Qingdao
... under the sea
Seaport in Shandong Province
- Location: Shandong Peninsula
- Area: 10,654 km2
- Climate: mild summers and relatively warm winters
- Language: Mandarin Chinese
- Population: 7.58 million (as of 2007)
- People: Han Chinese, 50 ethnic minorities
- Currency and monetary unit: Yuan (Renminbi, CNY)
- Administrative demarcations: 12 county-level divisions
Location, Area and Population
Qingdao is situated in the southern part of Shandong Peninsula with a total area of 10,654 km2. The downtown area, covering 1,102 km2, is divided into seven districts: Shinan, Shibei, Sifang, Lichang, Laoshan, Chengyang and Huangdao. The remaining area (9,552 km2) of Qingdao includes the five cities of Jiaozhou, Jimo, Pingdu, Jiaonan and Laixi.
By the end of 2007, the total population was 7.5799 million including 2.7555 million residents living in the city proper. Based on the 5th census in Qingdao in 2000, there were altogether 50 ethnic minorities with a total population of 33,012 living in Qingdao.
Qingdao is well-known in the West by its postal map spelling Tsingtao. The character "qing" in Chinese means "green" and the character "dao" means "island".
Culture & Tourism
The unique combination of German and Chinese architecture in the city centre, combined with German demographic roots and a large Korean population, gives Qingdao a distinct atmosphere. Qingdao was the host city for several events of the 2008 Olympics, including the sailing competitions which have taken place along the shoreline by the city.
The distinctive cuisine is Lu Cai, the Shandong regional style.
Qingdao attracts many tourists due to its seaside setting and temperate weather. Parks, beaches, sculptures and some unique architecture line the shore. Qingdao's major attractions include Zhan Qiao (Pier), Ba Da Guan (Eight Great Passes), May Fourth Square, Luxun Park, Laoshan, Qiangdao International Beer town, and Qingdao Underwater World.
Natural Environment
Qingdao is a hilly coastal city running from east to west. Land on northern and southern ends rises while the land in the middle section is low and flatter. There are three mountain ranges in Qingdao. The Laoshan Mountain Range lies to the southeast of Qingdao with its highest peak at 1,132.7m above sea level. Mt. Dazeshan lies to the north (736.7m). The Jiaonan Mountain Range is made up of Dazhushan (486.4m), Xiaozhushan (724.9m) and Tiejueshan (595.1m).
There are 224 large and small rivers that wind their way across Qingdao. The continent coastline is 730.64 km, accounting for 1/4 of the coastline of Shandong Province.
Qingdao is situated in the monsoon region of the north temperate zone which features a temperate monsoon climate. Due to the direct regulation of the marine environment, and under the combined influence of the southeastern monsoons, ocean current and water mass, Qingdao shows strong characteristics of an ocean climate: humid air, abundant rainfall, agreeable temperature and distinctive seasons. The average temperature of Qingdao city proper is 12.7℃. August is the hottest month with average temperature of 25.3℃ and January is the coldest month with an average temperature -0.5℃. The annual average precipitation is 662.1mm and the annual average RH is 73%.
Qingdao Ocean Festival, China
As a key signboard of festivals in Qingdao, Qingdao Ocean Festival is the only Chinese festival centered on the ocean. It was started in 1999 and is held in July every year. With the backing of marine sceneries and fully making use of the advantage of "China Ocean City", it has opened another vista to the splendor of the ancient but modern city. On this occasion, more than ten activities are provided: the Opening Ceremony, Ocean Science and Technology, Ocean Sports, Ocean Culture, Ocean Tour, Ocean Food and the Closing Ceremony.
Time: July every year
Place: Shandong International Convention Center, Qingdao
China (Qingdao) International Fashion Week
China (Qingdao) International Fashion Week, starting from the year 2001, is held once a year. It is quite an occasion for international master designers, fashion models and fashion enthusiasts and has become one of the most influential festivals in Qingdao.
Time: September every year
Place: Shandong International Convention Center, Qingdao
For further information please visit: www.fashionweek.com.cn
Qingdao International Beer Festival
Qingdao International Beer Festival is quite an occasion for tourism, culture, trade and economy. The activities include: beer tasting, art performance tour, wine drinking competition, economic and trade exhibition, etc. With more than 20 world famous beer manufacturers taking part in it, the festival has become the grandest beer gathering in the Orient.
Time: the second weekend of August every year, lasting 16 days
Place: Qingdao International Beer City
Economy
GDP per capita comprised RMB¥42,789 (ca. US$5,503) in 2006. Qingdao is perhaps most famously known for the Tsingtao Brewery, which German settlers founded in 1903, and which produces Tsingtao beer, now the most famous beer in China and known worldwide.
In 1984 the Chinese government named a district of Qingdao a Special Economic and Technology Development Zone (SETDZ). Along with this district, the entire city had gone through amazing development of secondary and tertiary industries. As an important trading port in the province, Qingdao flourishes with foreign investment and international trade. South Korea and Japan in particular made extensive investment in the city. At least 30,000 South Korean nationals reside there. In terms of primary industry, Qingdao has an estimated 50,000 acres (200 km²) of arable land. Qingdao has a zigzagging pattern coastline, and thus possesses an invaluable stock of fish, shrimp, and other sea resources.
Foreign Direct Investment
Information on qualified Industrial Zones for foreign direct investment in Qingdao
