Qingdao Attractions
Qingdao is situated on the Yellow Sea, in the east of Shandong province.
The town boasts one of China's major sea ports, which is free of ice all the year round, and it is also the chief industrial center of Shandong province.
Qingdao is known for its mineral water from Mount Laoshan (Laoshan Kuanghuanshui).
Qingdao's mild climate and beautiful, clean beaches attract both Chinese and foreign tourists.
Qingdao (''Green Island'') was a small trading port as long ago as the Song era (960-1279). From 1874 onwards it grew in strategic importance as first fortifications and then military harbor installations were built. After 1898, when Germany enforced a 99-year lease for the Jiazhou region, Qingdao soon developed into a German town. Houses built in the contemporary turn-of-the-century style still characterize large parts of the town today. The town was occupied by the Japanese during the First World War and was promised to them when the war ended; this led to the formation of the May 4th Protest Movement in 1919. It was 1922 before Qingdao was returned to China.
Since the 1950s Qingdao has shown rapid industrial development.
The town boasts one of China's major sea ports, which is free of ice all the year round, and it is also the chief industrial center of Shandong province.
Qingdao is known for its mineral water from Mount Laoshan (Laoshan Kuanghuanshui).
Qingdao's mild climate and beautiful, clean beaches attract both Chinese and foreign tourists.
Qingdao (''Green Island'') was a small trading port as long ago as the Song era (960-1279). From 1874 onwards it grew in strategic importance as first fortifications and then military harbor installations were built. After 1898, when Germany enforced a 99-year lease for the Jiazhou region, Qingdao soon developed into a German town. Houses built in the contemporary turn-of-the-century style still characterize large parts of the town today. The town was occupied by the Japanese during the First World War and was promised to them when the war ended; this led to the formation of the May 4th Protest Movement in 1919. It was 1922 before Qingdao was returned to China.
Since the 1950s Qingdao has shown rapid industrial development.
Zhanshan Temple
Zhanshan Temple, also situated in the east of the town and encircled by hills, was built in 1934 and is the only Buddhist edifice in Qingdao. In the eastern section of the complex towers an octagonal stone pagoda of seven stories.
Beaches
In all there are seven bathing beaches (Haishui Yuchang), the most popular being those numbered 1, 2 and 3.
The largest is Beach No. 1, in the south of the town, which is 580m/640yd long. No. 2 is a little way further east, where more than 80 hotels and health clinics lie in a row. About 1km/.5mi further east still is Beach No. 3, which is not as large as the other two.
The largest is Beach No. 1, in the south of the town, which is 580m/640yd long. No. 2 is a little way further east, where more than 80 hotels and health clinics lie in a row. About 1km/.5mi further east still is Beach No. 3, which is not as large as the other two.
Market
This market in Jimo Street (Jimolu Schichang), in the town center, is renowned for the rich array of goods on sale. It is estimated that some 200,000 people visit it every day. As well as Laoshan mineral water, old furniture, second-hand bicycles, straw baskets and much, much more is here to tempt the buyer.
Pavilion of the Rebounding Waves
At the southern end of the pier stands the octagonal Pavilion of the Rebounding Waves, built in classical Chinese style. Inside, a spiral staircase leads up to the upper story.
The pier and this pavilion are regarded as Qingdao's emblems.
The pier and this pavilion are regarded as Qingdao's emblems.
Pier
The pier (Qianhai Zhanqiao), the main attraction for all visitors to Qingdao, juts 440m/1320ft from the coastal promenade into the sea. At the end it has a Chinese pavilion. A pier was first built here in 1891; it was extended to its present-day length and size in 1931.
Sun-Yat-sen Park
Sun-Yat-sen Park, Qingdao's largest, lies in the east of the town.
The beautiful plants which grow there make it a favorite place for outings.
The beautiful plants which grow there make it a favorite place for outings.
Qingdao Surroundings
Read More
Mount Laoshan
Standing at 1133 m, Mount Laoshan lies along the coast, northeast of Qingdao. It was once thought to be home to herbs with curative properties, but is today most known for unique rock formations, springs, waterfalls, and caves.
Attractions in Other Popular Destinations
