Signal Hill Park (信号山公园), located in Qingdao, Shandong Province, is a historically significant and aesthetically captivating park situated at an elevation of 98 meters. Its origins date back to the German occupation of Qingdao when it was established as a signal station for directing ships in and out of Jiaozhou Bay. The station, initially named “Warzmark Mountain” by the Germans, was known locally as “Flag Mountain” or “Flag Platform Mountain” due to the signal flags and weather markers displayed there. In 1923, the name was officially changed to “Signal Hill” by the Jiaozhou Bay Commercial Port Authority.
Signal Hill’s central location, lush vegetation, and high elevation make it an ideal spot for both tourists and locals. It is not only a place for sightseeing but also a venue for traditional customs like gathering mugwort and collecting dew during the Dragon Boat Festival. These activities, believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune, draw many visitors to the hill at dawn. During the Double Ninth Festival, the park is especially crowded with people enjoying the panoramic views and natural beauty.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Signal Hill Park
- Vlog about Signal Hill Park
- Attractions near Signal Hill Park
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Park: Free Observation Tower: 10 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 6.00 – 20.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0532-82798055 |
Location and Transportation
Signal Hill Park is located at 17 Qidong Road and 16A Longkou Road in the Shinan District of Qingdao, Shandong Province. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 214, 217, 220, 221, or 411 Loop Line and get off at Signal Hill Park Stop (信号山公园站).
Metro: The closest metro station to the park is Signal Hill (信号山) on line 4. After getting out of the station from Exit B2, you will be standing right at the entrance of the park.
Highlights of Signal Hill Park
“Red Tourches” at the Summit
The park’s design is distinctive, particularly the three red, mushroom-shaped domes at the summit, symbolizing the three red torches used in ancient China for signaling. The most prominent feature is the rotating observation tower, which stands 20 meters high and has six levels. Inside, a large, colorful glazed mural depicts the history of human communication. The fifth level houses a tea room that can accommodate dozens of visitors and rotates 360 degrees in about 30 minutes, offering a full panoramic view of Qingdao and Huichuan Bay. From this vantage point, one can see the beauty of Zhanqiao Pier, Xiaoqingdao Island, and the vast expanse of the blue sea, along with Qingdao’s iconic red-roofed buildings, green trees, and clear skies.
Heart-Linking Bridge
Upon entering the park, visitors should not rush to the observation tower. On the south slope, there is the Treading Wave Viewing Platform, located just below the Heart-Linking Bridge. This spot provides an excellent vantage point for photographing the German castle-style Guest House. The Heart-Linking Bridge itself is adorned with red heart-shaped locks on green railings. Couples can purchase a lock to symbolize their eternal love, while friends and family members who walk hand-in-hand across the bridge are believed to receive blessings.
Five Dragons Pool Fountain
Further along, visitors can explore the Five Dragons Pool Fountain. This feature consists of four small dragons surrounding a larger central dragon, reflecting the park’s alternative name, “Five Dragons Mountain.” This name derives from the five surrounding roads, each with “dragon” in their names: Longjiang Road, Longhua Road, Longkou Road, Longshan Road, and Fulong Road. The journey through Signal Hill Park culminates at the rotating observation tower at the summit. Here, visitors are treated to unparalleled views of Qingdao.
