City Guild:Qingdao

CONTENT

1. General introduction
   

   
   

Qingdao, also spelt Tsingtao, is a city in eastern Shandong Province on the east coast

of China as well as the largest city in Shandong province. Administered at the sub-provincial

level, Qingdao has jurisdiction over seven districts and five county-level cities. According to

the 2010 census, the built-up area made up of 6 urban districts and Jimo City had 5,764,384

inhabitants, while the total population of the sub-provincial city is up to 8.71 million. Lying

across the Shandong Peninsula and looking out to the Yellow Sea, it borders Yantai to the

north-east, Weifang to the west and Rizhao to the southwest.
Qingdao is now a major commercial port, the fourth largest after Shanghai, Shenzhen and

Tianjin. The development strategy of the city promotes marine research centers from which

flows a strong activity in the fisheries sector. Internationally, Qingdao is perhaps best known

for its Tsingtao Brewery, founded by a German-British joint venture in 1903 that produces

Tsingtao beer, the best-known Chinese export beer.

Location & population
  
At the southern end of Shandong Peninsula and along the coast of Yellow Sea, there lies

the city of Qingdao, with an area of 10654 square kilometers and a total population of

7.63 million, and with seven districts and five cities under its jurisdiction.

Climate
Qingdao has a temperate, four-season, monsoon-influenced climate that lies in the

transition between the humid subtropical and humid continental regimes, but favoring

the former. Winter is cool to cold and windy, but generally dry, with a January average

of −0.5 °C (31.1 °F). Summer is generally hot and humid, but very hot days are rare, with

an August average of 25.3 °C (77.5 °F). Due to its proximity to the coast and being on a

peninsula, it experiences a one-month delayed spring compared to most inland areas of

China,[11] and the annual diurnal temperature variation is only 6.3 °C (11.3 °F). Conversely,

autumn is milder than inland areas in Shandong. The water temperature peaks at about

25 °C (77 °F) in late August, with swimming possible two months on either side. The

annual mean temperature is 12.6 °C (54.7 °F). Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate.

Summers are very hot and humid while the winters are mild but can be cold sometimes.

In summer, temperatures can easily exceed 35 ° C with very high humidity and the heat

drops slightly at night.

Economy & industry
An important region in Eastern China, Shandong Province has seen substantial change

in its economic landscape in recent years. Much of this development has been

concentrated in Qingdao. Qingdao has seen rapid development. With an annual growth

rate of 18.9 percent in 2006, the city's GDP reached 42.3 billion, ranking first in Shandong

Province and tenth out of China's top 20 cities. GDP per capita comprised¥52,895 (US$7,616)

in 2008. The GDP has grown steadily at an average pace of 16% annually. In 2006, Qingdao

was ranked one of six "golden cities" by the World Bank, out of 120 Chinese cities assessed

on factors including investment climate and government effectiveness.
Internationally, Qingdao is perhaps best known for its Tsingtao Brewery, founded by a

German-British joint venture in 1903 that produces Tsingtao beer, the best-known Chinese

export beer. It is also home to Haier, a large white goods manufacturer, and Hisense, a

major electronics company. In 2002 guitar manufacturers Epiphone opened a factory

in Qingdao.

2. Transportation
Qingdao's public traffic owns 5283 large and medium-sized buses, CNG buses as of

2012.There are also 136 trolleybuses as of 2012. There are 260 bus routes and 3 trolleybus

routes as of 2012. All of these buses and trolleybuses can be accessed using the Qingdao

Public Traffic IC Card (Qin dao Card), which uses radio frequencies so the card does not

have to physically touch the scanner. Non air-conditioned busses cost 1 yuan. The volume

of road passenger transport approaches 0.8 billion per year. The Public Transport Brand

of 'Ri-Xin Bus' is also known in China.

Taxis
There are a number of taxi companies in Qingdao including Yiqing Company, Zhongqing

Company, Jiaoyun Company and Huaqing Company.

Metro
After getting the approval from the State Council, the government announced on 18

August 2009 that Qingdao is ready to spend more than 29 billion yuan ($4.2 billion)

before 2016 on its subway construction. Construction of 54.7 km (34.0 mi) of subway

line will be completed before 2016 with a total investment of 29.2 billion yuan ($4.3

billion). Metro Line 3 will be the first line in function and is planned to open in 2015.

In the long term, the city plans to build eight subway lines in downtown and some

suburban districts, which account for 231.5 km (143.8 mi) in future.

Airport
Qingdao Liuting International Airport (IATA: TAO, ICAO: ZSQD) (Chinese: 青岛流亭

国际机场); is the main airport serving the city of Qingdao, in Shandong Province,

China. It is about 31 kilometres (19 mi) from the city center. Qingdao is a focus city

for China Eastern Airlines and Shandong Airlines. Its IATA code is used for its former

name Tsingtao.
From 2004 to 2006, the airport underwent an expansion of its terminal as well as

adding more parking spaces which was part of its initial 2010 goal to expand Liuting

Airport to handle 5.2 million passengers annually or 2400 passengers and almost 120,000

tons of cargo hourly. The runway was also extended to its current length.

Railway station
Qingdao Station (simplified Chinese: 青岛站; traditional Chinese: 青島站; pinyin: Qīngdǎo

zhàn) is a railway station in Qingdao, Shandong, in the People's Republic of China. In the

years leading up to the 2008 Summer Olympics, the station underwent a significant

renovation in order to accommodate increased passenger traffic for the Olympic period

and afterwards. The new station is an example of German architectural traits incorporated

into a Chinese-designed building, which is consistent with many structures in Qingdao.

3. Education & Health care

International Schools
Qingdao Amerasia International School
“Stimulate the Mind * Touch the Heart * Nurture the Spirit”
Qingdao Amerasia International School provides world-class education from Early

Childhood through Grade 12. Our inquiry-based curriculum is focused on rigorous,

experiential learning at all levels, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and

attitudes to be successful in the twenty-first century. QAIS curriculum is aligned to the

American Common Core Standards. From Montessori Early Childhood to university

preparation, we do everything possible to inspire a love of learning in every student.

International and expat families in Qingdao are welcome to visit our campus,

conveniently located in the downtown Shinan district.
Address: 6 Donghai Xi Lu, Qinghai
Contact: 0532 83889900
Email: Info@QingdaoAmerasia.org
Website: www.QingdaoAmerasia.org

Qingdao International School
This very multi-national school offers modern facilities and equipment, highly trained

faculty, library, full gymnasium, arts and crafts space, computer laboratory, school

busses, full track, winter pageants, and a host of school-related activities and

extra-curricular activities. Pre K-12 programs available. Tuition fees and additional

feels per year range from RMB80,000-150,000.
Address: Middle Section of Songling Lu, Shilaoren National Resort, Qingdao
Contact: 0532-88908000
Website: www.qiss.org.cn

Qingdao MTI International School
Opened for the children of expatriate foreign nationals living and/or working in

China, Qingdao MTI offers a kindergarten through 12th grade curriculum based

on accredited international educational science. Full library, extracurricular activities,

athletic programs and full athletics equipment are provided.
Address: 6 Donghai Xilu, Qingdao
Contact: 0532-83895006
Website: www.qmischina.com/content
Yew Cheng International School
Founded in Hong Kong in 1932, this oldest of international schools offers a K-12

boarding school experience on a commodious campus. Curriculum is based on the

British education system, and is designed to give students fluency in both Mandarin

and English.
Address: 1 Shique Lu, Qingdao Economic Developing Zone, Qingdao
Contact: 0532-8687 1122
Website: www.ycis-qd.com

Hospitals
Qingdao Central Hospital
Address: 127 Siliu Nanlu, Qingdao
Contact: 0532-84855192
Hours: 0:00 - 24:00
Website: www.qdzxyy.com

Qingdao People's Hospital
Address: 17 Dexian Lu, Qingdao
Contact: 0532-82852127
Hours: 0:00 - 24:00

Qingdao Wanjie Hospital
Address: 59 Haier Lu, Qingdao
Contact: 0532-88893333
Hours: 0:00 - 24:00
Website: http://wjyl.wanjie.com

Subsidiary Hospital of Qingdao University Medical
Address: 16 Jiangsu Lu, Qingdao
Contact: 0532-82911847
Hours: 0:00 - 24:00
Website: http://qdumh.qd.sd.cn/

4. Recreation
Shopping
There are four shopping areas in the cityan area, Tianjin Walking Street,

Renmin Lu and Xi'an Lu.
1. Qingniwan
Like Beijing's Wangfujing and Shanghai's Nanjing Lu, Qingniwan area close to Dalian

Railway Station is a commercial landmark of the city and a popular tourist destination.

With a good location in front the railway station, a group of large department stores and

malls make this area the busiest shopping center in the city. Qiulin Women Shop and Dalian

Shopping Center are two main choices in this area.
Location: In front of the railway station in the downtown area
2. Tianjin Walking Street
This was a century-old shopping street with numerous stores and stalls. In recently years,

the government turned it into an extravagant European style shopping area with all sorts

of well known brands housed in a great number of skyscrapers. The top-end shopping

building, Friendship Shopping City, is on this street.
Location: north of Zhongshan Square and east to Shengli (Victory) Square
Getting there: You can take Tourist Bus 801 (B) and 901 from the railway station
3. Xi'an Lu
This is a popular choice for locals with many supermarkets including Carrefour, Parkson,

Wal Mart and other domestic retail outlets.
Location: in the western part of the city
Recommended Shopping Places
It is impossible to list all shopping places in the city so we recommended a selection of

famous malls, supermarket with descriptions on what they offer.
1. Shengli Square Shopping Center [Downtown]
It has a collection of fashionable woman dresses, children's commodity, sportswear and

men's suits. It is a must for shopping lovers.
Address: No. 28, Shengli (Victory) Square
2. Qiulin Woman's Shop [Downtown]
As named, in addition to fashion clothes, home appliance and commodities, this

seven-story building offers a selection of woman's merchandise including jewelry,

cosmetics, women's clothes and bags. The fourth and fifth floor is a sauna center and

a Beauty Club. The sixth is a restaurant providing special food of Dalian, Shanghai and Thailand.
Address: No. 108, Zhongshan Lu in the busy shopping area of Qingniwanqiao
3. Xianshi Qiulin Mansion [Downtown]
The 5th floor sells children's commodities and stationery.
Address: No. 18, Jiefang Lu
4. Friendship Shopping City [Downtown]
The former Friendship Store of China's planned economy period, has a special place

in the hearts of the local people. Nowadays, it has grown into a large six-storied

shopping center (with two basement floors) with an area of over 10,000 square meters

(10,764 square feet). You will find all sorts of famous fashion brands from all over the world.
Address: No. 8, Renmin Lu, Zhongshan District, at the intersection with Zhongshan Square
5. MYKAL
This is a Sino-Japanese joint venture retail center with Japanese home appliances,

electronic and photographic products. There is a dining street near the market

providing western and Japanese style snacks.
Address: Underground to 6th floor in Int'l Commerce and Trade Center
6. Parkson [Western Downtown]
Located in the bustling Xi'an Lu in the western part of the city, it has good quality

merchandise at competing prices, especially food.
Address: No. 22-238, Xi'an Lu, Shahekou District, at the intersection with Huanghe Lu
7. Carrefour Supermarket [Western Downtown]
A French supermarket chain opened in 2000.
Address: close to Parkson at the intersection of Huanghe Lu and Xi'an Lu, Shahekou District
8. Wal Mart [Western Downtown]
Address: Underground of the Olympic Square at No. 2, Olympic Square, Xigang District
9. Tianbai Building [Downtown]
The 1st floor of this building sells all kinds of seafood and specialties.
The clothing section provides a complete set of services to cater for the elderly.
Address: No. 160, Tianjin Jie

Nightlife

Hisense Plaza
Address: 9 Shandong Lu, Qingdao
Contact: 0532-85842226
Website: www.hisense-plaza.com

Sunshine Department Store
Address: 38 Xianggang Zhonglu, Qingdao
Contact: 800-918-9918, 0532-86677166
Website: www.sunshinedpt.com

Parkson
Address: 44-60 Zhongshan Lu, Qingdao
Contact: 0532-82021085, 82021163
Website: www.parkson.com.cn

The Beer Street
Address: Dengzhou Lu, Shibei District, Qingdao
Getting there: Bus no. 2, 8, 211, 217 or 218 and get off at the Lijin stop

Xinhai Square
Address: Olympic Sailing Center, Aomen Lu, Shinan District, Qingdao
Getting there: Bus no. 31, 33, 104, 110, 125, 208, 210, 224, 225 and 225 all take you

to the Olympic Sailing Center

The Qingdao International Beer Festival Is held annually in the months of August/September.

It has been running since 1991, and attracts huge numbers of both Chinese and foreign tourists.

Cuisine
Seafood is a typical delicacy of the coastal city, divided into two categories: "Great

Seafood" including sea cucumbers, abalones, shark's fin, prawns, crabs, conch, and

some big fish, and "Little Seafood" comprising squid, shrimps, octopus, oysters, razor

clams, clams, periwinkles, yellow croakers, etc. Generally, fresh seafood is served in

every restaurant and hotel. The distinctive cuisine of the area is Lu Cai, the Shandong

regional style.

Attractions
Qingdao attracts many tourists due to its seaside setting and temperate weather.

Parks, beaches, sculpture and unique German and Modern architecture line the

shore. The central tourist information is called Qingdao Information Centre for

International Visitors and located on Mid-Hong Kong Road. Qingdao's major

attractions include:

Zhanqiao PierOriginally built in 1891 as a naval pier, Zhanqiao

can be regarded as a construction as old as the city itself and is now a famous scenic

spot thanks to recent renovations.

Little Qingdao Isle
Also called Xiao Qingdao or the Violin Isle, it is located southeast of the Zhanqiao Pier

and north of the Jiaozhou Bay and represents another symbol of Qingdao. The white

light tower was constructed by the German in 1900; it is made of white marble and is

about 15.5 meters high, and put into use 5 years later.

Tian Hou Temple
Also known as the Temple of the Queen of Heaven, it is a renowned cultural fascination

place and base for learning the folk talent of Qingdao facing the sea. The temple has

been converted into a traditional folk museum of Qingdao.

Qingdao Folk Museum

With a floor area of 1,500 square meters, including 16

palaces, the museum houses more than 100 folk cultural relics such as paper cuts,

fancy knots, bead-weaving and clothing art. It not only combines Tianhou culture,

ocean culture and folk culture, but also has an excellent architectural complex.
Ba Da Guan (Eight Great Passes)
This is a beautiful area of town with some surviving European (Dutch, French, and

German), North American and Japanese villas in Western classical and romantic style.
Lu Xun Park
Is is named after Lu Xun, modern Chinese writer and critic, who lived and taught in

the 1930s. The park is a beautiful blend of natural setting and cultural sites.
Zhongshan Park
Named after the style name 'Zhongshan' of Sun Yat-sen
The twin-spired St. Michael's Cathedral (Kathedrale St. Michael)

One piece of the famous Neo-romanesque architecture in Qingdao, designed by

German architect Alfred Fräbel and completed in 1934.

Other beautiful and interesting landmarks include Xiao Yu Shan (Little Fish Hill), the

Qingdao Botanical Garden, the Qingdao Zoological Garden, Huashi Villa (A mansion

originally built for a Russian aristocrat) and the Qingdao Aquarium.

Expat community
Qingdao is a very foreign friendly city. As far as diversity, there is a huge foreign

population in Qingdao given its importance for trade and shipping, and many more

foreigners visit every year as tourists. The Korean community alone is estimated to

number over 100,000.