Tourists flock to Zhanqiao Pier, an iconic scenic area in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo/IC]

Listed as one of China's most popular summer travel destinations, Qingdao city in Shandong province is witnessing a cultural tourism boom that leads to consumer trends.

As an economic development accelerator, Qingdao's tourism industry has strongly rebounded from the Spring Festival to the May Day holiday. According to data from the Chinese mainland online travel agency Ctrip, as of last week, summer orders had exceeded the same period in 2019. The significant growth is in the early booking volume of tourists and their demand for more diverse and innovative products.

Qingdao is ramping up efforts to bolster new forms of culture-tourism integration and create diverse experiences, including camping, parent-child leisure, and "coffee plus music." 

Immersive cultural experiences 

Lancy Studio in the Dabaodao block near Zhongshan Road in the city's Shibei district is an internet-famous spot for vintage-style photography. "The cultural atmosphere perfectly matches our brand value," said Xie Meng, founder of the studio.  

Wuyixiang, a newly opened tourism site in Beizhai of Laoshan district, boasts the "camping plus" programs and has received a positive reaction in the market.

According to Guo Xiaotong, the director of project operation, many tourists visited the area during the May Day holiday to get away from the busy city life. The countryside complex provides a variety of services such as camping, dining, accommodation, and educational tours that cater to the needs of young people. Additionally, the site offers customized tours that focus on tea culture.

Tourists enjoy water sports in Qingdao. [Photo/IC]

Night tours  

Many scenic spots in Qingdao are launching night tours, a new trend for cultural tourism.

One example is the cultural tourism area of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center. At night, visitors can cruise around Fushan Bay while enjoying the natural landscape intertwined with light and shadow, join the OH•FUN PARK festival that integrates music, food, and wine in a seaside camping ground and buy goods at the Qingdao Olympic LIFE mobile shopping block. 

In the northern part of Qingdao, nightlife is also fashionable. In March, the Lubang International Style Street in Chengyang district was listed as a provincial leisure street. Since its opening, it has hosted more than 600 cultural and artistic activities.

Qingdao will create more nighttime tourism scenarios such as tours, entertainment, reading, and shopping this year. 

Tourists pose for a photo in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao. [Photo/IC]

High-quality development

Since the beginning of this year, Dabaodao block has held more than 160 activities and over 60 exhibitions. It will soon start a series of themed events covering retro markets, thematic parades, flash mobs, and band performances. Other activities include classical symphony concerts, Peking operas, and interactive dramas.

The Qingdao West Coast New Area has integrated resources in eating, accommodation, travel, tourism, shopping, and entertainment and launched five characteristic tourism routes.