No. 1 Bathing Beach sits in Huiquan Bay in Qingdao's Shinan District, at the foot of the Badaguan villa quarter on the Shandong coast. It is the largest and most popular of the city's numbered bathing beaches, with a wide crescent of fine, pale sand backed by a low sea wall and a row of European-style buildings dating to the German concession era. The bay is sheltered by Xiaoqingdao islet and a breakwater, so the water stays relatively calm with modest surf, and clarity is fair to good outside of algae-bloom periods in high summer. The beach draws a broad family crowd rather than a surf or party scene: children paddle in the shallows near the lifeguard towers while older visitors walk the promenade or rent inner tubes. Amenities are the most developed of any Qingdao beach, with changing rooms, freshwater showers, umbrella and beach-chair rentals, snack stalls selling grilled squid and cold beer, and lifeguards on duty through the summer swimming season. The seabed shelves gently, making entry easy for young children, though the beach can become very crowded on July and August weekends. Parking is limited near the beachfront itself; most visitors arrive by bus or on foot from the Badaguan Scenic Area, about a 15-minute walk away, or from the Zhanqiao Pier area roughly 3 km to the west. Public toilets and first-aid stations are positioned along the boardwalk. The surrounding streets hold seafood restaurants and small hotels, making the beach a convenient base for a half-day of swimming combined with sightseeing in the nearby historic quarter.
| Distance | About 3 km from the old town / Zhanqiao Pier |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Bus to Diyi Haishuiyuchang stop, or 15-minute walk from Badaguan |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | June-September for swimming |
| Address | Huiquan Bay, Shinan District, Qingdao, Shandong |
Amenities
- Lifeguards in summer
- changing rooms
- showers
- beach chair rentals
- snack stalls
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, sunbathers
Location
Huiquan Bay, Shinan District, Qingdao, Shandong
36.0554, 120.3444 View on map
Highlights
- Qingdao's largest and most developed public bathing beach
- Sheltered, gently shelving bay suited to families with young children
- Backed by the historic Badaguan villa district and German-era buildings
- Full range of amenities: lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, chair rentals
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9am on summer weekends to find shade and avoid the densest crowds
- Enter from the eastern end near Badaguan for a quieter stretch of sand
- Lifeguard coverage runs roughly June through September; swim only within the flagged zones
- Bring cash for chair and umbrella rentals, as card payment is not always available beachside
- Rinse off at the public showers before leaving, as sand and salt residue are heavy in peak season
When to visit
Visit on a summer weekday morning (June to September) for warm water and lifeguard coverage with fewer crowds than weekend afternoons.
Frequently asked questions
Is No. 1 Bathing Beach good for children?
Yes, the bay is sheltered and shallow near the shore, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer season, making it one of the more family-friendly beaches in Qingdao.
Is there an entrance fee?
The beach itself is free to enter; visitors only pay for optional extras such as chair, umbrella, or locker rentals.
When is the water warm enough to swim?
Sea temperatures are comfortable for swimming from roughly June through September, with July and August being the warmest and busiest months.
How do I get to No. 1 Bathing Beach without a car?
Local buses stop near Diyi Haishuiyuchang, and the beach is also a 15-minute walk from the Badaguan Scenic Area.