Beijing--Qingdao 7-Day Tour

Qingdao, a gem on China's eastern coast, offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural scenery. This 7-day itinerary is designed to take you on an unforgettable journey through the city's most iconic attractions. From savoring the world-famous Qingdao Beer at its birthplace to exploring the architectural wonders of Badaguan Scenic Area and the German Governor's Mansion, every moment promises to be filled with discovery. Hike through the scenic trails of Laoshan Mountain, visit ancient Taoist temples, and soak in the panoramic views from Lanchao Pavilion. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the city's lively nightlife at May Fourth Square and the Olympic Sailing Center. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Qingdao has something to offer everyone. Join us on this exciting adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime!

  • Tour Code: BT-GYCQ-07

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

  • Arrive in Beijing and transfer to the hotel
  • 4+ star hotels
  • None

Upon your arrival in Beijing, our professional guide will be waiting for you at the airport. You will be transferred comfortably by private vehicle to your hotel in the city center. After check-in, take some time to rest and adjust to the time difference. If you're eager to explore your surroundings, our guide will provide practical suggestions.

Arrival Tips

As an international aviation hub, Beijing has direct flights connecting to many cities around the world. In addition, you can also choose to take the high-speed rail to reach downtown Beijing. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the city by taking the Airport Express, and the cost is about RMB 35-50 per person. The airport bus takes about 60-90 minutes and costs 40 yuan per person; taxis or online car-hailing take about 60-90 minutes and cost about 300 yuan (depending on the type of car).

At the same time, Beijing Airport is adjacent to various cities in China. For example, it only takes about 2.5 hours from Daxing Airport to major cities such as Shanghai, Xi'an, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing Day 1: Arrive in Beijing Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

Day 2: Beijing

  • Tian'anmen Square--Forbidden City--Summer Palace
  • 4+ star hotels
  • Breakfast

Tiananmen Square: Start your day at Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares, rich in history.

Forbidden City: Next, visit the magnificent Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Summer Palace: End your day at the Summer Palace, known for its beautiful gardens and stunning lakes.

Evening Option: 

In the evening, you may choose to enjoy a captivating performance of Peking Opera, a kung fu show, or acrobatics, immersing yourself in the charm of traditional Chinese culture. Performances usually run from 19:15 to 20:15.

Day 2: Beijing Day 2: Beijing Day 2: Beijing

Day 3: Beijing

  • Great Wall--Bird Nest
  • 4+ star hotels
  • Breakfast&Lunch

Mutianyu Great Wall: After breakfast, head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Enjoy breathtaking views as you walk along this historic structure.

You will take an easy cable car up to the Great Wall. Next you will climb up to the city tower overlooking the majestic Great Wall, which will surely make your stay unforgettable. After the Great Wall tour, we will take the cable car down the mountain.

(Note: If you are physically fit, you can also choose to hike up and down the mountain to feel the sense of accomplishment of climbing to the top).

Olympic Sites: On your return to Beijing, take a moment to admire the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) from the outside, marveling at their unique designs.

Recommended Activities
You can choose foot massage, houhai night bars or Sanlitun bar street at night.

Day 3: Beijing Day 3: Beijing Day 3: Beijing

Day 4: Beijing--Qingdao

  • Train to Qingdao
  • 4-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast

Take China's fastest bullet train to Qingdao. The whole journey of 800 kilometers takes about 3 hours. Arrive in Qingdao in the afternoon and the driver will take you to the hotel for rest. If you have time in the evening, it is recommended to go to Qingdao May Fourth Square or the city to taste food and Tsingtao beer.

Day 5: Qingdao

  • Qingdao Beer Museum - Badaguan Scenic Area - Qingdao German Governor's Mansion Site Museum
  • 4-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast

Welcome to Qingdao, a renowned coastal city with charming shorelines and the exquisite Qingdao Beer. Your first stop is the Qingdao Beer Museum. Upon entering, you'll see old-fashioned mashing vessels and fermentation tanks quietly displayed, recounting the brewing legend since the factory's establishment in 1903. Through multimedia interactive devices, you can immersively experience the process of malt rolling in the mashing vessels and yeast "dancing" in the fermentation tanks. Savor a glass of beer; the golden liquid with its dense foam releases a blend of malt aroma and hops' fragrance on your tongue, instantly invigorating your journey.

Next, we'll stroll through the Badaguan Scenic Area. Known as the "Museum of World Architecture", over 200 buildings with diverse styles are scattered here, each carrying a unique story. The Flower Stone Villa, with its German castle-style exterior constructed from granite and pebbles, is mysterious and elegant. The Princess Villa's blue-and-white exterior paired with a pointed tower roof exudes a fairy-tale charm. The Butterfly Villa is famous for being the filming location of the movie "After the Peach Blossoms", brimming with literary and artistic atmosphere. Walking slowly along the tree-lined paths, with the wisteria tree shadows swaying, you'll feel as if you're in a European town.

Then, we'll visit the Qingdao German Governor's Mansion Site Museum. This German-style building completed in 1905 is a gem of architectural art. The red-tiled roofs complement the beige walls, with granite and wooden decorations enhancing each other. The Baroque-style columns and carved doors and windows showcase luxury. Inside, the governor's living room, study, and bedroom have been restored, displaying century-old pianos, silverware, and even the wallpaper patterns have been replicated to match those of the time. Strolling through it, you'll feel as if you've traveled back to the colonial era, truly touching the historical threads of that bygone time.

Day 5: Qingdao Day 5: Qingdao Day 5: Qingdao

Day 6: Qingdao

  • Laoshan Mountain - Lanchao Pavilion
  • 4-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast

In the early morning, set off for Laoshan Mountain and head to the Taiqing Scenic Area, renowned as the "Number One Mountain by the Sea". Upon entering the scenic area, the towering 36.9-meter-high bronze statue of Laozi stands majestically, as if recounting the thousand-year-old Taoist charm. Start your hiking from the Bashui River. Along the way, the gurgling streams are flanked by bizarre peaks and strange rocks, resembling a "bonsai garden by the sea". When you reach the Longtan Waterfall, the cascading water resembles a white silk ribbon, crashing into the emerald pond and creating a spray of snowy waves. Continuing your climb, you'll find the Shangqing Palace, with its red walls and gray tiles nestled among the verdant pines and cypresses. Inside, the incense smoke curls upwards and the Taoist music lingers. The Mingxia Cave, perched high on the cliffs, is shrouded in mist and clouds, resembling a fairyland in Penglai. Gazing down from there, the vast expanse of mountains and seas is breathtaking. When descending the mountain, take the cable car to enjoy a panoramic view of the mountain and sea scenery. Finally, arrive at Taiqing Palace, the largest Taoist sanctuary in Qingdao. Ancient ginkgo trees tower above, and the Sanqing Hall stands solemnly. Here, you can listen to the Taoist priests' lectures and feel the profound tranquility of Taoist culture.

In the afternoon, return to the downtown area and ascend Lanchao Pavilion in Xiaoyushan Park. No strenuous climbing is needed here, yet it offers an excellent viewing spot. Looking westward, the Zhanqiao Pier resembles a long dragon stretching into the sea, with the Huilan Pavilion's vermilion eaves glittering under the setting sun. Gazing eastward, the "world architecture" of Badaguan is dotted with red tiles among the green trees, and the First Bathing Beach is bustling with crowds. The golden sandy beach and the azure sea outline a beautiful arc. As dusk falls and the city lights come on, the city's neon lights and the rippling reflections on the sea blend harmoniously, creating a highly romantic atmosphere. Finally, stroll along the seaside promenade to the Zhanqiao Pier, listen to the waves crashing against the shore, and watch the lights reflected on the water, feeling the gentle night atmosphere of Qingdao's seaside.

Evening Free Activity Suggestions:

Head to the May Fourth Square. The iconic sculpture "The Wind of May" features a spiral-ascending shape and a vibrant Chinese red, recounting the momentous history of a century ago. It harmonizes with the sea and sky, creating a magnificent sight. Walk along the seaside wooden promenade and enter the 2008 Olympic Sailing Center. The docks are filled with sailing boats, with the white sails contrasting beautifully with the blue sea and sky. The Olympic torch sculpture on the shore stands quietly, witnessing the glorious moments. As night falls and the lights come on, the Qingren Dam Bar Street becomes lively. Sit in an open-air bar, feel the sea breeze, and watch the city skyline's neon lights flicker across the water, enjoying Qingdao's fashion and romance.

Day 6: Qingdao Day 6: Qingdao Day 6: Qingdao

Day 7: Departure from Qingdao

  • Qingdao departure
  • None
  • Breakfast

 If your schedule allows, we suggest visiting the Second Bathing Beach in Qingdao during summer. Compared to the First Bathing Beach, it is more tranquil. The sand is as fine as powder, and the sea water is clear and azure, with rugged reefs along the shore. You can set up a parasol on the beach and enjoy a sunbath; or step on the waves to pick up shells and catch crabs, full of childlike fun. You can also rent a kayak and paddle leisurely on the sea. When the setting sun casts a golden hue on the sea, walk barefoot on the beach, letting the waves gently kiss your ankles, and let this Qingdao trip end in contentment and satisfaction.

Finally, pack your bags and head to the airport or railway station, carrying full memories and embarking on your next journey.

Day 7: Departure from Qingdao

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China Travel Customer Reviews & Experiences

At Into Explore, we pride ourselves on creating unforgettable journeys across China. Don't just take our word for it—read what our customers have to say! Here, you can explore firsthand accounts from travelers who have experienced the beauty, culture, and adventures of China with us.

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Charnay Tung
March 11,2025
This agency offers good services and always help me with any errors during booking. Thanks for taking good care of my team during our trip at Shanghai.
Lucía Fernández
Nov. 20,2024
Special thanks to my guide, Sofia. It's really hard for me to find a Spanish tour guide. She is professional and I have a good understanding about the China culture under her guide. During the Xi'an trip, I was shocked by the strong atmosphere of culture. I hope I can go next time, really love it.
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John J
Mar 2025 Family
4.8 of 5 bubbles
An amazing experience with Into Explore, their services are absolutely brilliant
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Into Explore for providing the Johnston Family with an amazing experience in China, it really was a brilliant service with a very personal touch by Vicky/Tiana and their team of guides and drivers.
Our whole journey through China exceeded our expectations due to the fact that Into Explore made everything so easy and if issues arose, they were rectified in an extremely timely manner.
Their services is highly recommended and they are very flexible with their clients trip design. Design your vacation and they will work with you to ensure your personal needs are fully taken care off and supported by their office staff at all times.
Once again, our experience with Into Explore was a brilliant one and a very special thanks to Vicky.
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Mar 2025 Family
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Amaging Exploring Shenzen
Shenzen is wonderful city since arrive all imigration was very helpful and smiling,entering city has lot of park with so many tree. I got good travel agent who serve me well (IntoExplore),I like to explore food, city view hang out in seaworld area. People are welcome and helpful.
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Robert Gex
Apr 15,2025
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Independent travel by train in China…
Independent travel by train in China can be daunting ordeal. We decided to use Intoexplore for booking the trip and are very happy we did. It almost felt like Norman was a family member guiding us through how to use Alipay for payments in China to where to find the ticket office in the train station to convert digital tickets to paper. He was always available (sometimes at 6 am!) to answer any question and solve any problems that arose .. I would strongly recommend him to anyone who is thinking about independent travel to China .
Seaid
February 06,2025
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Excellent experience in Great Wall
as a first-time traveler in beijing, I`m so many thanks to Norman for arranging a well-planned trip to great wall and also the kind driver and guide. My first experience to China was perfect. thanks a lot!!!

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