Qingdao, translated as "Green Island", is a port city bordering the Yellow Sea. This largest city in the Shandong Province captivates its visitors with its winding cobbled streets, historic German buildings, and red-capped hillside villas. Qingdao has a rich colonial history, as many European countries have left their marks here.
Qingdao also offers an endless array of activities to its visitors. Some of them can be dangerous. Make sure you're covered financially. Be sure to purchase travel medical insurance.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in Qingdao – FAQs
Whether you want a sightseeing trip, outdoor activities, history exploration, or just some casual sunbathing, Qingdao is the best destination for you. Although, you can never eliminate the health risks when you're traveling on a foreign soil. For this reason, be sure to purchase travel medical insurance as a financial safety net during your time there.
Why should I get travel medical insurance for my Qingdao trip?
China has medical facilities of high standards. You will easily find well-trained, English-speaking doctors, but this comes with huge expenses. If you happen to get injured or fall sick in Qingdao, your savings might plummet. So traveling with travel medical insurance is a sensible option for you.
What should I look for in my Qingdao travel medical insurance?
You can receive financial coverage for the treatment of injury or illness. Apart from that, your insurer can arrange for emergency medical evacuation if there are no adequate medical facilities in the vicinity. Under certain circumstances, you can also claim for repatriation to your home country, the return of mortal remains, and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), as well.
Make sure you buy travel medical insurance that will serve as your financial safety net at the time of emergency.
Top Tourist Destinations in Qingdao
Qingdao Beer Museum
This two-story red building showcases the 100-year history of Qingdao Beer. You can explore the exhibits of old photos and preserved brewery equipment. Then, move on to the modern plant, where you can watch the bottling operations. You can also sample delicious brews along the way. Don't forget to get souvenirs from the gift shop.
Zhongshan Park
This 69-hectare park houses a wide variety of Chinese flora, including the magnificent cherry blossom. The park is blessed with beautiful lakes, gardens, and walking paths where you can have a peaceful retreat. When you're in Zhongshan Park, don't miss the chance to take a cable car to Qingdao's largest temple. Along the way, you can enjoy a great view of the city.
Golden Sand Beach
Golden Sand Beach is one of the main venues of Qingdao's International Beer Festival. The festival is held in the second half of July and all of August every year. On regular days, it's great for outdoor activities like football, soccer, and Frisbee. You can also rent tents and tables from the rental shops around the beach. If you're lucky, you'll get to enjoy concerts, karaoke, and comedy performances.
Governor's House Museum
This spectacular structure was built as a residence for a German governor in the late 19th century. Today, it serves a museum, featuring art nouveau tiles, elegantly designed rooms, and lavishly landscaped grounds. The Governor's House Museum is the best example of concession-era architecture.
Badaguan Scenic Area
Your first impression of Badaguan would be of an area detached from the whole of China. Here, you'll find more than 200 buildings built in architectural styles of countries like Germany, Japan, France, Russia, and many more. Stroll through its streets, enjoying the fresh air and the view of old mansions. Stop at a café or a restaurant and have a delicious meal. You're in for a treat if you're visiting Badaguan during spring, as beautiful pink cherry blossoms will dominate your view.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Qingdao
Best Time to Visit Qingdao
Qingdao experiences a milder climate due to the influence of the Yellow Sea. So, the weather is suitable for travel for most of the year. If you're planning to attend the International Beer Festival, visit Qingdao in August. During the autumn season (September to November), the entire city shimmers from fresh rains, making the scenery grow even more beautiful.
Getting Around the City
Taxi is the best way to get around the city. It's time-efficient. During the peak months of summer, the fares might soar up. Qingdao has about 350 bus routes with more than 8,000 buses operating on them. So, almost all parts of the city are accessible by bus. Sightseeing boats are a good way to enjoy Qingdao Bay. If you're planning to rent a bike, make sure that it's legal to ride your route.
Safety Concerns
Qingdao is a safe city according to western standards. Violent crime is very rare. Here are a few safety tips which might come in handy:
- The most common safety concern is that of taxis. Beware of the taxi drivers who wait outside stations. They might try to rip you off by fixing high prices and taking long routes.
- Before getting into a taxi, check for the license on the dashboard of the car.
- Your driver might take a detour, as many streets in the city are restricted from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Make sure you use online map services to check for the status of your supposed route.
Health Concerns
Food-borne diarrhea is the most common health concern for travelers in Qingdao. Make sure you dine at places that are frequented by customers. Carry over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medications and rehydration salts. These will be of help if you happen to get sick.
Before You Go to Qingdao: Do This
- Pack portable cups, skincare products, and a multiple-use knife.
- Make sure you're up-to-date with your vaccination shots.
- Buy travel medical insurance suitable for you and your travel mates. With travel insurance serving as a safety net, you can enjoy Qingdao to its fullest.