LOCAL CULTURE
Clothing
If you are coming to Qingdao for business, then it's recommended you bring formal attire, but you only need casual clothing in Qingdao when holiday-making. In spring and autumn the temperature is hot through the day but can get a little cold in the evening. We suggest a thin jacket is taken for sight-seeing tours just in case. If you come in the winter, you will need warmer layers - at least three layers, including a down coat and a hat, is ideal.
Health
Medical treatment in Qingdao has reached a relatively high standard in recent years, and the nearby Qingdao Municipal Hospital has a ward and doctors solely dedicated to providing medical services to international visitors. It is best to avoid or to exercise caution when consuming un-peeled fruits, frozen food, sea food from untrusted sources and tap water.
Language
The official language of China is Mandarin Chinese. However, there are a wide variety of dialects throughout China. English is mainly spoken in tourist centres (such as international hotels). There are marks, signs and logos in English in some Chinese cities. However, it is suggested that when taking a taxi, you take an address card from the hotel, which you can ask for at the front desk of the hotel.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Mount Lao Green Tea
Mount Lao Green Tea is the charicteristic product in Qingdao. Mount Lao is located in the coast offshore knowing as little jiangnan in Northern China, temperate maritime monsoon climate so that the soil is acidic and fertile. After a long time tea tree breeding, Mount Lao Green Tea becomes unique in quality which is a popular local product and souvenir.
Mount Lao Mineral Water
One of the most famous Chinese mineral waters come from Mount Lao which is located 45 minutes drive from Qingdao city. It consist of different types you could distinguish the different type from package,such as the rea label, the green label, the blue label.
Seashore Side Walk
Qingdao has a 40kms’ beautiful coastline. Coastal wooden path is like a beautiful ribbon, which links the famous Qingdao peer, small Qingdao parks, Lu Xun Park, Badaguan, May Fourth Square, Olympic Sailing Center and other attractions together into a complete scenic travelling line. Stroll on a wooden path, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of this beautiful costal city.
Tsingtao Beer Museum
The museum has been used as an office building and a brewing workshop and is a unique example of Chinese-German cooperation in the brewing industry. It is an ideal place to learn about Tsingtao's beer history and culture.
Yacht and Sailboat
Olympic Sailing Center is a unique and characteristic sports area, fully embodies the concept of "Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People's Olympics". The planning and design are both of the best-class level in the world. It opened as a well-known tourism attraction in Qingdao after the Olympics 2008. There are lots of yachts for rent. You can experience the special feeling of the wind and waves under professional help.
WHAT TO PACK
Mobile phone
In most cases your mobile phone can be used in major Chinese cities. You can also buy SIM cards in shops when you are in China for use with your mobile.
Power
For travelling in China, international visitors are reminded to note if the power required by an electric appliance matches the local power supply. It is better to bring a tourist battery charger and a conversion plug.
Swimsuit
Since Qingdao has several bathing beaches where you can sunbath and swim during the summer, it is highly recommended to bring swimwear.
Warm clothes
Warm clothing is required in winter and early spring in Qingdao, since the temperature in the morning and evening is lower than inland areas in China. The winter in Qingdao is quite cold and windy.