On June 1, Qingdao's first bathing beach opened to the public. For locals and visitors alike, summer in Qingdao isn't complete without "swimming in the sea" — a beloved local ritual best paired with Tsingtao beer and freshly boiled clams.

As you step off the hot, fine sand and the cool sea water rises over your skin, your body swaying with the waves — that's when summer truly begins.

Located on the scenic Huiquan Bay, this historic beach has over 120 years of history and was once the largest bathing beach in Asia. Surrounded by lush green hills, the beach features a gentle, sandy slope with no hidden reefs or whirlpools, making it both beautiful and safe for swimming. So grab your swimsuit and head to the coast — the sea is calling!

Visitors cool off in the crystal-clear waters of Qingdao's first seawater bathing beach as summer begins. [Photo by Tang Jie/WeChat account: qd12301]

Sunbathers relax on the fine sandy shore, surrounded by lush green hills at Huiquan Bay. [Photo by Tang Jie/WeChat account: qd12301]

Swimmers embrace the joyful ritual of "sea bathing", a classic Qingdao summer experience. [Photo by Tang Jie/WeChat account: qd12301]