May Fourth Square

五四广场

Home to the red “Wind of May” sculpture, Fushan Bay, and the Olympic Sailing Centre, May Fourth Square is the central plaza of new Qingdao. Its nightly building light show is the city’s hottest night view.

May Fourth Square sits on the eastern shore of Fushan Bay, south of the city government building, in Shinan District. Completed in 1997, it commemorates the May Fourth Movement, which was sparked by the dispute over Qingdao’s sovereignty. Covering 10 hectares, it is the centre of new Qingdao and the city’s “living room.”

Highlights:

The square’s emblem, the sculpture “Wind of May,” is a 30-metre-tall red spiral steel structure weighing 500 tonnes. It symbolizes the torch and the wind of the May Fourth Movement and is one of Qingdao’s most famous landmarks.

The seaside promenade at the south end of the square offers views across Fushan Bay to the Olympic Sailing Centre and the Lover’s Dam lighthouse.

In the evening, dozens of high-rise buildings along both sides of Fushan Bay put on a synchronized light show set to music. In peak season, shows take place nightly at about 19:30 and 20:30. In the off-season, shows are held on weekends. Check official announcements for schedules. This is Qingdao’s most popular summer night activity, and the square and Sailing Centre are the best viewing spots.

About 15 minutes on foot to the east is the Olympic Sailing Centre, which hosted the sailing events of the 2008 Olympics. It features an Olympic torch sculpture and a sailing dock, where you can take a sailboat or yacht out to sea for about 100 to 200 yuan per person. Lover’s Dam is the best place to watch the sunset and the lights.

North of the square, the city government building and nearby shopping centers, including Wanxiang City and Haier Plaza, are located nearby.

The square is free and open all day.

Getting there: Exit A of May Fourth Square station on Metro Line 2 or Line 3 brings you right to the square. From the old city, it takes about 20 minutes.

Tips: Arrive in the evening. Walk along the seaside to see the Sailing Centre and the sunset, then watch the light show. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours. In summer, the seaside night market and music fountain are lively.

Notes: The light show draws large crowds, so keep an eye on children. The seaside is windy, so bring a jacket.

May Fourth Square

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby