No.1 Bathing Beach in Qingdao (青岛第一海水浴场), is an iconic destination located along the picturesque Huiquan Bay. This expansive beach, stretching 580 meters long and over 40 meters wide, was once the largest seawater bathing beach in Asia and continues to attract a massive influx of visitors, with a capacity to accommodate up to 200,000 people daily.
The beach is framed by lush, green hills on three sides, creating a stunning natural backdrop. The combination of modern high-rise buildings and traditional villas around the area adds to its unique charm, making it a visual delight for visitors. The natural conditions here are exceptionally favorable. The water within the bay is clear, the waves are gentle, the shore is flat, and the sand is soft and fine, making it an ideal spot for swimming and other water activities.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Details about Qingdao First Bathing Beach
- Vlog about No. 1 Bathing Beach
- Attractions near No. 1 Bathing Beach
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free, but you need to pay for the various activities |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0532-82963355 |
Location and Transportation
Qingdao First Bathing Beach is located at 15 Nanhai Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, nestled within Huiquan Bay. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 31 Loop Line, 214, 223, 302, or 605 and get off at Nanhai Road Stop (南海路站).
Metro: The closest metro station to the No.1 Bathing Beach is Huiquan Square (汇泉广场站) on line 3. After getting out of the station from Exit C, walk about 350 meters to the south to reach the spot.
Details about Qingdao First Bathing Beach
Activities and Facilities
During the peak season from July to September, Qingdao First Bathing Beach is bustling with activity. Visitors flock to swim in the inviting waters or relax on the sandy shore, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze. The beach offers a variety of entertainment facilities, including jet skis, windsurfing, and waterskiing. For those who prefer land-based activities, there are beach volleyball and soccer fields. These amenities provide ample opportunities for visitors to engage in fun and active pursuits.
Additionally, the beach features a children’s playground equipped with slides, swings, sand pits, and other fun structures, ensuring that even the youngest visitors have a delightful time. In spring and autumn, while the water might be too cold for swimming, the beach remains a popular destination for leisurely seaside walks and taking in the scenic views.
Historical Significance
Over a century ago, this area served as a docking and net-drying site for local fishermen. Following the German occupation of Qingdao, the site was developed into a seawater bathing beach, complete with dozens of wooden changing rooms, lifeboats, and various recreational facilities. In 1904, the “Strand Hotel” (now known as Huiquan Hotel) was built to accommodate international visitors. The German authorities extensively advertised in Japan, Hong Kong, and other regions, rapidly elevating the beach’s status to one of East Asia’s premier entertainment destinations.
By the summer of 1921, the beach saw a substantial influx of foreign tourists, with 16,791 visitors recorded that year alone. Over time, additional amenities like hotels, dance halls, bars, cafes, music pavilions, diving platforms, floating piers, and enhanced rescue facilities were added. Gardens and children’s playgrounds were also created, making the beach not only the crown jewel of Qingdao’s bathing spots but also a top destination in East Asia.
Restoration and Modernization
The beach faced significant damage during the 1940s due to Japanese military constructions and a typhoon in 1949. However, after the liberation, the beach underwent several rounds of reconstruction. In 1984, to meet the burgeoning demands of the tourism industry, the Qingdao Municipal Government undertook a major renovation and expansion project. Within a mere 102 days, the beach was transformed with a new lease on life. The rebuilt beach now spans 20,000 square meters, and its sandy area was doubled.
The updated facilities include uniquely designed changing rooms in various shapes like towers, circles, squares, and polygons, all brightly colored, creating a whimsical atmosphere akin to a fairy tale world. During the summer, the beach can host up to 200,000 swimmers daily, making it a top spot for both swimming and summer retreats.
