Qingdao
INTRO
Qingdao is unlike any other place in China. It is a modern seaside city distinguished with European architecture, clean streets, Buddhist temples, beaches, distinctive cuisine and first class hotels. As its name suggests, it is a "green" and "lush" "island" that attracts with its 21st century Chinese atmosphere.
City Profile
City: Qingdao
Country: China
Area: 10,654 km²
Population: 7,311,200
Districts:12
Mayor: Xia Geng
Language: Mandarin
LOCATION
Located in the eastern part of Shandong Province on the Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao is a major port city on the Yellow Sea and thus plays a significant part in China's export industry. Thanks to the picturesque Laoshan Mountain that is situated east of the city, Qingdao enables its visitors to enjoy both beaches and the refreshment of hiking.
TIME TO VISIT
The climate in Qingdao can generally be characterised as semi-humid. Summers are really hot and because of the humidity the perceived temperature is higher than the actual one. It is possible for the thermometers to reach 33 degrees Celsius, especially during July, the hottest month of the year. Winters are cold but not excessively with average temperatures around 1 degree Celsius. Most of the rainfall throughout the year falls in May and June. Usually, the preferred time for a visit in Qingdao is during the summer, from July till September. This period coincides with the famous Qingdao International Beer Festival that is held in August every year. Other annual festivals include Qingdao Ocean Festival in July and Qingdao Beach Music Festival from mid-July till mid-August.
POPULATION
Because of Qingdao's growing export economy and higher living standards compared to other smaller cities in the province, the number of people living in the city and its adjacent districts has been gradually increasing. Presently, Qingdao houses more than 7 million inhabitants, excluding the immigrants who come here to work and do not have permanent residence. The majority of the population are Chinese but a large number of Koreans also reside here. The official language is Mandarin and few people speak and understand English, apart from those working in the hotels.
DISTRICTS
The city of Qingdao is administratively divided into 7 districts and five county-level cities.
- Shinan District, or better known as downtown, is where all the major hotels as well as shopping malls, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants are located. The major tourist attractions, including temples, churches, the pier and the beach are also within its limits.
- Huangdao District is mostly an industrial and business district southwest of downtown.
- Chengyang District
- Laoshan District, harbours the respected Taoist Laoshan Mountain with its numerous hiking trails and a couple of temples
- Licang District
- Sifang District
- Shibei District
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Qingdao is a modern city that tries to keep its guests entertained. Depending on your interests, you can choose from sailing in the Yellow Sea, sunbathing on the beaches, sightseeing in the old German neighbourhood or visit the following most popular tourist destinations.
- Qingdao Brewery is open for the public and has a very good museum part where one can learn everything about the brewing process and the history of beer advertising. The brewery was first open during the 1800s when the Germans took control over the city. Today, it is the most profitable beer brewery in Qingdao and you can buy Qingdao beer at any shop or restaurant. At the end of the self-guided tour, tourists are invited to taste not only Qingdao but also other international beer brands.
http://www.tsingtaobeer.com/index.htm/ - Zhanshan Temple is a typical Buddhist temple situated below the Zhanshan Hill. A large number of Buddhist sculptures and scriptures as well as a huge pagoda are among the highlights of the temple. It was built in 1945 and is perfectly preserved and open for the public.
- Zhanqiao Pier known as Rainbow on the Waves is the symbol of Qingdao city. At the end of it stands the logo of the Qingdao beer, an octagonal pavilion. The pier was built in 1891 and was the first wharf in the city. Today, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourist as many souvenir and food booths can be found all around its area.
- Eight Passes Villas Scenic Area, also known as the Badaguan Scenic Area, is a picturesque area featuring many foreign villas, the gothic-style Princess Building and the Huashi Building which used to be the home of the president Kuomintang. The area is commonly chosen for wedding pictures by the locals.
- Laoshan Mountain is the most famous seaside mountain in China that houses a number of Taoist temples. You can get with a cable car up to the top and visit one of the temples situated on top. There are a number of teahouses on the way to the top as well as a beautiful monastery nearby. In case you do not feel like climbing, friendly Chinese people will carry you up to the temple for a quite reasonable price.
AIRPORT
Everyday flights from both within and outside the country provide transportation for the passengers going to Qingdao.
- Qingdao Liuting International Airport is located 36 km north from downtown Qingdao. The easiest way to get to the centre is by taking a taxi which costs approximately 60-70 Yuan. Otherwise, bus is available for 15 Yuan per person.
More info at: http://www.qdairport.com/
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Getting around Qingdao is easy and inexpensive.
- Buses are the most common means of transportation for the locals. It might be a little overwhelming to rely on them though so unless you speak Chinese or you know what the route of the bus is, avoid taking it.
- Taxis are abundant in the city and metred. Most of the drivers, however, don't speak English so you either need to show them where you want to go on a map or just ask at the reception desk in your hotel for assistance.
- Rickshaws can be found and waved down anywhere around the city of Qingdao, especially around the ferry boats terminals. Make sure to negotiate the price in advance. It shouldn't cost more than 5-10 Yuan.
- Ferry boats from downtown Qingdao to the other districts are available and leave almost every hour.
HISTORY
Previously, the area of present Qingdao was called Jiao'ao and was under the administration of the Qing Dynasty. The Qing government attempted to build a city and turned it into a defense base against any sort of naval attack. It was not until 1897, however, that the city was transformed into an important port city by the Germans who took control over the area. It is during that time when the renowned Qingdao Brewery was built along with other German buildings that comprise a significant part of the city's tourist attractions today. Not long after the beginning of the World War I, the British intended a minor naval attack toward the Germans that concluded with the occupation of the city by the Japanese, who were in alliance with the British forces. In the middle of the 19th century, the Chinese regained control over Qingdao and continued its development as a transportation hub with the neighboring countries. Today, Qingdao is a modern port city that is preparing to host a part of the 2008 Summer Olympics.
CITY LINKS
- Qingdao Daily Press: A Daily Online Newspaper in English: http://eng.qingdaonews.com//
- Qingdao Travel Guide: http://www.thatsqingdao.com/
- Useful Tips: http://wikitravel.org/en/Qingdao
- Qingdao Official Website: http://english.qingdao.gov.cn/
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- Ocean University of China: http://www.ouc.edu.cn/
- Qingdao University: http://www.qdu.edu.cn/english/index.htm
- Qingdao University of Science and Technology: http://www.qust.edu.cn/
- Qingdao Hotel and Management College: http://www.qchm.com/