Xiaoyushan Park is one of Qingdao's best short climbs, a small hill garden with pavilions looking over the red roofs, bays, beaches, and German-era streets below. It takes little time to reach the top, which makes the payoff unusually generous.
Come on a clear day, ideally early or late when the sea light is kinder. The park works well before or after the nearby museums and bathing beaches, giving you a compact overview of why Qingdao's setting is so appealing.