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!