Check into a budget business hotel with twin beds and vegetarian breakfast options (suggested: Jinjiang Inn / equivalent) close to business areas for quick transfers. Hotels in Qingdao usually offer vegetarian selections at breakfast (tofu, steamed buns, vegetables).
USD45 (hotel per night, twin room incl. basic breakfast), 1h0m
Full work day at client office or co-working space; choose a centrally located hotel to minimize transit. Co-working drop-in or meeting-room fees available on request.
USD0 (work time; incidental local transport listed separately), 8h0m
Lunch at a nearby vegetarian-friendly Chinese restaurant (vegetarian dumplings, mapo tofu with vegetarian protein, cold noodles). Good options exist near business districts.
Short seaside walk to Zhanqiao Pier and along the Qingdao waterfront — relaxing and close to many hotels; open-air, free and a pleasant way to unwind after work.
Dinner at a recommended vegetarian-friendly restaurant (e.g., 'Pure Lotus / Veggie House'-style spot) offering Chinese vegetarian dishes and salads; menus cater to non-meat diets.
The Qingdao Beer Museum (Tsingtao Brewery) explains the city's brewing history; open ~9:00am–5:00pm. It's a short, informative stop after work and has souvenir shops.
Attend the Canton Fair (registration required). Typical hours are ~9:30am–6:00pm; for afternoon arrival, focus on targeted halls. Canton Fair admission is generally free with advance registration but allow time to pick up badges.
USD0 (Fair entry with registration; badge pickup and badge printing usually free), 4h0m
Check into budget hotel with twin beds and vegetarian breakfast options centrally located (near Dongcheng/Xicheng areas is convenient for sightseeing).
USD60 (hotel per night, twin room incl. breakfast), 1h0m
Relaxing walk in Wangfujing pedestrian street or Houhai lakeside; easy, scenic, many vegetarian snack options available (vegetarian skewers, sweet soups). Open evening.
Dinner at a vegetarian restaurant (e.g., a well-rated Beijing vegetarian or vegan restaurant offering Peking-style vegetarian dishes). Confirm vegetarian menu in advance.
The Forbidden City (open ~8:30am–5:00pm; last entry usually around 4:10pm) is the imperial palace museum and a must-see for history and architecture lovers. Buy timed tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Depart early with a small-group transfer or private shuttle to Mutianyu Great Wall (~1.5–2 hours). Mutianyu is quieter and has a cable car to reduce walking strain.
USD90 (approx. USD45 per person for roundtrip small-group transfer + entrance + cable car), 6h0m
Visit Beijing Zoo to see giant pandas (zoo open ~7:30am–5:00pm). Much closer to central Beijing than Chengdu and convenient on your final day. Note: pandas at Beijing Zoo are fewer than in Chengdu but still accessible.