Qingdao

Qingdao (also known as Tsingtao) is a major city in eastern Shandong Province, Eastern China, Asia.

Qingdao City lies on the east shore of Jiaozhou Bay and comprises of four districts from south to north. Shinan District runs along the sea with most of the city's major hotels, attractions and beaches located here.

Qingdao Railway Station can be found at 2 Tai'an Road, at the west end of Shinan District.

Buses can be caught from the railway station along the coast via Donghai Xi Lu to all the beaches in the modern eastern part of town.

Zhan Qiao pier is at the southern shore of Qingdao off Zhongshan Road. An octagonal pavilion called the Billowing Back and Forth Tower, stands at the end of the pier and was constructed in 1930. Zhan Qiao Pier is viewed in the eyes of many as the official symbol of Qingdao as it was made famous by featuring on the label of the Tsingtao Brewery beer bottles and cans.

In the vicinity of Zhan Qiao Pier is the small Qingdao Island (Xiao Qingdao), the Qingdao Navy Museum, and many neighbourhoods featuring German colonial architecture.

Qingdao Municipal Museum includes exhibits of art and antiquities of ancient to modern Qingdao, as well as exhibits on porcelain and calligraphy (closed Mondays).

Qingdao Underwater World/Qingdao Aquarium consists of four main areas on both sides of the street connected via an underground tunnel. One highlight is the moving platform that takes visitors in a tunnel through the aquarium. During the summer it can get very busy.

Polar Ocean World is an aquarium which focuses on polar animals, including polar bears and penguins.

Zhanshan Temple, situated at the foot of Zhanshan Hill, to the east of Taiping Hill) was built in 1945. It has five halls and a pagoda, with an area of 20,000 square meters. The temple boasts a large collection of carved statues of Buddha and Buddhist scriptures.

Xiao Qingdao Park (Little Qingdao Island), is the island from which Qingdao takes its name. The Island was used for military purposes for many years, and it features a lighthouse built by the Germans in the 1900s. The Japanese later built a bridge to the island. Visitors may also tour the botanical gardens and enjoy the views of Qingdao.

Luxun Park is a beachside park, located between Xiao Qingdao Park and the No. 1 Bathing Beach.

Taiqing Palace (also called Xiaqing Palace or Xia Palace), is located at the foot of Laojun Peak, at the southern foot of Laoshan Mountain. It faces the Yellow Sea and leans against seven peaks.

Other tourist attractions include Wusi Square, Mt. Laoshan and Badaguan (Eight Passes) Scenic Area.

The main shopping areas include Taidong, Zhongshan Road and Li Village Shopping Areas. Souvenirs to buy range from shell carvings, Laoshan Yunfeng Tea (green tea) and Tsingtao Beer to Jimo Rice Wine, Laoshan Rock and textiles.

Fresh fish and seafood feature heavily on menus. Local dishes to try include Yingzhou Bayu (mackerel), steamed Hongdao oyster Guxiangcun Noodles with Prawn and Changcheng Fried Seafood Buns. Don't forget to sample the famous Qingdao (Tsingtao) Beer too.

Cruise ships dock at Qingdao Port.

There are usually shuttle buses to take visitors in the centre of the city, which is around 2 miles away from the Qingdao Passenger Transport Centre.

Taxis are cheap and plentiful, however taxi drivers may only speak Chinese so ensure they understand where you want to go and have them use their meter.