Exploring Qingdao: Airport Layover Ideas

what to do in qingdao airport

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport is the largest airport in Shandong, China, and offers direct flights to several international destinations. The airport is about 55 kilometres from downtown Qingdao, and it takes around an hour to get to the city centre by taxi or metro. If you're spending a layover in Qingdao, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your trip and make the most of your time in the city.

Characteristics Values
Former Name Qingdao Liuting International Airport
Current Name Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport
Location Jiaodong, Jiaozhou
Distance from City Centre 39 kilometres (24 miles)
Transport Options Taxi, Shuttle Bus, Metro, Didi Chuxing
Taxi Flag Fall Deluxe: 12 yuan (1.7 USD), Ordinary: 10 yuan (1.4 USD)
Taxi Fare to City Centre 100-200 yuan (14-28 USD)
Shuttle Bus Fare to City Centre 20 yuan (2.8 USD)
Metro Fare to City Centre 5-10 yuan
Metro Line Line 8
Metro Timings 6:30 am to 9:30 pm
Metro Frequency 9 minutes
Visa Requirements Valid passport, direct flight ticket to a third country, visa to the third country (if required)
Luggage Storage Located on the 2nd level of the departure hall
Luggage Storage Price 20 yuan (3.3 USD) to 50 yuan (7 USD) per day
Nearby Attractions Xiaoyushan Park, Badaguan area, Qingdao Beer Museum, Laoshan Scenic Area

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Getting to and from the airport: Take a taxi, shuttle bus, metro, or Didi Chuxing ride-hail

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport offers several ways to get to and from the airport, including taxis, shuttle buses, the metro, and Didi Chuxing ride-hailing.

Taxi

There are two types of taxis in Qingdao: deluxe taxis and ordinary taxis. Deluxe taxis start at 12 yuan (1.7 USD), while ordinary taxis start at 10 yuan (1.4 USD). A trip to the city centre will cost around 80 yuan (11.4 USD) and will take about an hour. It is recommended to have your destination written in Chinese, as not all taxi drivers speak English.

Shuttle Bus

There are five shuttle bus lines that serve different destinations in the city. The bus fare to the city centre is 20 yuan (2.8 USD) and the journey takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic.

Metro

The Qingdao Metro Line 8 connects the airport to the city centre, with fares ranging from 5 to 10 yuan. The metro is clean and efficient, providing a great way to avoid traffic, especially during peak hours. It operates from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm with a frequency of around 9 minutes.

Didi Chuxing

Didi Chuxing is a widely used ride-hailing app in Qingdao. Users can download the app, enter their destination, and a driver will pick them up. Fares are similar to taxis, but prices can vary depending on demand. This option is great for those who want a seamless experience.

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Visa requirements: Prepare documents for 144-Hour Visa-free Transit

Qingdao Airport, also known as Qingdao Liuting International Airport, is located 55 km (34 miles) from downtown Qingdao. The airport offers direct flights to Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Frankfurt, and more.

To be eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit in Qingdao, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Citizenship: Hold citizenship of one of the designated 54 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Russia, and Singapore.
  • Valid Passport: Have a valid passport with a remaining validity of at least 3 months.
  • Confirmed Ticket to a Third Country: Hold a departing flight, train, or cruise ticket with a confirmed seat and departure date to a third country or region within 240 hours. Your passport and ticket will be checked at the border port.
  • Eligible Port of Entry: Enter and exit China through one of the eligible ports in Qingdao, which include Qingdao Liuting International Airport and Qingdao International Cruise Home Port.

Once you have confirmed that you meet the above requirements, follow these steps to obtain the 144-hour visa-free transit:

  • Notify Your Carrier: When boarding your flight or ship, inform the carrier that you will be applying for the 144-hour visa-free transit in Qingdao.
  • Document Check: Upon arrival at Qingdao airport or port, look for the specific line for those applying for the 144-hour transit visa. Provide your documents for checking, and the immigration officer will decide whether to grant the visa-free transit.
  • Temporary Entry Permit: If your application is approved, the officer will affix a "Temporary Entry Permit" sticker in your passport. This permit will include important details such as the area of stay, stay period, and your port of entry.
  • Customs and Immigration: Proceed through the necessary customs and immigration formalities before leaving the airport or port.

Please note that the 144-hour visa-free transit policy has been expanded to 240 hours (10 days) in some regions of China, including Shandong Province, where Qingdao is located. This allows eligible travellers to explore Qingdao and other places in Shandong and 23 other provinces for up to 10 days without a visa.

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Currency: Get local currency, Chinese Yuan, from airport ATMs or exchange services

The official currency for Qingdao is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi, abbreviated as CNY. You can get local currency from Qingdao Liuting Airport (TAO) by using the ATMs or currency exchange services available.

ATMs are available at the airport, where you can withdraw Chinese Yuan. Keep in mind that airport ATMs may charge additional fees, so it's always good to check beforehand.

If you prefer to exchange currency, you can do so at the exchange offices located in the International Arrivals and Departures Halls on the first floor. These exchange offices allow you to convert your currency into Chinese Yuan. It's recommended to check the exchange rates beforehand, as rates at the airport may differ from the live rates. Online tools can help you estimate the foreign currency exchange rates at Qingdao Airport.

Additionally, if you have a credit card or bank account with lounge access, you may be able to access certain lounges at Qingdao Airport. A Priority Pass membership can also grant you access to most of these lounges.

By taking advantage of the airport's ATMs and currency exchange services, you can obtain Chinese Yuan conveniently upon your arrival at Qingdao Liuting Airport.

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Language: Download a translation app, like Google Translate, to help with Mandarin

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport is about 55 km from downtown Qingdao, and it takes around an hour to reach the city by taxi or metro. While English is spoken at major service counters, downloading a translation app like Google Translate can be a lifesaver when travelling in China. Google Translate is a free app that supports over 100 languages, including Mandarin. It can translate text, images, and live conversations. You can also use the app offline for 59 languages, which is useful when you're in areas with poor connectivity.

Other useful translation apps include Pleco, Translate Now, DeepL, and Apple Translate. Pleco is a Chinese dictionary app with a massive database of modern vocabulary, specialised terms, and Chinese idioms. It also provides standard pronunciation by native speakers, helping users practice accurate pronunciation. Translate Now supports text, voice, and image translation for over 100 languages and has an intuitive interface. DeepL uses AI to translate more than 30 languages, including non-Latin scripts, and also indicates whether the tone is formal or informal. Apple Translate is only available for Apple devices and supports 17 languages.

In addition to translation apps, you can also use a Mandarin phrasebook, which provides a list of common phrases and words for different situations. Language exchange websites like Tandem or HelloTalk can also be a great way to learn some basic phrases and connect with native Chinese speakers.

If you're spending a layover in Qingdao, there are several attractions you can visit, such as Xiaoyushan Park, the Badaguan area, and the Qingdao Beer Museum. The Laoshan Scenic Area is also a popular half-day tour option.

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Things to do: Visit Xiaoyushan Park, Badaguan area, Qingdao Beer Museum, and Laoshan Scenic Area

Qingdao has a lot to offer visitors, with a range of attractions and activities to suit different interests. Here are some things to do centred around Xiaoyushan Park, the Badaguan area, Qingdao Beer Museum, and Laoshan Scenic Area:

Xiaoyushan Park

Xiaoyushan Park, also known as Small Fish Hill, offers a panoramic view of Qingdao from the hilltop. It is a quiet park with a pagoda at the top, providing a 360-degree view of the city, including the golden beaches, red-roofed European-style villas, and other attractions. The park is a great spot for photo opportunities and enjoying the serenity of the surroundings. The former residence of Kang Youwei, a renowned advocate for reforms in China, is also located within the park.

Badaguan Area

The Badaguan Scenic Area is a well-known villa district in China, often referred to as the "World Architecture Exhibition." It features over 200 architectural styles from more than 20 countries, including Russia, England, France, Germany, America, and Japan. Built in the 1930s, the area is rich in sea scenery and is located by the Yellow Sea. It is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and photographers, with various trees and plants making it suitable for travel and photography throughout the year.

Qingdao Beer Museum

The Qingdao Beer Museum, also known as the Tsingtao Brewery Museum, is the perfect place to learn about the history and production of Tsingtao Beer, the namesake of Qingdao City. The museum offers beer tastings, entertainment, and shopping opportunities. It is located at No. 56 Dengzhou Road in the Shibei District and can be easily reached by bus or subway. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the 1903 restaurant bar, which serves German and Qingdao specialties. The museum utilizes technology, such as holographic projection and AR interaction, to create a unique experience.

Laoshan Scenic Area

Laoshan Scenic Area is one of China's most celebrated scenic spots, offering a panorama of mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, and temples. It covers 446 square kilometres of mountain area and provides a soul-filling experience for nature lovers. Visitors can take a bus to the Tourist Service Area and then climb many stairs to reach the park entrance. It is recommended to stay for 1-2 nights in the area to fully enjoy the seafood and explore the surroundings. The cable car ride offers a different perspective of the scenery and is a popular attraction.

Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to get from Qingdao Airport to the city centre. The fastest option is a taxi, which costs 100-200 yuan and takes about an hour. You can also take the metro (Line 8), which is cheaper at 5-10 yuan, but also takes an hour. Alternatively, there are shuttle buses for 20 yuan, or you can use a ride-hailing app such as Didi Chuxing.

Depending on traffic, the journey from the airport to downtown Qingdao takes about 60 to 90 minutes by bus or taxi. The metro also takes about an hour.

Qingdao offers a 144-Hour Visa-free Transit, so you can explore the city during a long layover. You can visit Xiaoyushan Park, Badaguan area, Qingdao Beer Museum, and Laoshan Scenic Area.

Within the city, you can use the metro, buses, or taxis. You can purchase a metro card if you plan to use public transportation frequently. Taxis are easily available, but it's helpful to have your destination written in Chinese.

Qingdao Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. There are also luggage storage facilities located on the 2nd level of the departure hall, with prices ranging from 20 to 50 yuan per day depending on the size of your luggage. ATMs and currency exchange services are available as well.

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