The sea-side city of Qingdao, China is one of those places which is rapidly blinking itself out of its stupor of dreamy historical reveries to embrace renewed vigor as a bustling modern industrial metropolis. It is ideal for tourists in summer, achieving that enviable climate of neither too hot nor too cold, and the pockets of natural beauty which industrialization has not yet obliterated burst into colorful bloom. Along with the commercial expansion and development of the city has sprung up a newly-born night culture, which is fast becoming popular among the university youth, even though it is more subdued yet than that of its peer cities.
The night adventurers looking for fun in the city have four choices when it comes to nightlife – the homely gatherings of Central Square, dining in the food street, retail therapy in the shopping district or the time honored tradition of bar-hopping. The last one is actually a very popular option among the city’s youth – the Qingdao entertainment district of the east downtown suffers from no lack of choices for this pastime. Popular hangout spots are the Honolulu Club at Huiquan Dynasty Hotel, the American-style JFK Bar and the Music Kitchen Bar whose rooftop is open to stargazers. If you prefer something a little more off the beaten track, Yan’er Dao Road is a street devoted almost entirely to bars from which to have your pick.
Lest you get the idea that Qingdao’s idea of night-time fun is merely to get well-sloshed, it should be pointed out that it also provides enough entertainment venues which need not be avoided by teetotalers. The Hailedi KTV is fashionable complex housing with its own supermarket and 50 smaller rooms for private gatherings (yes, it has a pub too). The Freeman Coffee House of Hubei Road has a charming ambience evocative of a quaint street corner of 1940s Europe. If it’s the thumping beat of techno music and dancing you seek, The Feeling Club is definitely the hot-spot you’re looking for. This massive up-town clubhouse, which is packed end-to-end on most nights, boasts the centerpiece attraction of a hydraulic dance floor. The Corner Jazz Club, however, appears to trump this as a consistently fun dance club whose diverse range of music complements the ethnic diversity of its clientele. The Huiquan underground cinema, with its Korean BBQ restaurants and KFC, is also a highly recommended night-time stomping ground.
The night markets of Yan’an Er Lu and Taidong Pedestrian Street are worth an evening roam, although these usually close around 10pm. The former street is also famous for its beer (apparently, Qingdao is not for those unenthusiastic about this particular beverage); the “beer street” stretches all the way to Guangrao Road featuring beers of all brands and strengths.
It is usually the case that the best nightlife is usually found right on your doorstep if you stay at the right place. Copthorne Hotel Qingdao is one such high-end deluxe Qingdao hotel which is located in the middle of the city’s central business district. The Qingdao Accommodation offers a range of dining and entertainment options, including Chinese and Japanese restaurants, an all-day grill for casual dining and a very elegant and spacious Lobby Lounge.
