First of all I'd like to say that everybody can enjoy the public bus system even if they don’t speak Chinese!  Remember that the bus system in Qingdao is unique--it is circular.  Most bus conductors are very tolerant towards foreigners and all one has to do to get off at his or her stop is to show the conductor or ticket lady your destination stop. This can be found by typing the bus line number into our search engine.  The public bus is a great way to learn more about Qingdao!  In this first article of the public bus series I would like to talk about my favorite bus, #317.

Bus #317 is a special public bus in the sense that it is a scenic or tourist kind of bus.  This bus drives very slow and follows the coast line.  The Bus starts at ShiLaoRen (Old Stone Man Beach) and can be taken to visit all the beaches between ShiLaoRen and Beach Number 1.  You can also stop at one of the many gardens and parks that boasts Qingdao's sculpture collection.  Sculpture Meuseum Park, Garden of the Sea Rythm, Garden of the Winds, Garden of the Joyous Sea, Yan Er Dao Park,  May 4th Square and the Garden of the Sea Billows.  

Bus #317 would be a good bus for amateurs to start with.  It is a special bus because it drives so slow and you can get a great view of the coastline if traffic allows.  You can pick up the bus behind Jusco on Dong Hai Lu, at the Fu Zhou Lu Stop.