Getting there

Lying on the south coast of the Shandong Peninsula, Qingdao is directly served by air or passenger train services, making it easily accessible from any of the major cities.

A mild climate and spectacular scenery make the city a popular holiday destination, especially in summer when visitors flock to the seaside to escape the heat.

Tsingtao Beer is not the only charm of this picturesque coastal city. The 110-year-old pier, for instance, is the city's most famous symbol.

Stretching 400 m into the sea, the 10-m-wide jetty ends with Huilange Pavilion, a colorful two-story octagonal structure with carved beams and painted eaves that is a romantic location under the moonlight.

Xiaoyu Hill is Qingdao's old town, filled with quaint stone houses, villas and buildings, built by the Germans during their short rule of the city at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Guest House is perhaps the most impressive. Built in 1906, it once served as the official residence of the German governor-general. Still in beautiful condition, it has an antique ivory piano and crystal and ruby chandeliers. Ask one of the tour guides for information on this legendary house and its famous occupants.

Mount Laoshan is another must-see site. Located 20 km east of Qingdao, it rises majestically from the sea, highlighted by strange rocks and precipitous cliffs.

(China Daily March 13, 2008)