population: 9.21 million

extension: 11,282.55 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Qingdao and interested in visiting museums, you might want to check out the Tsingtao Beer Museum, which tells the story of China's most famous beer and its role in local and national history. Additionally, the Qingdao Municipal Museum offers exhibits on the region's natural and cultural history, while the Qingdao Art Museum features contemporary Chinese art. If you're interested in similar types of museums, you may also want to visit the Shandong Provincial Museum in Jinan, about 300 km southwest of Qingdao, which houses a collection of artifacts from across Shandong province.

Food

Qingdao is famous for its seafood, and there are many delicious dishes to try. Here are some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes according to local people in Qingdao:

1. "Chuanr" (串儿): Grilled meat skewers, often made with lamb, but also with beef, chicken, or seafood.

2. "Laoshan Mineral Water" (崂山矿泉水): Laoshan mineral water is a famous brand of bottled water produced in Qingdao and is known for its high quality and unique taste.

3. Seafood: Qingdao is located on the coast, so there are plenty of seafood dishes to try, including "jiaohua ji" (焦花鸡), a dish made with fried fish; "cong you bing" (葱油饼), a type of pancake made with scallions; and "lajiao yu pian" (辣椒鱼片), spicy fish fillets.

4. "Baozi" (包子): Steamed buns filled with pork, vegetables, or other ingredients.

5. "Jiuzhuan Dachang" (九转大肠): A dish made with pig intestines that have been marinated in spices and boiled. It is often served cold with a dipping sauce.

6. "Yumi Tangbao" (芋米汤包): Steamed buns filled with sticky rice and taro paste, then served in a savory broth.

7. "Tudou Si" (土豆丝): Shredded potatoes that are stir-fried with chili peppers and other seasonings.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes you can enjoy in Qingdao.

Activities

Sure! Here are a few fun activities that locals in Qingdao enjoy:

1. Exploring the beaches: Qingdao is known for its beautiful coastline, and many locals love spending time at the beach, especially during the summer months. Some popular spots include the beach at Laoshan National Park and the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center.

2. Visiting the night markets: Qingdao has several bustling night markets where you can find all kinds of street food, souvenirs, and other items. The Taidong Night Market and the German Street Night Market are both popular choices.

3. Drinking beer: Qingdao is home to China's most famous beer, Tsingtao, and many locals enjoy drinking it at one of the city's many bars or breweries. You can even take a tour of the Tsingtao Beer Museum and learn about the history of beer production in Qingdao.

4. Climbing Mount Lao: Located just outside of the city, Mount Lao is a popular destination for hiking and sightseeing. Many locals enjoy climbing to the top of the mountain or taking a cable car to enjoy the views.

5. Watching performances at the Qingdao Grand Theatre: This modern performing arts center hosts a variety of concerts, operas, and other cultural events throughout the year, and is a favorite among locals who enjoy the arts.