Xuejia Island

Historical Overview

1388 AD: Ming Dynasty established Tangdao Fortress to defend against coastal raids.

1898: German colonialists built lighthouses and coastal defenses during Qingdao’s occupation.

1949: Liberation of Xuejia Island marked a strategic victory in the Chinese Civil War.

1980s: Emerged as a fishing village and summer retreat for Qingdao locals.

2008: Hosted Olympic sailing events at the adjacent Qingdao International Sailing Center.

2018: Listed as a "National Wetland Park" for its biodiverse tidal ecosystems.

Structural Layout

The island spans 25 square kilometers and is divided into three zones:

• North Zone (Historical & Cultural):

Tangdao Fortress: Ming Dynasty coastal battery with cannons, tunnels, and a maritime museum.

German Lighthouse: 1903-built navigation tower offering sunset views.

Fishermen’s Folk Village: Traditional thatched cottages, shell art workshops, and a seafood market.

• Central Zone (Beaches & Recreation):

Golden Sand Beach: 3km crescent-shaped shoreline with water sports (jet skis, parasailing).

Pine Forest Park: 5km cycling/jogging trail through wind-sculpted pines.

Tidal Flat Exploration Zone: Wading pools for crab catching and seashell hunting.

• South Zone (Eco-Adventure):

Bird Island Nature Reserve: Migratory bird sanctuary with observation decks.

Rock Climbing Cliffs: 12m-high granite outcrops overlooking the sea (safety gear provided).

Sunset Cliff: Scenic viewpoint for photographing the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge.

• Supporting Structures:

Ferry Terminal: 20-minute boat rides to nearby Zhushan Island.

Seafood Pavilion: Fresh catches grilled on-site; try laohu dazha (tiger prawns).

Beachfront Cabanas: Rent umbrellas, loungers, and paddleboards.

Major Attractions

Tangdao Fortress Museum: Interactive exhibits on coastal defense history.

Golden Sand Beach Kite Festival (April–May): Colorful stunt kites and competitions.

Pine Forest "Wind Symphony": Path where wind rustles through pines, creating natural music.

Tidal Flat "Treasure Hunt": Guided tours to find moon snails, starfish, and sand dollars.

Sunset Cliff Photography Spot: Capture the "Golden Hour" over Qingdao’s skyline.

Suggested Itineraries

• Half-Day Beach & History Tour (3–4 hours):

North Zone: Tangdao Fortress tour → German Lighthouse visit → Lunch at Fishermen’s Grill (grilled squid).

Central Zone: Golden Sand Beach swim → Tidal Flat crabbing → Sunset at Pine Forest Park.
Highlights: Coastal fortifications, seafood, and sunset views.

• Full-Day Water Sports & Eco Tour (6–8 hours):

Morning: Rock climbing at South Zone → Jet skiing at Golden Sand Beach → Lunch at Seabreeze Café (clam chowder).

Afternoon: Bird Island birdwatching → Tidal Flat exploration → Ferry to Zhushan Island.

Evening: Stargazing at Sunset Cliff (telescopes provided).
Highlights: Adventure sports, wildlife, and island-hopping.

• Two-Day Cultural & Nature Retreat:

Day 1:

Morning: Tangdao Fortress reenactment show → Folk Village shell art workshop → Lunch at Heritage Kitchen (steamed buns).

Afternoon: Golden Sand Beach volleyball → Pine Forest picnic → Evening: Beach bonfire.

Day 2:

Morning: Bird Island guided hike → Tidal Flat ecology lesson → Lunch at Wetland Café (eelgrass dumplings).

Afternoon: Sunset Cliff yoga → Ferry sunset cruise → Evening: Camping at South Zone campsite.
Highlights: Hands-on history, eco-education, and camping.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via Qunar or Fliggy (up to 14 days in advance; combo tickets with Qingdao Beer Museum available).

On-Site: Tickets at North Zone entrance (queues peak 11 AM–2 PM).

• Prices:

Peak Season (May–October): Adults ¥60, Students/Seniors ¥35.

Ferry: ¥40 round-trip to Zhushan Island.

Off-Season (November–April): 40% discount.

Free: Children under 1.1m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Transportation

By Subway: Line 13: Tangdao Bay Station (Exit 3), 10-minute shuttle bus to Xuejia Island.

By Bus: Routes 808 or Huangdao 50 to Xuejia Island Pier.

By Taxi: Direct to North Zone entrance (¥80 from Qingdao Railway Station).

Departure: Exit via South Zone to Zhushan Island or North Zone to Qingdao Old Town.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM (cruise ship crowds); visit 7–9 AM or 4–6 PM.

Crowds: Weekends and Golden Week (National Day) are busy; weekdays are quieter.

Weather: Summer (June–August) is ideal for beaches; autumn (September–October) for hiking.

• Essentials:

Wear water shoes (tidal flats have sharp rocks).

Bring sunscreen and a reusable water bottle (refill stations at beach pavilions).

Photography allowed (no tripods on beaches during peak hours).

Prohibited Items: Outside food (except in picnic zones), drones, and fireworks.

Insider Tip: Combine a visit with Zhushan Island (15-minute ferry) for snorkeling or Qingdao Old Town (30-minute drive) for German architecture.