July 14th, 2025
Top 10 Places to shop for groceries in Qingdao
Where international families in Qingdao find their favorite foods
Qingdao, a vibrant coastal city, is a wonderful place for food lovers and market explorers alike. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the city’s diverse markets offer everything from fresh seafood and seasonal produce to international snacks and specialty imports. Navigating these markets is not just about shopping–it’s about experiencing the flavors and culture that make Qingdao unique.
Here’s your essential guide to the top markets in Qingdao, including what to expect, what to try, and how to find them.
1. Hema 盒马
Hema, also known as Freshippo, is a modern supermarket chain that has quickly become a favorite among Qingdao’s residents. With a focus on freshness and convenience, Hema offers a wide selection of in-house products, affordable prices, and a surprisingly robust range of imported foods. Hema provides fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats for daily groceries. Their great and fast delivery service makes shopping even easier-perfect for busy people.
2. Leaders 丽达
Leaders is a go-to supermarket for those seeking affordable prices and a strong selection of traditional Chinese food products. Located conveniently within malls, it’s a great place to pick up everyday essentials, fruits and vegetables, and pantry staples like ramen, rice, snacks, and dairy.
3. Korean Supermarket
If you’re craving international flavors or hard-to-find snacks, Qingdao’s Korean Market is the place to go. With shelves stocked full of imported goods, it’s especially popular among foreigners and locals looking for something different from the usual supermarkets.
Location: Yunling Rd, 崂山商圈 Laoshan District
4. Seafood Market in Qingdao
No trip to Qingdao is complete without a visit to one of its bustling seafood markets. Here, you’ll find the day’s shrimp, crab, fish, and shellfish-sold by local vendors. Many markets also offer on-the-spot preparation and tasting, so you can enjoy the freshest seafood right where you buy it.
Location: Shibei District
5. Laoshan Farmers Market
For those looking for a more authentic experience, the Licang Farmers Market is a must-visit. There are stalls with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and farm products, and traditional Chinese snacks you can experience. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who loves to cook with the freshest ingredients or simply wants to experience Qingdao’s everyday food culture.
Location: Laoshan Shazikou Residential District
6. MixC Mall O’le Supermarket
O’Le at MixC is ideal for those looking to buy imported specialty items from the United States, Japan, etc., or enjoy a premium grocery shopping experience in Qingdao, complementing the city’s local markets and other supermarkets. The supermarket is known for its classy atmosphere, excellent product quality, and attentive service. While prices are higher than local markets due to the imported nature of the goods, many shoppers appreciate the availability of international brands and the membership program that offers points accumulation.
Location: No. 10 Shandong Road, Shinan District
7. Hisense Plaza Supermarket
Hisense Plaza supermarket is perfect for expats and visitors who want quality imported products in a clean, well-organized setting, especially if you’re looking for German-style breads and deli items not commonly found elsewhere in Qingdao. The supermarket has a nice selection of imported foods like European cheeses, sausages, and deli items, showing Qingdao’s strong German influence.
Location: 50 Donghai W Rd, Shinan District
8. Aeon Supermarket
Aeon offers a wide selection of fresh produce, seafood, meats, dairy, bakery items, and household goods. Imported goods include Japanese, Korean, and Western brands, with a focus on quality and freshness. The stores often feature in-house bakeries and ready-to-eat meals, making them convenient for busy shoppers.
Location: Shinan District, 香港中路72号
9. Ikea
Qingdao IKEA is popular not only for its furniture and home goods but also for its reasonably priced imported food items, including smoked and frozen salmon, chocolates, coffee, and Swedish specialties. The store features plenty of parking spaces and is well served by public transport, making it a convenient stop for both home furnishing and grocery shopping.
Location: Laoshan District, 崂山区 88-18-20-1东南方向
10. Sam’s Club Qingdao (Coming in 2026)
Sam’s Club, the upscale membership-only warehouse club owned by Walmart, is set to open its first store in Shandong Province, located in Qingdao’s Shibei District. This will be the first Sam’s Club in Qingdao and marks an important expansion of the brand into the region. Sam’s Club Qingdao aims to offer an international shopping experience featuring a wide range of high-quality imported and domestic products in bulk, catering to families and businesses alike.
Location: Shibei District (Expected)
Qingdao’s markets are more than just places to shop. They’re paths into the city’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant daily life. Whether you’re searching for premium seafood, international snacks, or the freshest local produce, these markets have something for everyone. Grab your shopping bag, bring your sense of adventure, and discover the unique flavors that make Qingdao unforgettable!