Signal Hill Park
Signal Hill Park
4.5
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
337 within 3 miles
Yi Bao AZi KaiLe Western Restaurant
3
0.2 miFast Food
Man Zhao XinGaiNian Japanese Restaurant
2
0.2 miJapanese • Sushi
Mi Gao Coffee
3
0.3 miCafe
JieJiao Café
3
0.3 miPizza • Cafe
Tongdelai Hot Pot (Dan East Road)
5
0.3 mi
Sha Po TingYuan Café
1
0.3 miCafe
TianTian Dumpling
1
0.4 mi
Shun Shun Yin Le Restaurant (Nen Jiang Road)
1
0.4 miChinese • Szechuan
ZhangJing Lu Café
4
0.4 miCafe
Coffee KongJian
1
0.4 miCafe
Attractions
151 within 6 miles
Qingdao Site Museum of the Former German Governor's Residence
179
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
QingDao LongShan DiXia ShangYeJie
2
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Protestant Church (Jidu Jiaotang)
97
0.3 miArchitectural Buildings
Qingdao Observatory
10
0.3 miObservatories & Planetariums
Golden Beach (Huang Dao)
252
0.5 miBeaches
Qingdao Catholic Church
423
0.6 miReligious Sites
Qingdao Laoshe Former Residence
22
0.4 miHistoric Sites
Qingdao XiaoYushan Park
98
0.6 miMountains • Parks
Qingdao Beer Museum
900
1.1 miSpeciality Museums
Qingdao Guanhai Mountain Park
14
0.5 miParks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
91 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
35
Average
12
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada1,690 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Cost to enter is 15 yuan and is worth a stop if you are in the area for the fantastic views. There are many attractions nearby like the German residence, Cathedral and the German Concession area.
The hike to the top is easy but slippery in some parts so bring good shoes. The floor rotates at the top of the tower and can be a little disorientating. Make sure you keep your tickets handy when going into the tower or else you'll have to pay extra. Plan to spend an hour here.
The hike to the top is easy but slippery in some parts so bring good shoes. The floor rotates at the top of the tower and can be a little disorientating. Make sure you keep your tickets handy when going into the tower or else you'll have to pay extra. Plan to spend an hour here.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Haley R
Belfast, ME58 contributions
Feb 2016 • Solo
The park is near the old part of Qingdao, and the area has a lot of attraction for photographers. I took the public bus to a nearby street and walked to the park. On the way, I took a detour and ended up in a small square with what looked like exercise equipment. An elderly man with an armband (must have been a volunteer) approached me and asked in nearly perfect English where I wanted to go. I indicated that I was heading to Signal Hill Park and he gave me the very short set of directions (the entrance was just across from this square). This interaction made me feel welcome -- nowhere else in Qingdao have I been approached by someone who wanted to help. His proficiency in English also surprised me.
The cost to enter the park was 3 RMB, or 10 if you want to enter the rotating platform. I opted for the cheaper ticket and did not regret it. There is a map of the small park area at the entrance. You will see that there are several paths leading to the top. It is a very short walk, so it's worth exploring every side path and scenic overlook. Plus this is where the best views are! It's possible to see 360 degrees of Qingdao if you make your way around the park. Early into the walk, look for Zhanqiao Pier and Little Qingdao Isle. Closer to the top you will see the former Governor's Mansion which is located nearby.
All along the main path there are side paths that lead to scenic lookouts and stone picnic tables. This would be an excellent site for a picnic in warmer weather. There are statues and a fountain that make the walk more interesting.
At the top of the park you come to the rotating platform. If you didn't buy a ticket, you can still walk around the base of the platform and have excellent views of the city (without the obstruction of glass, if you're taking photos).
I'm sure I will return later in the spring to enjoy this park, and plan to bring a picnic lunch. It's a lovely area with great views.
A few notable things about Signal Hill Park:
1. There is an evident effort to make the park a "green" space. It is impossible to ignore the signs everywhere that remind visitors about our shared responsibility for maintaining the park. Also, smoking is not allowed. Both of these are in stark contrast to the norms outside the park.
2. The translations on the signs resemble English, but you might have to stare at them for awhile to interpret them! These are the worst translations I've seen (but this fact doesn't detract from the experience).
3. There are public restrooms in the square across from the park entrance. In fact, I saw signs several times for this amenity.
4. The park is within easy walking distance of both the Protestant Church and the Governor's Mansion.
The cost to enter the park was 3 RMB, or 10 if you want to enter the rotating platform. I opted for the cheaper ticket and did not regret it. There is a map of the small park area at the entrance. You will see that there are several paths leading to the top. It is a very short walk, so it's worth exploring every side path and scenic overlook. Plus this is where the best views are! It's possible to see 360 degrees of Qingdao if you make your way around the park. Early into the walk, look for Zhanqiao Pier and Little Qingdao Isle. Closer to the top you will see the former Governor's Mansion which is located nearby.
All along the main path there are side paths that lead to scenic lookouts and stone picnic tables. This would be an excellent site for a picnic in warmer weather. There are statues and a fountain that make the walk more interesting.
At the top of the park you come to the rotating platform. If you didn't buy a ticket, you can still walk around the base of the platform and have excellent views of the city (without the obstruction of glass, if you're taking photos).
I'm sure I will return later in the spring to enjoy this park, and plan to bring a picnic lunch. It's a lovely area with great views.
A few notable things about Signal Hill Park:
1. There is an evident effort to make the park a "green" space. It is impossible to ignore the signs everywhere that remind visitors about our shared responsibility for maintaining the park. Also, smoking is not allowed. Both of these are in stark contrast to the norms outside the park.
2. The translations on the signs resemble English, but you might have to stare at them for awhile to interpret them! These are the worst translations I've seen (but this fact doesn't detract from the experience).
3. There are public restrooms in the square across from the park entrance. In fact, I saw signs several times for this amenity.
4. The park is within easy walking distance of both the Protestant Church and the Governor's Mansion.
Written February 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Monika1958
Zhuhai, China215 contributions
Sep 2013 • Couples
We did the TV tower and Signal Hill and I have to say I did like Signal Hill better. And it is only RMB 15 per person. The climb to the observatory is not to bad. As always in China, stairs. The observatory platform offers chairs and tables on a revolving deck. You can enjoy the great views while resting. We had to wait to get a spot to sit, but it was on a Sunday we visited. I can recommend to visit.
WC available.
Note: Easy walking distance to Signal Hill is Qingdao Church.
WC available.
Note: Easy walking distance to Signal Hill is Qingdao Church.
Written September 4, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rwjack123
Colorado Springs, CO256 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
We sat as the top rotated 360 degrees and enjoyed a clear view of the port, the city, the new buildings going up, the old German buildings, the Protestant church, the Catholic cathedral, the pier, the sea, etc. etc. It was a clear day and we could see everything! I highly recommend this!
Written May 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SOH KIEN PENG
Singapore, Singapore6,408 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
During my first two days in Qingdao, I stayed at a hotel near Huiquan Park opposite the beautiful Bathing beaches. I explored the gorgeous Lu Xun Park, the Little Fish Hill Park, the Zhongshan Park and traveled to the outskirt to scale up the Lao San Scenic mountain but I missed out this Signal Hill Park as it was not near my hotel. The Signal Hill Park is located at the Old Qingdao area near the magnificent Catholic Church.
When I returned to Qingdao after 6 days round the province tour to Jinan, Taian and Qufu, I picked a hotel at the Old Qingdao area near the railway station and from the hotel, it was within walking distance to the Signal Hill Park.
That morning on my last second day in Qingdao, I woke up very early at about 6 am and went on a wandering exploratory morning stroll to the Catholic Church and up to the Signal Hill Park.There was a flight of stairs leading to the Signal Hill Park from the Catholic Church. It was free admission when I visited the Signal Hill Park at that early hour. I came to a site where the white dome Old Observatory Tower was located and from there, I went around to hunt for the red dome observatory tower.
Before reaching the summit, I came to a spot where I could have a panoramic view of the Old Qingdao. As the morning sun spread her crimson rays onto this part of the island, the many old German architectural style terrace buildings in the Old Qingdao glowed lustrously with the aqueous blue sea at the background and the panoramic view was so gorgeous though a bit of misty.
I could see the distant Zhanqiao Pier, the Small Qingdao Island, the naval vessel berth by the Naval Museum and the St Michael's Cathedral prominently studded among the many low lying terrace buildings of Old Qingdao.
I had scaled up Little Fish Hill and the TV tower during my first two days in Qingdao but right here at the Signal Hill Park, the views were 360 degree, more marvelous and spectacular than at the other two parks.
While at the park, I came across an artist who sat quietly at the brink of the hill slope, his mind focusing on the drawing board in front of him on the very little stroke of his brush as he painted the panoramic view of Old Qingdao from where he sat. Under his brush, the Old Qingdao appears to be the most European among the Chinese cities.
This lovely park is one of the 10 major hill parks in Qingdao and I would rate it as among the top few with her many scenic spots such as the hexagon pavilion, the YuLan pavilion, the revolving hill, the open-air tea house, the arch bridge, as well as many long enchanting corridors.
It is undeniably a memorable `gift' contributed to China in 1898 by the German Imperialists who were keen to colonialize this part of China.
When I returned to Qingdao after 6 days round the province tour to Jinan, Taian and Qufu, I picked a hotel at the Old Qingdao area near the railway station and from the hotel, it was within walking distance to the Signal Hill Park.
That morning on my last second day in Qingdao, I woke up very early at about 6 am and went on a wandering exploratory morning stroll to the Catholic Church and up to the Signal Hill Park.There was a flight of stairs leading to the Signal Hill Park from the Catholic Church. It was free admission when I visited the Signal Hill Park at that early hour. I came to a site where the white dome Old Observatory Tower was located and from there, I went around to hunt for the red dome observatory tower.
Before reaching the summit, I came to a spot where I could have a panoramic view of the Old Qingdao. As the morning sun spread her crimson rays onto this part of the island, the many old German architectural style terrace buildings in the Old Qingdao glowed lustrously with the aqueous blue sea at the background and the panoramic view was so gorgeous though a bit of misty.
I could see the distant Zhanqiao Pier, the Small Qingdao Island, the naval vessel berth by the Naval Museum and the St Michael's Cathedral prominently studded among the many low lying terrace buildings of Old Qingdao.
I had scaled up Little Fish Hill and the TV tower during my first two days in Qingdao but right here at the Signal Hill Park, the views were 360 degree, more marvelous and spectacular than at the other two parks.
While at the park, I came across an artist who sat quietly at the brink of the hill slope, his mind focusing on the drawing board in front of him on the very little stroke of his brush as he painted the panoramic view of Old Qingdao from where he sat. Under his brush, the Old Qingdao appears to be the most European among the Chinese cities.
This lovely park is one of the 10 major hill parks in Qingdao and I would rate it as among the top few with her many scenic spots such as the hexagon pavilion, the YuLan pavilion, the revolving hill, the open-air tea house, the arch bridge, as well as many long enchanting corridors.
It is undeniably a memorable `gift' contributed to China in 1898 by the German Imperialists who were keen to colonialize this part of China.
Written October 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
acton28
Manchester, UK379 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
Beginning the 2nd day of my holiday in Qingdao at the pier was great. The coast can be followed around further bus does end at a naval base, effectively forcing you to turn around. Here the number 217 bus can get you to Xinhaoshan Park (Signal Hill) and for a further 13RMB you gain entry, after a few steep steps. The rotating teashop within the old German signalling station is dated, but the view is fantastic. Whilst the smell of vending machine coffee and strawberry teas wafts by, the seats on the outer rim look out on fantastic scenery. The grounds are worth an eyeball, lofty pathways take you past fountains, many Jays flutter by or forage along the pathways, and the views are again very good. From here, boarding the 217 bus allows you to visit the market areas surrounding the Qīngdǎo Píjiǔchǎng (Tsingdao Brewery).
Written March 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ReviewChimp
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK443 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
A recent tour to Qingdao had us visiting XinHaoShan Park otherwise known as Signal Hill Park.
I'm not absolutely sure of the price, as the tour guide sorted out all of the money/paperwork, but I think it was around 10rmb, which is absolutely miniscule (around £1.14 at time of writing) considering the views that you can get once you're inside.
On the way up we came across all kinds of areas such as 'Love-Lock Bridge', which "following local customs, newly married couples would attach a lock to this bridge..." We also chanced upon 'Five Dragon Pool', which, as the name suggests contains five dragon statues in a pool. Now, I've seen photos of some of the dragons spurting water like a fountain, but this didn't happen on the day we went. A shame, but then it is just water squirting out of a few dragons statues.
Now, the main attraction, right at the top, is probably the watchtower, with an ever so slowly rotating platform, which gives you a fantastic 360 degree view of the park and, well, Qingdao.
It's a easy climb to from the front of the park to the tower, I have very dodgy knees these days and I found the climb to be a doddle.
Worth the quid entry and then some.
I'm not absolutely sure of the price, as the tour guide sorted out all of the money/paperwork, but I think it was around 10rmb, which is absolutely miniscule (around £1.14 at time of writing) considering the views that you can get once you're inside.
On the way up we came across all kinds of areas such as 'Love-Lock Bridge', which "following local customs, newly married couples would attach a lock to this bridge..." We also chanced upon 'Five Dragon Pool', which, as the name suggests contains five dragon statues in a pool. Now, I've seen photos of some of the dragons spurting water like a fountain, but this didn't happen on the day we went. A shame, but then it is just water squirting out of a few dragons statues.
Now, the main attraction, right at the top, is probably the watchtower, with an ever so slowly rotating platform, which gives you a fantastic 360 degree view of the park and, well, Qingdao.
It's a easy climb to from the front of the park to the tower, I have very dodgy knees these days and I found the climb to be a doddle.
Worth the quid entry and then some.
Written December 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sire_eris
Basel9 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
The entrance fee of Y25 which inculdes the climbing on the hill's top 'mushroom tower' (which holds a rotating 360° platform) is worth the money as you get one of the best Qingdao overviewing lookout in town.
I do recommend to combine the visit with a visit to the old German 's Governor's House very nearby, which is a real lovely place.
I do recommend to combine the visit with a visit to the old German 's Governor's House very nearby, which is a real lovely place.
Written April 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
thelonious22
Seongnam4,374 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
The 15 yuan admission is bit annoying to pay...but it has by far the best vantage point for looking down at Qingdao...admission includes the Mushroom Building which is a rotating observatory...
Written June 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laxiaozi08200912
Beijing, China1,277 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
Last Day in Qingdao briefly visited there as well! Lost control on the time, but still manage to make it to the railway station by 6pm. This park is GORGEOUS! Love the golden statue fountain in the middle of the pond!! Then because it's technically on a hill, you can certainly have a grandview of the park and the country side of Qingdao! Marvelous!
Written April 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Signal Hill Park (Qingdao) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Signal Hill Park
- Signal Hill Park is open:
- Mon - Thu 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Fri - Fri 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Hotels near Signal Hill Park:
- (0.09 mi) Black Yonglan Times Kahe
- (0.13 mi) Haishengyin Hotel
- (0.17 mi) Qingdao The Castle Hotel
- (0.18 mi) Brigtness Pioneer Hostel
- (0.36 mi) Qingdao Old Observatory Youth Hostel
- Restaurants near Signal Hill Park:
- (0.21 mi) Yi Bao AZi KaiLe Western Restaurant
- (0.21 mi) Man Zhao XinGaiNian Japanese Restaurant
- (0.28 mi) Mi Gao Coffee
- (0.29 mi) JieJiao Café
- (0.32 mi) Tongdelai Hot Pot (Dan East Road)