Qingdao
‘Switzerland of the East’
Overview
Qingdao
Qingdao – literally translated ‘Green Island’ – the largest city in Shandong province and the #1 seaside metropolis in China is often dubbed as the ‘Switzerland of the East’. Qingdao is also a major seaport and industrial center. With a population of 9.29 million, Qingdao is leading Shandong in the size of a local economy. It is home to international electronics brands Haier and Hisense, and the manufacturing base for trains running in Boston and Philadelphia. This cozy modern city has leveraged its history as one of China’s first gateways to the outside world to achieve its modern glory of being an economic and cultural hub in Northern China.
It is a city with tasty appeals – a short but fascinating history. Having been developed as a German colony from 1891 and then occupied by Japan during the early 20th century, its legacy boasts historic architecture – hillside villas with red-colored roofs, on winding cobbled streets – alongside striking modern designs. Little Fish Hill Park would offer a fantastic view over-looking the city, and out to sea.
Qingdao is considered to be one of the most livable cities in China, with its fresh sea air, breezy and laidback vibe. It has a metro system, with 3 lines already in operation and 13 more on the way. The Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, which held the Guinness World Record for being the longest (26.7 km) roadway bridge over water in December 2012, reaches the main urban area of Qingdao – serving as an excellent introduction to the city and an impressive first sight skyline.
For a glimpse of the past, and the many influences that have shaped the Qingdao of today, the Governor’s House Museum, in the style of a German palace, makes an interesting short stop. It was built between 1905 and 1907 as the residence of the highest military and political leader of the German colony in Qingdao. The interior still contains some German and Chinese original furnishings. In 1957, Chairman Mao stayed here with his wife and kids on vacation.
For your own leisure, you won’t have to spend too long in Qingdao before you come across the ubiquitous local beer, Tsingtao. Indeed, the Tsingtao Beer Museum, on the site of the original and still-operating brewery, is a fun attraction. There are old photographs, telling the history of the beer and its brand, and some glimpses into today’s working factory lines. Visitors can sample the beer, at its freshest, and then take a walk through the ‘Drunk House’, for a hangover-free stumble!
In 2008, the sailing events were hosted in Qingdao. Qingdao is also nicknamed a ‘sailing city’ for hosting the sailing events for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and Paralympics, the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR 2008-2009) in 2009, the annual International Sailing Week, and the bi-annual Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
Transportation:
Qingdao is now connected with direct flights to South Korea, Japan, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Moscow, Madrid, Sydney, Melbourne and Vancouver. It is also connected to Beijing either by a 4-hour bullet-train ride or a 1.5-hour flight.
Since a 72-hour visa-free policy was implemented by the city in Mid-November 2015, business and leisure travelers from 51 countries can enjoy their 72 hours of visa-free stay while on an international transfer at Qingdao’s Liuting International Airport.
Food & Drink
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Tsingtao Beer Museum
Established by the Germans in 1903 and the first of its kind and the only beer museum in China, the Tsingtao Beer Museum built on the old Tsingtao Brewery Company site. The museum is housed in an accidental two-story Gothic architecture built by the Germans, exhibiting historic photographs, old brewing equipment and samples of Qingdao beer from the different eras. Finish your tour here as you walk through the Tsingtao Beer-making process, and you might just get to taste sample brews at the end. A ‘Drunk Room’ with slanted walls and tilted flooring will get you “drunk” in
Experience
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Kaolao Island
There is an ancient village on the Kaolao Island of Qingdao. This ancient architectural village was left by wealthy merchants during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). According to the village’s ethnic history, this ancient village was developed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). In the beginning, villagers had relied on fishing as their main source to live on for for generations. As soon as the ports were established in Jinkou, merchant ships had sailed in and out of Kaolao Island and villagers started to abandon their fishing business and turned to marine transportation businesses.
Yinlan One Night
Yinlan One Night in Qingdao has a famous review of “Built on the mountains, facing the sea.” This phrase alone can tell you what the theme of this beautiful homestay hidden within Mount Lao is.
Zhucha Island
There is a small island with beautiful scenery on the west coast of Qingdao, which is formed by volcanic eruption rocks, called Zhucha Island. The first thing you see when you arrive is the ancient stone mill at the entrance of the village. The village is small, but there are quite a few places to visit.
Baolong Art Museum
Qingdao’s Baolong Art Museum is a place to see China’s top contemporary paintings. This trendy museum is built by a Chinese conglomerate, the Baolong group in their persistent effort to commercialize fine arts. On Jan 12th, China’s National Ethnic Minority Art Touring Exhibit hosted by China National Arts Society for the Shandong Tour Exhibition opens.
Jiaozhou Bay Bridge
Built in 1903, this former German governor’s residence was constructed in the style of a German palace. The mansion is one of Qingdao’s best examples of concession-era architecture, with 30 guest rooms each owning a unique fireplace and Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) style. The building was so lavish that the indulgent governor was said to be immediately fired when German Emperor and King of Prussia Kaiser Wilhelm II saw the final invoice.
Laoshan Tea Culture Festival
Mt. Lao’s green tea is moderately priced, but a premium tea. Its fragrance is very intense, similar to the “Rizhao Green” tea. The festival activities include tea leaf picking with the local, tea roasting demonstrations and a chance to enjoy tea rituals while tasting freshly picked tea at the many tea houses.
Former site of the German Prison Museum
The oldest prison from the German colonization era has been well kept with many exhibits of the early 1900s. You can find German traces everywhere in Qingdao. Even today, the German-built water waste pipeline is still functioning well.
World War I Museum
The museum offers detailed recounts of how the Qingdao people lived during WWI. Qingdao was colonized by Germany during the 1900s. It is interesting to see the local’s perspective on such a historical event. This is one of the very few WWI museums in China.
Mashan (马山) Stone Forest
A local rarity – the Mashan Stone Forest is formed from the magma’s condensation on the southwestern side of the mountain to form a quadrilateral vertical column. This site is listed on China’s Natural Beauty National Registrar. The site is 7 km north of Jimo City, which is 30 km outside of Qingdao City.
Dazhu (大珠) Mountain Scenic Area
A great weekend getaway destination to encounter a vast number of historical footprints throughout the mountainous area. Up to today, you can still find monks’ residences. Be sure to hike up to the top for an awesome scenery to capture.
Shopping
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Facekini
Just by Qingdao’s coastline, you can often find people wearing these overhead masks for protection against the sun, and only exposing their eyes and mouth. After it got popular online, the name “facekini” was quickly trending. Now, the facekini has been accepted as a fashion trend and adopted by many fashion designers in their clothing lines.
Events
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2018 Red Forest EU Youth Music Festival
Organized by the European Union Youth Orchestra Music Festival Alliance, this music festival has now become an annual event attracting youths all over the world to Qingdao. It has now become the world’s largest youth symphonic orchestra extravaganza.
Jiaozhou Wujia (胶州吴家) Walnut Tourism Festival
Walnut shell carving is a collectable item that is often in high demand for noble men, and even Emperors. You can certainly see them at Beijing’s Forbidden City; but to see the carvings in action, Wu Village Walnut festival is a stop that you cannot miss.
Laoshan Tea Culture Festival
Mt. Lao’s green tea is moderately priced, but a premium tea. Its fragrance is very intense, similar to the “Rizhao Green” tea. The festival activities include tea leaf picking with the local, tea roasting demonstrations and a chance to enjoy tea rituals while tasting freshly picked tea at the many tea houses.
Qingdao Sea Marathon
Have you seen people running across the sea? The Qingdao Sea Marathon is the only cross-sea bridge marathon in China. The race has four different categories: groups, full marathon, half marathon, 10 km experience family group. The total reward could be rewarded up to $55,000.
Location: From Qingdao Gaoxin District to Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Bridge (青岛市高新区胶州湾大桥)
Qingyun Palace Temple Fair
It is the oldest, simplest and most original folk custom tradition in Qingdao and recognized as the district-level intangible cultural heritage. You can pray for good fortune, watch folk traditions, watch Chinese traditional drama, and sample snacks.
Location: Qingdao Hongdao Street, Gaojia County（ 青岛市红岛街高家村）
Zhanshan Temple Fair
Built in 1945 and still a functional sanctuary, this Buddhist monastery holds religious events on the second week of every April of the Lunar Calendar to observe the Buddha’s birthday. This event attracts thousands of Buddhists to flock in.
Location: Qingdao Shinan District Zhongshan Park (青岛市文登路中山公园)
China International Consumer Electronics Show
The only national professional consumer electronics fair approved by the State Council. The show often collaborates with the American Consumer Electronics Association.
Location: Western Coast Jinsha Beach Beer City (西海岸金沙啤酒城)
Qingdao International Beer Festival
Since 1991, the Qingdao Beer Festival is the #1 sold out event in Qingdao. Sponsored by Qingdao municipal government, the event is getting bigger and more popular every year. The 16-day festivity has drawn over 3 million visitors worldwide. Beers from the event originate
山东省文化和旅游厅 Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism
美国友康科技有限公司 U-Combination Technology (USA) Inc.
Authorized agency for Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism in the U.S.
(山东省文化和旅游厅在美授权机构)
150 E Swedesford Rd, Suite 101,
Wayne, PA 19087
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