Qingdao Travel Photography Diary: A Romantic Encounter at Zhanqiao Pier and Hanting Hotel

🌅 Zhanqiao Pier: Exclusive Morning Moments Before 7 a.m., Zhanqiao Pier was already awake, yet tourists hadn't flooded in. With my camera slung over my shoulder, I strolled along the reddish-brown breakwater. 📸 Huilan Pavilion looked exceptionally serene in the morning light, its German-style architecture reflected on the shallow tidal flats—every shot was postcard-perfect. Hanting Hotel's location was incredibly convenient, just a 5-minute walk to Zhanqiao Pier, allowing me to capture the crowd-free scenery before tour groups arrived. 🔥 🏛️ Badaguan: Red Tiles, Green Trees, Blue Sea, and Sky After photographing Zhanqiao, I hopped on Metro Line 3 and headed straight to Badaguan. The streets here are named after Great Wall passes, lined with European-style villas and swaying plane trees casting dappled shadows. In front of Princess Mansion, a couple was taking wedding photos—the bride's veil fluttering gently in the sea breeze. I quietly pressed the shutter, freezing this romantic moment. 💑 ☕ Yinyu Lane: An Artsy Corner of the Old Town In the afternoon, I wandered to Yinyu Lane near the hotel. Red-brick walls, retro cafés, and artsy shops made it feel like Qingdao's "mini Gulangyu." Deep in the alley, a café called "Berry Beans" offered a second-floor terrace overlooking the old town's red-tiled rooftops. I ordered an iced Americano and waited for sunset. 🌇 🌃 Zhanqiao Pier at Night: Dazzling Lights By the time I returned to Hanting Hotel, night had fallen. The soundproofing was excellent—once the windows were closed, the noise from the train station almost disappeared. 🌙 ### **🎁 Qingdao Travel Photography Tips** ✅ **Hanting Hotel (Qingdao Zhanqiao Train Station West Square Branch)** has a prime location, within walking distance to Zhanqiao Pier, the train station, and Yinyu Lane—perfect for sunrise or night photography. ✅ Visit Badaguan in the morning or evening for soft light and fewer crowds, making it easier to capture great shots. ✅ Yinyu Lane is ideal for artsy photos, with cafés and graffiti walls as perfect backdrops. This trip to Qingdao wasn't just about comfortable lodging at Hanting—it became my "secret base" for travel photography. Next time I visit, I'll stay here again to explore more romantic corners of this coastal city! 💙