Explore Taidong Night Market: A Foodie’s Paradise in Qingdao

 If you’ve just visited the Beer Museum, the next must-visit destination is Taidong Night Market. It’s the largest night market in Qingdao, brimming with diverse street foods loved by locals.

With its energetic crowds, mouthwatering dishes, beer stands, bubble tea shops, and sweet tanghulu (candied fruit skewers), this lively spot guarantees an unforgettable experience.

Personally, I still find the smell of stinky tofu (choudoufu) hard to tolerate. Every time I pass by, its strong aroma overwhelms me. However, being in China, I decided to try it out for the first time during a visit to Changsha. I tried the black stinky tofu, and it took me several attempts to muster the courage to take a bite. Once I finally did, I was pleasantly surprised by its nutty flavor. The sense of accomplishment and pride I felt was unparalleled.

It was a small yet significant challenge that taught me a valuable lesson: experiences, no matter how small, offer opportunities to learn. Tasting stinky tofu gave me insight into Chinese culture and helped me confront personal biases. It was a unique reminder that we should look beyond surface impressions to discover hidden qualities—a seemingly clichéd lesson that became meaningful through firsthand experience.

Back to the topic, Taidong Night Market is more than stinky tofu. You’ll find an array of unique dishes perfect for exploring China’s culinary culture. My personal favorites include grilled squid, lamb skewers, roasted lamb leg, and stir-fried clams, all seasoned with the signature spicy La Jiang sauce. If you’re not a fan of spicy flavors, you can request the sauce to be omitted, but I recommend keeping it for the full experience.

Be sure to try kao liangmian, a grilled noodle dish, while you’re there. And remember, although beer used to be served in plastic bags, you’ll now find it conveniently bottled in PET containers. If you were expecting the classic bagged beer like I once did, keep this in mind.

In a previous post, I mentioned essential apps for traveling in China. Here, as well, using Alipay is much faster and more convenient than cash. Make sure to download it before your trip to avoid unnecessary hassle. I’ve linked that post below for reference.

Getting There:

 1. From the Beer Museum: Search for “Taidong” on the Auto Navi app and follow the directions. It’s just a 10-minute walk. You can also type “台东夜市” in the app.

 2. From other locations: Use the DiDi app and input “Taidong” or “台东夜市” as your destination.

 3. By Metro: Take Line 1 or Line 2 to “Taidong” station. Exit through Gate E. Note that Chinese subway systems include baggage checks similar to airport procedures, so don’t be alarmed.

Taodong Night Market operates from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, making it an ideal stop to end your day. Combining a visit to the Beer Museum and Taidong Night Market is a great way to maximize your itinerary and make efficient use of your time.

Compared to other tourist spots, this market is filled with locals, giving you an authentic taste of China’s vibrant atmosphere.

Curious about the travel apps mentioned above? Check out the link below for more details:

Discover China’s Hidden Wonders with These Essential Travel Apps

Drink Qingdao Beer at the Museum

 If you’ve already visited May 4th Square, what’s the next iconic destination in Qingdao? For me, it’s always been beer. As a beer enthusiast, I love trying local brews wherever I travel. During my college days, I was obsessed with Guinness and a variety of IPAs, savoring a glass almost daily. After graduation, I developed a preference for crisp, refreshing lagers, which led me to Qingdao Beer. Its perfect pairing with BBQ made it a standout for me. It turns out that locals share my love for Qingdao Beer and lamb skewers—a combination that creates a culinary harmony so delightful it’s pure happiness in a bite and a sip.

One of my fondest memories is indulging in giant lamb skewers paired with beer at the Qingdao International Beer Festival. For fellow beer lovers, Qingdao Beer Museum is a must-visit. Let’s first talk about how to get there:

Getting to Qingdao Beer Museum

By Metro

1. From May 4th Square: Take Line 1 and get off at Lijin Road Station. Use Exit C and walk for about 10 minutes. On your way, enjoy browsing local restaurants that specialize in beer-friendly dishes. After your museum visit, consider grabbing a takeout beer in a plastic bottle sold nearby and heading to the Taidong Night Market for an unforgettable experience.

2. From Line 2: Get off at Guangrao Road Station and walk for about 10 minutes.

By Taxi

Use the DiDi app and input “青岛啤酒博物馆” or “Qingdao Beer Museum.”

Upon arrival, you’ll need to purchase an entry ticket. For updated prices, hours, and packages, check the official website: Qingdao Beer Museum. Alternatively, you can pre-purchase tickets via the “Dazhong Dianping” app, which I’ve mentioned in a previous post. Pre-booking can save money and ensure a seamless experience, but on-site ticket purchases are also available for those who prefer a hassle-free option.  check this link to read previous post.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring your passport, as it’s required for ticket purchases.

Exploring the Qingdao Beer Museum

The museum features beautifully designed photo zones that resemble a quaint European village, making it perfect for capturing unique memories. Look out for the giant Qingdao beer can on the roof and the day-of-visit photo zone for fun snapshots.

Inside, the museum is divided into Area A and Area B, covering fascinating topics like the history of beer, Qingdao Brewery’s evolution, vintage advertisements, and beer-making techniques.

Highlight of the Tour: Beer tasting! Enjoy a fresh glass of Qingdao beer paired with delicious peanuts. They’re so tasty that I ended up buying bags of peanuts as souvenirs from the gift shop. You’ll also get to sample another beer at the end of the tour. Near the exit, there’s an opportunity to customize a Qingdao beer label with your photo—a perfect keepsake or gift for only 35 RMB.

Final Thoughts

The Qingdao Beer Museum offers a chance to enjoy the freshest Qingdao Beer while immersing yourself in its rich history. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

Discover Qingdao: May 4th Square(with Light Show)

 

Qingdao (青岛) is a port city located on China’s Shandong Peninsula, rich in unique history and culture. In the late 19th century, Germany leased Qingdao, introducing Western-style urban planning and architecture. Walking through Qingdao, you’ll feel as if you’re in Europe, thanks to this influence. Moreover, Qingdao is synonymous with beer! The brewery established by Germans back then has evolved into the globally beloved Tsingtao Beer. The annual Qingdao International Beer Festival, one of the world’s top four beer festivals, attracts countless visitors, showcasing the prestige of Qingdao Beer. After Germany, Japan occupied Qingdao during World War I, leaving additional historical marks. These influences from Germany and Japan have added unique flavors to Qingdao’s architecture, cuisine, and cultural landscape. Today, Qingdao preserves its history while thriving as a modern international city. The towering buildings in the city center are a testament to its vibrant present.

When in Qingdao, May 4th Square is a must-visit. Its iconic red spiral sculpture frequently appears in Qingdao’s promotional images. Located beside high-rise buildings and the sea, the square offers a striking visual, especially at night, as the flame-like structure seems to glow against the city’s skyline. While its aesthetic appeal is undeniable, the square holds deep historical significance for Chinese people. It commemorates the May Fourth Movement, which began on May 4, 1919, in Beijing as an anti-imperialist and anti-feudal protest. Qingdao played a crucial role as the movement’s catalyst after the Treaty of Versailles transferred Germany’s Shandong rights to Japan, sparking nationwide demonstrations. This movement marked a turning point in modern Chinese history. The square honors this pivotal moment, making it a perfect destination for history enthusiasts and photo-loving travelers alike.

To reach May 4th Square, take Qingdao Metro Line 3 and exit at May 4th Square Station via Exit C. If you’re traveling directly from the airport, you can also take the metro. Though it requires one transfer and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, the fare is only 14 RMB, a budget-friendly option. A taxi ride, in contrast, costs around 140 RMB. From Qingdao Airport, board Line 8 to Qingdao North Railway Station, transfer to Line 3, and disembark at May 4th Square Station, Exit C. Follow the signs, and you’ll find yourself at the square in no time.

While the metro is convenient and affordable, travelers with heavy luggage may prefer taking a taxi. Use the DiDi app to book one, and simply input “May 4th Square” as your destination. The app provides information on your assigned taxi’s license plate, color, and current location. For more details, refer to my previous post mentioning useful APP in China: Post Link.

May 4th Square, with its iconic red spiral sculpture, is captivating during the day, but its charm truly comes alive in the evening. Walking along the seaside path to the yacht marina while enjoying the ocean breeze elevates the travel experience. Grab a beer or bubble tea from nearby vendors for an added touch of relaxation. However, I highly recommend visiting in the evening for the spectacular laser show. The light display on the surrounding skyscrapers is a mesmerizing sight that will make all your worries fade away. Unless there’s heavy fog or bad weather, the show runs daily at these times:

• January 1 – April 15: 18:40–20:00

• April 16 – August 31: 19:40–21:00

• September 1 – December 31: 18:40–20:00

I always feel a bit of regret that cameras still fall short of capturing the true beauty I see in person. Or maybe I’m just not good at taking photos? If you see it in person, it’s far more dazzling and absolutely breathtaking compared to any photo.

I recommend that Arrive 30 minutes early to stroll toward the yacht marina, which offers the best view of the light show. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the dazzling spectacle!

Discover China’s Hidden Wonders with These Must-Have Travel Apps

 Exploring the Vast Beauty of China

The first time I looked at a world map, I was stunned by China’s sheer size. Its immense landmass holds not only vast geography but also a rich tapestry of history and culture. The allure of its diverse attractions has always placed it high on my must-visit list. Time and again, short videos on Instagram or Facebook have shown breathtaking Chinese landscapes that rival Swiss scenery. Upon researching further, I found out that these stunning spots were in China, defying common stereotypes about the country.

However, as a foreigner, two concerns initially held me back: the hassle of obtaining a visa and the language barrier. Luckily, rapid advancements in translation apps have eased communication, and with a bit of time and effort, securing a visa is no longer daunting. Remarkably, as of now, China has extended its visa-free policy to 15 days for more countries, with plans to expand it to 30 days.

For those already considering visiting China, my experience suggests this: locals are warm, friendly, and eager to share their culture, breaking many preconceived notions. Coupled with affordable world-renowned cuisine, there’s every reason to add China to your travel list.

Check if your country is eligible for visa-free travel here:

China Visa-Free Policy

First Stop: Qingdao in Shandong Province

For our first travel blog post, I’ve chosen to introduce Qingdao, a vibrant city in Shandong Province. Having spent significant time there, I’ll share its many attractions across multiple posts.

But first, here are four must-have apps for a seamless and enjoyable trip to China:

1. WeChat & Alipay

If you plan to stay in China for an extended period, the country’s leading messenger app, WeChat, is indispensable. However, if you’re traveling for leisure, Alipay is a must-have to make payments more convenient. Search for “ALIPAY” in your app store, and you’ll find a light blue icon. Download the app and link it to your personal bank card before your trip. This will allow you to make smart and quick transactions, ensuring a smooth journey.

• Download on Android

• Download on iOS

2. DiDi (Ride-Hailing App)

Public transportation in China is highly affordable, but travelers might prefer to save time or avoid missing stops due to misunderstandings. In such cases, DiDi is a lifesaver. Similar to Grab or Uber, this app allows you to book taxis or shared rides. Enter your starting location and destination, and the app will provide an estimated cost, travel time, route, and live updates on your ride. This app is particularly helpful for tourists who might find communicating in Chinese with taxi drivers daunting.

• Download on Android

• Download on iOS

3. AutoNavi (Gaode) Maps

Navigating unfamiliar streets with foreign signage can be challenging. While Google Maps or Apple Maps may be your go-to apps, they’re not as effective in China. Instead, AutoNavi Navigation (search for “AutoNavi” in your app store) provides detailed maps and is highly reliable for travelers in China. Make sure to have this app installed before your trip.

• Download on Android

• Download on iOS

4. Dazhong Dianping

My personal favorite app for travelers! Search for “dazhong dianping” in your app store, and it should appear at the top. This app is a treasure trove of local information, offering reviews, photos, price ranges, and details for restaurants, massage parlors, cafes, tourist attractions, and more. Its user-friendly design ensures even those unfamiliar with Chinese characters can navigate categories with ease. Think of it as TripAdvisor, but more comprehensive and efficient for exploring China.

• Download on Android

• Download on iOS

Bonus App: Meituan (Food Delivery)

Though not essential for short-term tourists, Meituan is incredibly useful for those staying in China longer. Whether you’re craving a late-night snack or a quick meal delivered to your hotel, this app offers a variety of options. Search for “Meituan” in your app store to find it.

• Download on Android

• Download on iOS

Having these apps downloaded and ready to use will make your trip smarter and more enjoyable!