There are altogether 6 beaches in the Qingdao area and almost all are worth a visit (for varying reasons.) The No.1 Beach (diyi yuchang) is perhaps the best of the lot, although it is often packed out. It is the longest of the beaches, around 580 meters long, and, like most of the others, covered in fine yellow sand. The beach has some interesting features: a view of the distant Huiquan cape, with the waves lapping its red reefs, the nearby Luxun park, with its shade-providing pines and cypresses, and its weird, round changing huts.

For the more claustrophobic, No.2 (Dier yuchang) and No.3 (Disan yuchang) Beaches are probably a safer option; they are smaller, but less crowded. The No.3 beach, especially, has charm, with kite fliers and lovers scattered about. At the eastern end of the beach, on the hill, is the Huashi Lou, a former German governor's residence built in 1905, with fantastic architecture and decent views of the surrounding area.

The No. 6 Beach (Diliu yuchang), despite its popularity, is not really worth visiting for its beauty. It is mainly rockpools and dirty grayish sand. In the early morning the beach is filled with a profusion of tai ji practitioners, 70s tracksuit wearing joggers and fishermen. The walkway (Zhan qiao) and attached Huilan Pavilion (Huilange), the symbol of Qingdao (and its beer), are essential tourist destinations, although often packed with touts, vendors and visitors.

If you are really after the secluded beach experience then your only option, and a long haul, is to head for the golden sands of Yellow Island (Huangdao) . After a high speed ferry, (about 20 minutes), and a longer public bus (or shorter minibus) ride, you will arrive at the long golden beach (Jinsha Haitan) in Huangdao. Initial impressions can be misleading, as the entrance to the beach is filled with stalls and Chinglish speaking hecklers, but it is easy to get away from this. You will need a good day to fully appreciate this trip. The ferry leaves from the local ferry terminal (Qingdao lunduzhan) on the western side of Qingdao (down the road from the Friendship Hotel).

How to get there: Take bus No.6, 15, 26, 214, 304, 311, 312 and 316 and get off at bathing beach.

Cost: Free of charge.