Qingdao
Qingdao is a city located in the Shandong Province of the People’s Republic of China. It lies south of Yantai, east of Weifang and north of Rizhao. Quingdao is a traditional Chinese phrase meaning “green island”. The area of Quindao has been inhabitanted for about six thousand years. The Dongyi tribes lived in the area and created the Longshan, Dawnkou and Dongyeshi civilizations. During the nineteenth century, the Qing government transformed Qingdao into a military installation to defend the city against naval attacks. This process of fortification was observed by German military officials while they were conducting an exploration of Kiautschou Bay in 1897. The following year when the city was ceded to Germany, their military turned the town into a port under the authority of the Reichsmarineamt. It was from this point that Germany based its squandrons for their Pacific operations. During this time, German military officials visited the city and expanded its infrastructure with improved water, sewer and electrical operations.
Prior to World War I, German forces led by Admiral Count von Spee were situated over most of the Pacific colonies. The fleet then met up in Marianas to travel back to Germany instead of being pinned down by enemy forces. In 1914, the British attacked the German colony, but didn’t seize it. It wasn’t until a little while later that the city would fall into foreign hands when Japan declared war on Germany and invaded the city. The city wouldn’t come under Chinese rule again until 1922. The city was then made a sub-provincial city under the direct control of the People’s Republic of China. The city would once again be invaded by the Japanese during World War II. After the war the city would once again revert back to the control of the People’s Republic of China. Qingdao is a popular tourist attraction primarily due to it location by the sea and its mild weather. Its full of restaurants, hotels, beaches and shops. It also has its fair share of cultural and historical attractions. The most prominent of these attractions is Qingdao Number One Bathing Beach. This beach is located on Huiquan Bay and is called by the locals Huiquan Bathing Beach.
This beach is famous for its crystal blue water, tame waves and fluffy sand. This beach was originally made in 1901 and covers and area of almost nine acres. This beach features restaurants, chalets, ballrooms, bars and cafes. It also has over nine hundred showers and the entire area is monitored by a closed circuit security system. A natural wonder of Qingdao is Mt. Laoshan. This mountain is not only a beautiful point of natural interest but also contains significant historical attractions. The southern side of the mountain is littered with natural points of interest and Taoist buildings. These include Taiqing Palace, Longtan Waterfall and Xufu Islet. Taiqing Palace is truly a wonder was built over two thousand years ago and covers an area of ninety thousand square feet. The central peaks of the mountain are lined with exotic trees, flowers and plants. One of the most prominent features is the Chaoyin Waterfall. The eastern side has a great assortment of sights which include Huayan Temple, Naluoyan Cavern, the Lion Peak, Taiping Palace and Naluoyan Buddha Cavern.
Zhan Bridge is another attraction that visitors should check out. Its also one that is called by a whole variety of different names. Some of the names for this attraction is Grand Pier, Qianhai Zhan Bridge and Nanhai Zhan Bridge. No matter what you call it, however, its the undisputed symbol of Qingdao. This bridge was erected in 1891 to be used as a naval pier. This bridge is over fourteen hundred feet long and thirty-three feet wide and is supported by huge granite supports. At the entrance to the bridge is a octagon pavilion called Huilan Pavilion. Many time throughout the year art exhibitions are held here. Qingdao is a city that loves its festivals. Some of the festivals and fairs held here include Qingdao International Beer Festival, China International Afforestation Fair, Qingdao Ocean Festival, China International Fishery Fair, Qingdao International Fashion Week, the Bar-Culture Festival, International Exposition of electronic home appliances, SMEs Technology Conference and Fair, Qingdao Fishing Competition, International Maritime Exhibition, Qingdao International Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Qingdao International Beach Festival. |
