Cruising on the sea in a refreshing 20°C breeze is what defines the quintessential Qingdao experience. Qingdao's maritime tourism offered 1,815 voyages with a total of 57,600 passengers ferried during this year's Dragon Boat Festival holiday—marking a 14.01% increase in trips and a 38.79% surge in passenger volume year-on-year.
Crowds of visitors gathered at the Qingdao International Sailing Centre during the holidays to experience the city's coastal beauty from a fresh perspective. Cruises aboard the vessels Qinglü Huanghai, Qinglü Bohai, and Qinglü Shihua Cruises offered smooth and comfortable rides where passengers enjoyed the cool sea breeze and snapped photos to capture the moment aboard spacious decks with panoramic views. As a seasonal highlight, passengers dressed in traditional Hanfu on Dragon Boat Festival day received limited-edition sachets as gifts to celebrate the occasion.
The sea off Qingdao offers more than just shades of blue—each hue brings its own romantic charm. Cruises departing from the Olympic Sailing Center take visitors through a full-day visual journey: the sparkling clarity of the diamond-blue sea in daylight; the glassy, pale hues of the jelly-toned waters; and the warm amber glow of the sea at sunset; and at night, the sea transforms into a mirror-like surface, perfectly reflecting the city's light show display and skyline across Fushan Bay. The scenery transforms hour by hour, creating a 24-hour aesthetic experience. A variety of themed routes—such as the Diamond Sea Route, Jelly Sea Route, Orange Sea Route, Orange Sea Blue Hour Route, and the Tide Harmony Night Cruise with live music—elevate the Dragon Boat Festival experience to new heights. For thrill-seekers, the high-speed Jet Rush Powerboat Ride delivers an adrenaline-fueled sensation where every burst of acceleration feels like stepping into a fast-paced movie scene with Qingdao's vibrant coastline unfolding in a blur of lights and motion.
Throughout June, the sea tours of Qingdao will offer residents and tourists even more exciting experiences, inviting all to discover the stylish, dynamic spirit of Qingdao from the sea.
