Local Information 

Qingdao is a picturesque coastal city that lies on the southern tip of China's Shandong Peninsula, located in JiaoZhou Bay facing the Yellow Sea.  The red roofs, green trees, blue sea, and azure sky form a bright and colorful picture of Qingdao. The city is sometimes known as the Switzerland of the Orient.
 


Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Qingdao attracts many tourists with its charming seascape. Sights like Eight Great Passes, the Zhan Bridge, Laoshan National Scenic Area, will help you remember Qingdao. Just walking on the sand and listening to the surf breaking on the beach becomes enjoyable.


Qingdao offers food with distinctive flavors--especially seafood. So take this chance to enjoy the delicious seafood of Qingdao. Also, Qingdao is the home of the famous Qingdao (Tsingtao) Beer. Have a bottle of pure Qingdao Beer right here in Qingdao!

In 2008, Qingdao hosted the Sailing Regattas of the 29th Olympic Games as well as the 13th Paralympic Games and in 2009 welcomed sailors from the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR 2008-2009).  In February-March 2010 Qingdao will once again welcome the sailors of the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race.

Qingdao Attractions

Eight Great Passes

The historic villas of the scenic area known as "Eight Great Passes' are located north of the site of Hiquan Corner. They adjoin Huiquan Bend to the west and Taiping Bend to the south. The names of the streets where these historic villas are located, are derived from eight famous passes of the Great Wall of China. They are: Shaoguan Road, Ningwuguan Road, Zijingguan Road, Jiayuguan Road, Hanguguan Road, Zhengyangguan Road, Linhuaiguan Road, and Juyongguan Road.

The villas of this area embody well the characteristics of "red tiles, green trees, green sea, blue sky" of Qingdao. Their charms first are reflected in their buildings in a multitude of styles. There are German, Russian, British and American styles; there are French, Italian, Swiss and Grecian styles; Spanish, Austrian, Japanese and even other styles. They represent the classically simple, the unsophisticated beauties and vivacious lively beauties. The reputation of "Museum of Hundreds of Nations" suits this collection of historic homes of the "Eight Great Passes' area very well.

 

 

Qingdao Number One Bathing Beach

Reputed to be the largest sandy beach in Asia, the No.1 Bathing Beach is situated on Huiquan Bay in Qingdao. Also called Huiquan Bathing Beach, this beach is noted for its clear water, mild waves and soft sand. The beautiful scenery with its European ambience can compete with Hawaii, Bali or Samet Island in Thailand. July, August and September is the best time to visit.



Surrounded on three sides by mountains, the beach is like the pearl of Huiquan Bay. The gentle slope and mild waves make the place a comfortable play area. Visitors can sunbathe here and swim near the coast, relaxing by playing volleyball or running on the sand and even dining on the beach. The region's comfortable weather makes it a good choice to avoid the summer heat. Even in winter this place is crowded with keen swimmers.  

Mountain Laoshan (Laoshan National Scenic Area)

The tall and majestic Mt. Laoshan is famous for its marvelous mountainous scenery and coastal landscape. It also holds significant importance in Taoism. Mt Laoshan is the most recognized mountain of all mountains on the coast of China. Thus it is a must to see when traveling in Qingdao.

Zhan Bridge (Zhanqiao)

Originally built in 1891 as a naval pier, Zhan Bridge can be regarded as a construction as old as Qingdao City. Now, Zhan Bridge becomes a famous scenic spot. It is 440-meter (1444-foot) long and 10-meter (33-foot) wide with giant granite supports. Lotus-shaped lamps provide illumination and decoration. At the south end of the bridge is a Chinese style octagon pavilion standing in contrast to European buildings in the background. It is called Huilan Pavilion. Some small art exhibitions are often held here.

Qingdao International Beer Festival

The first Beer Festival took place back in 1991. It is now held once a year on the second weekend of August. The festival begins with the opening ceremony, followed by 16 days of beer tasting, evening entertainment and drinking competitions, concluding with the final ceremony. The slogan for the Qingdao International Beer Festival reads: 'Qingdao-Ganbei (cheers!) with the World!', indicating the scale of the event. More than 100 beer brands from all over the world have successfully participated at the event over the past 18 years.