Qingdao 8-Day Budget Travel Guide for 3000 RMB (Including Accommodation/Transportation/Food/Attractions)

Goal: Experience Qingdao's coastal charm, historic architecture, and beer culture within an 8-day budget of 3000 RMB.

Accommodation:

Recommended Areas: Shinan District old town / near Zhanqiao Pier, convenient transportation, concentrated attractions.
Hostels / Guesthouses: Choose dorm rooms or budget guesthouses, average price about 60-80 RMB/night, 8 nights about 480-640 RMB.
Recommendations: Hostels near Zhanqiao Pier, such as "Qingdao Zhanqiao International Youth Hostel" or "Kaiyue International Youth Hostel."

Transportation:

Round trip: Choose train hard seat or discounted flight tickets depending on departure location, budget about 500-800 RMB.
Within city: Metro + bus + walking, about 20 RMB per day, 8 days about 160 RMB.
Others: Laoshan Scenic Area bus or carpool about 50 RMB.

Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Qingdao, stroll in old town

Morning: Arrive in Qingdao, check into hostel.
Afternoon: Walk along Zhongshan Road, admire German-style architecture, visit the Catholic Church.
Evening: Pichaiyuan Snack Street, recommended potstickers and tofu pudding, about 30 RMB per person.

Day 2: Zhanqiao Pier and coastal scenery

Morning: Watch seagulls at Zhanqiao Pier, visit Qingdao Post and Telecommunications Museum.
Afternoon: Watch sunset at Xiaoqingdao Park, entrance fee 10 RMB.
Evening: Taidong Pedestrian Street night market, about 40 RMB per person.

Day 3: Beer culture and Ocean World

Morning: Qingdao Beer Museum, entrance fee 60 RMB, learn about beer history.
Afternoon: Qingdao Underwater World, entrance fee 120 RMB (student discount available).
Evening: Restaurants near hostel, about 40 RMB per person.

Day 4: Laoshan day trip

All day: Laoshan Scenic Area, entrance + bus about 120 RMB, hike to enjoy mountain and sea views, bring your own snacks.
Evening: Return to city, simple dinner about 30 RMB.

Day 5: University Road and cultural experience

Morning: Take photos at University Road’s popular wall, visit Lao She’s former residence.
Afternoon: Signal Hill Park for city views, entrance fee 15 RMB.
Evening: Watch light show at May Fourth Square.

Day 6: Huangdao Golden Beach

All day: Swim and sunbathe at Golden Beach, free, bus fare about 10 RMB.
Evening: Seafood stalls near the beach, about 60 RMB per person.

Day 7: Badaguan and Second Beach

Morning: Badaguan Scenic Area, free, admire international architecture.
Afternoon: Relax at Second Beach, free.
Evening: Yunxiao Road Food Street, about 50 RMB per person.

Day 8: Return trip

Morning: Buy local specialties like sorghum candy and dried shrimp, about 100 RMB.
Afternoon: Return trip.

Budget Summary:

Accommodation: 640 RMB
Transportation: 800 RMB (round trip) + 160 RMB (within city) = 960 RMB
Meals: 30+40+40+30+40+60+50=290 RMB + about 200 RMB other = 490 RMB
Tickets: 10+60+120+120+15=325 RMB
Others: 100 RMB (specialties)
Total: About 2515 RMB, remaining budget can cover emergencies or upgrade experiences.

Tips:

Student ID can get ticket discounts.
Book accommodation and transportation in advance for better deals.
Bring a water bottle to save money.
Watch for free events like beach concerts.

Hope this guide helps you enjoy your trip to Qingdao!