Located on the Shandong peninsula, Qingdao is a coastal city with a population of four million. The history of the city goes back to the late nineteenth century, when Germany secured Jiaozhou Bay as part of the German “sphere of influence” in China. The German connection also accounts for the fact that one of the best beers in China came from here -Tsingtao Beer, Tsingtao being the old way to Romanize the name of the city.

In addition to its economic importance, Qingdao is known for its beautiful beach and temperate climate, which make the city one of China’s best coastal resorts and tourist destinations. Among the leading attractions in the area is Zhanqiao, or the Pier, which is the oldest wharf in the city, originally built in 1891. Ba Da Guan or Eight Great Passes is, its name notwithstanding, a residential area filled with nice villas of German and Japanese architectural styles. St. Michael's Cathedral, designed by German architect Pepieruch and constructed in 1934, testifies to the historical Christian presence in the region. Those who travel to Qingdao may also want to make a journey to Lao Shan or Mount Lao; located 30 km east of Qingdao, the mountain is known for its scenic views and Daoist past.