The port city of Qingdao is in the eastern part of Shandong province. Qingdao is 10,700 sq km in area and has a population of 6.8 million. It is a modern port, but parts of the city are exceptionally picturesque, surrounded by the Yellow Sea in 3 directions and mountains to the east
Historically, Qingdao was once a sleepy fishing town but the 19th century brought dramatic changes - a naval station and garrisons were built by the rulers of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911AD) and in 1897 Germany annexed Qingdao and the surrounding Jiazhou peninsula for a period of 17 years.
The most lasting evidence of German control is the 19th century German architecture that brings the feeling of a traditional Bavarian village to Qingdao and of course the famous Tsingtao Beer, created by German expatriates in 1903 and still brewed in Qingdao today.
Qingdao also has 6 beaches and this combination of a seaside location, attractive architecture, good weather and the great Tsingdao beer, make it a popular resort.
