Haidilao is a Chinese hotpot chain that has become a cult brand. It is a restaurant, not a sight: you sit around a pot of simmering broth and cook raw ingredients at the table.
The main draws are the choice of broths, ranging from mild chicken to fiery spicy, the self-service bar where you mix your own sauces and pick up snacks, and the service with show elements from the staff.
Practical advice: budget from about 150 yuan per person, which is above average for Qingdao. If you are not used to Sichuan-style heat, start with the mild chicken broth. Plan around 1.5 hours for a relaxed meal; it works best as a dinner with a group, since hotpot is designed for sharing.
