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| I Love Qingdao ! |
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| May Fourth Square Qingdao, Shandong, China |
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| Giant Torch Statute Torch Avenue, Qingdao |
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| Qingdao by Night, Shandong, China |
D1 Sunday April 12 2026 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia & Qingdao, Shandong, China) - our Xiamen Air flight from Kuala Lumpur via a transit in Xiamen, Fujian to Qingdao, Shandong took approx. 10 hours so a bit stressful for my group of 4 seniors, hence after our hotel check-in, we rested for 2-3 hours in the hotel before venturing out to May Fourth Square & the Olympic International Sailing & Marine Culture Centre in the evening to enjoy the night scenes & cool sea breeze - a great start for our 1st day in Qingdao !
1) Arriving in Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1, Sepang, Selangor - meet up with my travel buddies (Thompson & wife), airport & luggage check-in, immigration & security clearance, waiting lounge etc, boarding our flight by Xiamen Air (Rm494 = US$123) departing Kuala Lumpur at 02.30 to Xiamen (arriving 06.55), Fujian for a transit flight to Qingdao, Shandong.
2) On board the Xiamen Air (02.08) - sleepy hour especially for seniors like me & my wife !
3) Xiamen in-flight meal - light snacks & yogurt drink as supper !
4) Arriving in Xiamen Gaoqi Airport (06.23) - time to wake up & exit the plane & a re airport check-in at the Xiamen Domestic Airport to catch a transit flight to Qingdao, Shandong, departing 09.05 !
5) Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Terminal 2, Fujian, China, transit flight to Qingdao, waiting time approx 2hrs.
6) Boarding Xiamen Air connecting flight from Xiamen Gaoqi Airport (08.46) > arriving Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (12.00, flight time approx 3hrs).
7) In-flight light meal (breakfast) on board Xiamen Air (biscuits, saikeima, bread & yogurt drink).
8) Arriving (11.40) in Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, Qingdao, Shandong
9) Taxi ride (CNY75 = Rm45 = US$11) from Jiaodong International Airport > Yihaiju Boutique Hotel, Qingdao, Shandong (approx. 50km).
10) Hotel Accommodation (Qingdao, Shandong) - my group's 4 nights stay in Qingdao Yihaiju Boutique Hotel, room tariff Rm 60 (US$15), twin sharing.
11) Didi ride from our hotel to May Fourth Square, Qingdao - next to the square is the May Fourth Metro station hence it is easy to visit this touristy place by day or night !
12) May Fourth Square, Qingdao, Shandong - an iconic landmark, built in 1996 in memory of the May 4th 1919 Movement, located between the new municipal government building & Fu Shan Bay, it is composed of the Shi Zheng Ting Square, the Central Square & the coastal park, there 3 parts have their own features & the whole square is a combination of local Qingdao features & modern design, the large red sculpture represents the "May Winds" of the May Fourth Movement.
13) Evening stroll along the coastal park / waterfront area, opposite the May Fourth Square, Qingdao.
14) Qingdao Olympic International Sailing Center - a sailing center located on the former site of the Beihai Shipyard by Qingdao's Fushan Bay at Shandong Province, it was constructed for the 2008 Summer Olympics which hosted the Olympic Paralympic Sailing competitions.
15) Eatery stalls & restaurants nearby the Qingdao International Sailing Center.
16) Dinner with my wife in a local restaurant nearby the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center - savoured a Korean style stone hot pot beef rice (signature dish - CNY29.50 = Rm18 = US$4.50) - appetising & tasty !
17) A boat jetty for sightseeing boat rides / night cruise near Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center.
18) Torch Avenue, Qingdao Olympic Sailing & Marine Culture Center - measuring 208m in length to symbolises the 2008 Olympic Game, Torch Avenue was the site of the Olympic cauldron lighting during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic & Paralympic, sailing competitions.
19) Giant Olympic Torch Statute, Qingdao Olympic Sailing & Marine Culture & Tourist Center, Shandong - located at the southern end of the Torch Avenue is the 6 meter tall "Xiangyun" or Auspicious Clouds Olympic torch, the flame that burned brightly here during the Games carried the warmest blessings to all the competing athletes.
20) Five Olympic Ring & Marina, Qingdao Olympic Sailing & Marine Culture & Tourist Center, Shandong
21) Beautiful ocean views & viewpoint for the city skyline, Qingdao Olympic Sailing & Marine Culture & Tourist Center, Shandong
22) May Fourth Square by Night, Qingdao, Shandong - gorgeous views at night when the May Fourth Square, skyscrapers & the surrounding buildings are lighted up & reflected on the sea ! Just enjoy the sea breeze, slow down your pace, enjoy every moment & linger longer here with your loved ones !
23) Souvenirs supermarket shopping in Olympic Sailing & Marine Culture Centre, Qingdao, Shandong
24) Coastal Park & the surrounding, Olympic Sailing & Marine Culture Center, Qingdao, Shandong.
25) Cityscape of Qingdao by Night ! A city 's beauty at a quick glance from a moving Didi car !
26) An interesting moment - a robot entering the hotel lift, providing food delivery service to a hotel guest room ! Seamless service, fast & efficient, right on to your door step !
