Roaming the World (1611): Glimpses of Qingdao
In mid-October 2022, during a trip to Shandong, I visited Qingdao. Photos were taken in Qingdao.
I've been to Qingdao many times. This was the shortest visit, not even a cursory glance. I can only share some casual snapshots. Photos taken in Qingdao.
Entering Qingdao, we passed by the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, a new landmark of the city.
Wusi Square is another new landmark. It was awarded the title of 'First Batch of National Characteristic Cultural Squares' by the Ministry of Culture. The iconic sculpture 'May Wind' features a spiraling, fiery red form, embodying the patriotic and national spirit of the May Fourth Movement against imperialism and feudalism.
The Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center Scenic Area is located on the shore of Fushan Bay, facing the iconic Wusi Square across the water. Covering about 45 hectares, it was the venue for the 2008 Beijing Olympics sailing events and the 29th Paralympic sailing competitions. A distant view of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center.
The Olympic Sailing Center is nestled between mountains and sea, offering pleasant scenery. It is the only national coastal tourism and leisure demonstration zone in China.
Qingdao is known as the 'Sailing Capital', and this scenic area best showcases the city's character and image.
Within the scenic area, there is the grace of distant sails, the 'Autumn Tide at Yan Island' (one of Qingdao's ten classic scenes), the modern 'Gulls Soaring Rainbow' landscape, and many thrilling entertainment experiences. It is a must-see for visitors to Qingdao.
Street view near the Olympic Sailing Center
Sea view near the Olympic Sailing Center
Sea view near the Olympic Sailing Center
Street view near the Olympic Sailing Center
Sightseeing cars on the Olympic Sailing Center plaza
Beer cafe near the Olympic Sailing Center
An artist painting portraits
Although Qingdao has a relatively short history as a city, most major events in modern Chinese history are connected to it, giving it an extremely rich cultural heritage. There are 28 square kilometers of historic urban area, 15 historical and cultural blocks, including Badaguan and Xiaoyushan, which are national historical and cultural blocks. In the 6.9-square-kilometer core old town, there are 85 protected cultural relics at various levels, nearly a thousand heritage buildings, 313 historically excellent buildings, 50 former residences of celebrities, and many other traditional-style structures. Zhanqiao Pier is a key landmark and famous scenic spot of Qingdao.
Zhanqiao Pier is located at 10 Taiping Road, Shinan District, within Zhanqiao Park, at the end of Zhongshan Road. On the globally famous Tsingtao Beer label, the pier, which is as old as the city, is printed. A distant view of Zhanqiao Pier.
Zhanqiao Pier was among the first national-level scenic spots announced by the State Council in 1982 and one of the first AAAA-rated tourist attractions.
The Huilan Pavilion on Zhanqiao Pier has become a symbol of Qingdao. The first of the 'Ten Scenic Spots of Qingdao' is 'Flying Pavilion Over Waves'. The three characters on the 'Huilan Pavilion' plaque were originally inscribed by former Qingdao Mayor Shen Honglie. The plaque was looted to Japan during the second occupation of Qingdao and displayed in the Tokyo Army Museum to boast their 'achievements' in the invasion of China. Now the characters are written by the famous calligrapher Shu Tong.
After several renovations and reconstructions, the pier now measures 401.45 meters in length, with a 236.1-meter approach span, a 149.7-meter arch bridge, and a 15.65-meter triangular pier head at Huilan Pavilion.
The beach to the west of Zhanqiao Pier is Qingdao's Sixth Bathing Beach, the smallest in the urban area, with fine, soft sand especially suitable for beach fun.
Qingdao's 'Badaguan Scenic Area' is located east of Taipingjiao Huiquan in Qingdao, Shandong Province. It is a famous scenic resort and sanatorium area, covering over 70 hectares. Ten quiet, tree-lined roads crisscross the area, named after eight famous passes in China, hence the name 'Badaguan' (Eight Great Passes).
