Qingdao Tourist Attractions
|
|
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.
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.
German-style Buildings
Qingdao attracts many summer tourists, many who visit to view the well-preserved German style buildings that dot the town. Some notable buildings include the Catholic Cathedral, and Government House.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lu Xun Gongyuan Park
This park, named after the writer Lu Xun lies in the south of the town on a rocky promontory close by the sea, and gives a wonderful view over the water.
Marine Museum
The Marine Museum (Haichan Bowuguan) in Lu Xun Gongyuan Park is divided into two sections. In one section the exhibits cover the development of marine creatures and plant life, while the other houses an aquarium.
Little Green Isle
South of the Marine Museum a pier leads to the Little Green Isle (Xiaoqing Dao), on which stands a lighthouse 15m/50ft high.
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.
Surroundings
There are numerous attractions in the Qingdao surrounding area.
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.
Map of Qingdao Attractions
Map - Qingdao Tsingtau
