Xiaoqingdao (小青岛), located 720 meters from the coast, rises 17.2 meters above sea level and covers an area of 1.2 hectares. The island’s shape resembles an ancient Chinese zither, earning it the nickname “Qindao” or “Zither Island.” It lies about 370 meters east of the mainland, connected by a long seawall. Originally part of the mainland, Xiaoqingdao gradually separated due to continuous erosion by sea waves, achieving its current form.
The history of Xiaoqingdao dates back to the German occupation of Qingdao, when it was known as “Arkna Island” and was garrisoned by German troops. During the subsequent Japanese occupation, the island was renamed “Kato Island.” The Japanese also used Xiaoqingdao as a military base, constructing a 377-meter-long and 8-meter-wide breakwater to connect it to the mainland, transforming it into a peninsula.
Today, Xiaoqingdao is a scenic spot renowned for its historical significance and unique shape. The breakwater remains a notable feature, offering visitors easy access to explore the island’s natural beauty and historical remnants. Its rich past, coupled with the picturesque setting, makes Xiaoqingdao a captivating destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Xiaoqingdao Park
- Vlog about Little Qingdao
- Attractions near Little Qingdao
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free, but pre-booking is required |
| Opening Hours | 6.30 – 20.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0532-82863944 |
Location and Transportation
Xiaoqingdao is located at 23 Qinyu Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, Shandong Province. It is a solitary island situated within Qingdao Bay. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 6, 26, 202, 214, 228, 304, 316, or 411 Loop Line, get off at Luxun Park Stop (鲁迅公园站), and walk about 800 meters to the southwest.
Metro: The closest metro station to Xiaoqingdao is People’s Hall (人民会堂) on line 3 and line 4. After getting out of the station from Exit D, walk about 750 meters to the south to reach the island.
Highlights of Xiaoqingdao Park
Cone-shaped Lighthouse
Xiaoqingdao’s most striking feature is the pristine, cone-shaped lighthouse perched at its highest point. This lighthouse, built by the Germans in 1900 and operational since 1915, stands as a historical landmark. After the liberation of China, the government undertook significant renovations of the lighthouse, resulting in its current structure. The lighthouse now stands 15.5 meters tall with an octagonal shape, entirely constructed from white marble. At night, the red light from the lighthouse interplays with the lights on the nearby Zhanqiao Pier, creating a mesmerizing scene known as “Qinyu Piaodeng” (Floating Lights on Zither Island). This picturesque view is celebrated as one of Qingdao’s top ten scenic spots and is a symbol of the city.
Beautiful Scenery
In 1988, Xiaoqingdao was transformed into a public park and officially opened to visitors. The park is predominantly planted with black pines, complemented by a variety of ornamental plants such as cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, pomegranates, hibiscus, and crape myrtle, which bloom across spring, summer, and autumn. The southern part of the island, which is relatively flat, features a quaint square. At the center of this square stands the “Qin Girl” sculpture, depicting a maiden holding an ancient zither and gazing out towards the sea.
Visitors to Xiaoqingdao can enjoy a variety of experiences, from sitting on the rocks and feeling the sea breeze to wading in the water and taking in the panoramic views of Qingdao Bay, dotted with high-rise buildings and red-roofed colonial houses. The island offers a sense of being in a sea garden, particularly enchanting during sunset when the entire bay is bathed in a golden hue.
