A Half-Day Escape in Qingdao: Leisurely Strolls at Palm Royale Qingdao and Five Must-Visit Attractions

Text & Photos / MOOK Scenic Spots by Zhang Yingying

When it comes to Qingdao, the first thing that probably comes to mind for most Taiwanese is “Tsingtao Beer.” Indeed, Tsingtao Beer is a specialty of Qingdao, but what else is there? After experiencing the leisurely and elegant charm of the beautiful Taiwanese presence in Qingdao—“Palm Royale Qingdao,” spend a half-day exploring the city center. The blend of simple old-world vibes and fresh modern aesthetics makes you quietly fall in love with this lovely city.

On the way from Palm Royale Qingdao to the city center, the scenery along the road was full of novelty for me, a first-time visitor to Qingdao. Even though reading simplified Chinese characters isn’t entirely unfamiliar, the overall street atmosphere was distinctly different. Turning onto streets lined with plane trees, there were Western-style buildings and large green parks. Lotus flowers bloomed in the ponds of the parks, and the pace of this city felt slow-moving.

Soon, after about a 35-minute drive, we arrived at the first attraction.

 
Catholic Church(St. Michael’s Cathedral)
 
During the German lease period, in 1934, German priest Victricius built St. Michael’s Cathedral, also known as Zhejiang Road Cathedral.Catholic Church、St. Michael’s Cathedralis the cathedral church of the Catholic Diocese of Qingdao. The grand cathedral sits atop a hill on Zhejiang Road in Qingdao’s Old Town. Its twin-tower design is striking, with the spires reaching 55 meters in height, making it the tallest building in Qingdao for a long time.

St. Michael’s Cathedral is the largest Gothic-style building in Qingdao. The square in front of the church is a popular spot for couples taking wedding photos and a romantic destination for dating.

 
[Info]
Catholic Church (St. Michael’s Cathedral)
Address: No. 15, Zhejiang Road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China

After leaving the Catholic Church, it takes about a 15-minute drive before you start seeing beer houses, food stalls, and stir-fry restaurants lining the road. That’s right—you’re about to arrive at the Tsingtao Beer Museum~