[青島] Qingdao Area

Better known as Tsingtao in the West, the city borders the Yellow Sea and is a major seaport, naval base, and industrial center.

In 2009, Qingdao was named China’s most livable city. In the urban areas I was surprised by the advancements and living standards that are comparable to other major cities in the world.

Between 1898 and 1914, a portion of the province of Shandong was under German occupation. Qingdao was the administrative center of the colony and many buildings were constructed under the German rule.

Roasted duck vendor near the train station.

Transporting coal blocks. Many older homes still burn coal for heating in the winter.

We took a tour in the Tsingtao Brewery [青島啤酒廠], the largest beer brewery in China. Paddy and I glanced through the exhibits but when spent a long time studying the can and bottle packing machines.

Tsingtao is the leading beer brand in China and captures about 15% of the market share.

LOVE the translations!

The Naval base near the city center.

We visited the Naval Museum, which had a wide array of war machines on display. You can see the Soviet-Era influence in many of the aircrafts. However, the area was badly maintained and felt like a junk yard for these historic vehicles.

According to the billboards, construction is underway for a new location to store these exhibits.

Next we ventured into a retired submarine docked by the museum.

We were fortunate there were no other visitors and could wander inside leisurely. A look down the hull, a very narrow space.

Paddy looking up at the bulkhead for climbing in and out of the submarine.

Sunset seen from Signal Hill over older part of the city.

Few cities in China can you see the intermingling of German architecture with Chinese designs.

In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Qingdao hosted the sailing events. In the newer districts in the city, new vehicles fill up the wide avenues and construction of skyscrapers can be seen in every direction.