sea Snail
- 肉末海参Sea Cucumber with Pork
- 墨鱼水饺Cuttlefish Dumplings
- 崂山绿茶Laoshan Green Tea
🎟️ Top things to do
- Zhan Qiao Pier
Iconic sea pier
- Qingdao Beer Museum
Brewery history + tasting
- Badaguan
Coastal villas
- Laoshan Mountain
Scenic coastal mountain
- May Fourth Square
City landmark, light show
- Qingdao Aquarium
Ocean life
- Taidong Walk
Food & shopping street
- Golden Beach
Best beach near city
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Qingdao?
Take the metro or a taxi from TAO (Jiaodong) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Qingdao on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Qingdao. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Qingdao visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (TAO (Jiaodong)) · verify with official sources before travel.