Qingdao & Weihai Trip | Experience the Northern Seas

| A southern coastal kid's journey to explore the northern seas. This 6-day itinerary covers Qingdao in the first half and Weihai plus a half-day return to Qingdao in the latter part. [Trunk] Itinerary Day 1: Guangzhou → Qingdao → May Fourth Square Day 2: Silver Fish Alley → St. Michael's Cathedral → Dabao Island Block → Sanjiang Lane → Zhanqiao Pier Qingdao & Weihai Cuisine Day 3: Xiaomaidao Island → Badaguan Scenic Area → No.2 Bathing Beach → University Road (Instagrammable Wall) → Longjiang Road → Xiaoyu Island Day 4: Qingdao → Weihai (Xiaoshi Island → Huoju 8th Street → International Bathing Beach) Day 5: Maotou Mountain → Jiangjiao Cape Day 6: Weihai → Qingdao (Textile Valley) → Guangzhou [Calendar] Day 4: Qingdao → Weihai (Xiaoshi Island → Huoju 8th Street → International Bathing Beach) Took a 1-hour high-speed train from Qingdao to Weihai, staying at a hotel near the bathing beach within walking distance to Huoju 8th Street. We were incredibly lucky with Weihai's weather – crystal-clear blue skies without a single cloud. The azure sea was visible right from our hotel window. With Huoju 8th Street as the center point, walking straight toward the sea leads to the bathing beach. A 20-minute leftward stroll along the beach takes you to Xiaoshi Island. [RoundNails] Xiaoshi Island: Essentially a fishing port, it lacks long sandy shores but charms with its fishing village vibe featuring cottages and boats. It's the perfect sunset spot, complete with cafes and restaurants for leisurely viewing. Don't miss the must-visit 7-11 store! [RoundNails] Huoju 8th Street: This short but crowded street is packed with photo-taking tourists and photographers. The view of B&Bs lining the street against the backdrop of sea and sky is picturesque. For better photos, visit early morning before crowds gather. [RoundNails] International Bathing Beach: Offers various water activities and beachside cafes. The shoreline is lined with restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops – perfect for dining with ocean views. At one end, a short boardwalk provides closer sea access and stunning sunset views. Sunsets here are unmissable – we caught two consecutive evenings of uniquely breathtaking displays. [Calendar] Day 5: Maotou Mountain → Jiangjiao Cape [RoundNails] Maotou Mountain: Best enjoyed via the coastal ring road's viewpoints. Platform offers the prime viewing spot. We took a taxi to Entrance choosing between walking or shuttle buses (20¥/person for tour bus, 10¥/person for electric cart, both round-trip). The car-free zone ensures peaceful exploration. Opting for the electric cart to Maotou Mountain platform, we reveled in sea breezes and panoramic views – jade-green waters near shore deepening to sapphire blue further out. [RoundNails] Jiangjiao Cape: Just 5 minutes from the ring road's Entrance by car/e-bike. This unobstructed vantage point offers spectacular sea views and photo ops, including a lone house at road's end (no filter needed). A path near yellow guesthouses leads to "pink sand" beach – actually seashell fragments creating natural rosy hues against emerald waters. [Calendar] Day 6: Weihai → Qingdao (Textile Valley) → Guangzhou With an afternoon flight, we took the earliest train from Weihai North to Qingdao North (3-hour layover), storing luggage at subway lockers (4¥/3hrs). We visited nearby Textile Valley – a creative park converted from textile factories featuring industrial-chic architecture and local history exhibits. [HighSpeedRail][Metro][Car] Transportation: [One] Qingdao's metro covers most attractions. While taxis are affordable, metro is better during rush hours/rain. [Two] Weihai has two stations: Weihai North (10min taxi to bathing beach) and Weihai Station (20+min). [CloudToOvercast] Weather: Northern coastal winds feel drier than southern humidity. Pack long sleeves for significant day-night temperature swings. [Glister] Closing Thoughts: Initially focused on Qingdao's reputation, Weihai's seas surprised me with their breathtaking "sea-meets-sky" vistas everywhere. The city's clean, tranquil planning makes it ideal for relaxed vacations.