3. Beaches

Qingdao's coastline winds its way along capes and beaches, which are a major tourist attraction. There are seven beaches and each has its own unique characteristic.

No 1 Beach (pictured above), called Huiquan or Jin Sha (Golden Sands), has shark nets and boasts clean water and fine sands. The beautiful scenery and good facilities attract many tourists.

No 2 Beach lies in Badaguan (Eight Great Passes) and many famous Chinese leaders once swam here.

Situated east of Taiping Cape is No 3 Beach, which is a smaller sandy strip extending only 400 meters.

No 6 Beach, lies west of Zhanqiao Bridge, near the downtown area.

And the Beach in Shi Lao Ren (Old Stone Man) National Holiday Resort stretches 2,600 meters long and is ideal for a long stroll.

4. Badaguan Scenic Area

Located on beautiful Huiquan Bay beach, in the middle part of the city, Badaguan Scenic Area (Eight Great Passes) is a wonderful public space consisting of buildings of distinctive architectural styles together with leafy, broad avenues that are named after China's famous passes.

All the avenues undulate with the terrain and are tree lined. Varieties include crabapples, cypresses, gingkoes, cedars and Chinese parasols.

In spring and summer the avenues are overwhelmed with the brilliant colors of different flowers and in autumn and winter they are covered with golden leaves.

5. Olympic Sailing Center (OSC)

The Qingdao International Yacht Club (QIYC), which was founded in 2005, is located at the OSC on Fushan Bay. In 2007, the QIYC participated in its very first America's Cup as well as help in the organization and events management of the 2008 Olympic Sailing Regatta.

The club provides a wide array services to water sports fans including yacht, sailboat, and fishing boat leasing as well as a diving and fishing club.

The club house was previously used as the 2008 Beijing Games Media Center.