Other
Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center
Qingdao was the location of the sailing events for the 2008 Summer Olympics hosted in Beijing. Visitors can see the plaza, lighthouse, and closing ceremonies site, as well as visit the restaurants and bars at the venue.
Qingdao TV Tower
Visitors take the elevator to an outdoor observation deck that offers fantastic views of Qingdao. Tea, snacks, and beer are available inside, as are souvenirs and an exhibit on Qingdao's winning bid for the sailing competitions during the Beijing Olympics.
Tsingtao Brewery
The brewery has some interesting exhibits and the bottling plant is fascinating.Inside the brewery you will see the history of the brewery and how beer was made in the late 19th and 20th century. The ticket includes only one free 125 ml sample of delicious unfiltered "raw" beer and one of draft beer.
Qingdao Eastern Bear Park
A new attraction in Qingdao that houses Asian Black Bears Dog Bears among others. The bears are segregated by age, and visitors can feed them the food provided. While the bears are interesting, there are large numbers crammed in relatively small spaces. Bear shows take place several times a day and feature bears with chains around their necks being hit by their trainers until they perform tricks, only to receive very small rewards. There is also a lovely park that has a separate entrance and entry fee, in which visitors can take the stairs to the top of a mountain, passing several temples en route. It is worth the walk up, if visitors are ok with contributing their money to the bear habitat.
Parks and nature
Xiao Qingdao Park
This is the island from which Qingdao takes its name, literally, Green Island. The Island was used for military purposes for many years, and it features a lighthouse built by the Germans in the 1900s. The Japanese later built a bridge to the island. Visitors may also tour the botanical gardens and enjoy the views of Qingdao.
Qingdaoshan Park
This park is the site of the former German battery overlooking Jiaozhou Bay. Visitors can enjoy the park, as well as visit the battery structure and an exhibit on the history of the German military in Qingdao.
Xiaoyushan Park
A park built in traditional Chinese style in 1983. It has great hilltop views of Qingdao especially during sunrise.
Xinhaoshan Park
This hill was originally used by the Germans as a signalling station, and was later turned into a park. It has lovely landscape and features a revolving tea shop offering a 360 degree panorama of Qingdao. Visitors will also see the Heart to Heart Bridge, where local couples place a heart-shaped padlock on the bridge to ensure that their relationship will last forever.
Museums
Qingdao Municipal Museum
This museum includes exhibits of art and antiquities of ancient to modern Qingdao, as well as exhibits on porcelain and calligraphy.
Haier Science and Technology Museum
A separate museum specially geared towards children.
Polar Ocean World
An aquarium focusing on polar animals, including polar bears and penguins. Newer and more modern than the Underwater World. It has a well known Beluga whale and dolphin show, as well as a daily large seal exhibition.
Qingdao German Prison Site Museum
This building housed a prison built by the Germans. The visit begins with an exhibit of the good and bad sides of German and Japanese occupation, followed by a visit of the cells and torture rooms. The building originally housed German prisoners, but was later used to incarcerate Chinese prisoners under Japanese rule, as well as communist party members under the Kuomintang. The basement recreates the Japanese torture cells, complete with original implements and illustrations.
Qingdao Underwater World/Qingdao Aquarium
Qingdao is host to China's first public aquarium, opened in 1932. Today the "Underwater World" consists of four main areas on both sides of the street connected via an underground tunnel. One highlight is the moving platform that takes visitors in a tunnel through the aquarium, one can look all around and see fish from every angle. Also, do not miss the ever-popular mermaid shows. Be aware, however, that during the day and in the summer it will be packed with hoards of noisy children and tourists. Two of the exhibits do not have air-conditioning. The ¥120 ticket also includes the Polar Ocean World, which has to be accessed separately.
German Governor's Residence
A Bavarian-style castle where Mao stayed as well. Also the observatories on the hills around it are interesting for good views and museum sites.
Qingdao Naval Museum
A museum with exhibits on the history of the Chinese navy, as well as full-size warships that visitors may tour. ¥50 for students.
Zhan Qiao
The famous pier Zhan Qiao is the iconic symbol of Qingdao. It was extended by the Germans and is a popular tourist station. The famous pavilion that is the logo of Tsingtao Beer was built in 1931 and now houses a small aquarium just renovated. The pier is now lined with individuals selling all manner of things, as well as beggars and opportunities for very small-time gambling.