Shandong province has a long, rich history (before the First Empire
it was the state of Qi; it was also the birthplace of Confucius,) but Qingdao, with a
population of 6.6 million, is almost a century old and surprisingly European. A
picturesque city surrounded on three sides by the Yellow Sea, it was a German possession
for 16 years after 1898, and still features startling examples of Bavarian style
architecture, particularly the railway station, the twin-spired Catholic Church and the
former German Governor's residence. Another colonial legacy is the famous brewery, which
produces beer labelled with the city's former name, Tsingtao. Qingdao's visitor
attractions include six sandy beaches and some excellent museums. The weather is generally
mild with four distinct seasons, the most pleasant being spring and autumn.
Airport Information
- Distance to city: 36 km
- Transportation between airport and city
Flying hours from Hong Kong on direct flights
- Flight
Schedules from/to Hong Kong
- 2 hours 45 min
Embassies and Consulates
- Please click here
Visa
- Home entry permit is required for HK Chinese.
- Visa is required for foreigners
- Click here for
more details
Customs
- Customs allowance
- Tobacco: 400 cigarettes
- Liquor: two 75cl bottles of alcoholic beverages
- Customs rules require an accounting of all valuables including
watches, jewellery, cameras and currency that you are taking in. A copy of this is
surrendered on departure and anything missing may well be treated as imported and duty
required accordingly. Therefore make sure you obtain a police report for any goods stolen
during your stay.
- Recorded video-tapes must be declared and may be viewed by the
Authorities on arrival.
- Click here
for more details
Currency
- Renminbi (RMB)
- Approximately RMB1 = HK$0.9297 = US$0.1197(updated 25 Mar 1996)
- Click
here for restrictions
Tax
- Airport Tax
- - International: RMB 90
- - Domestic: RMB 15
Embassies and Consulates
- Please click
here
Time Zone
- GMT: + 8
- Difference from Hong Kong: + 0
Accommodation
- Please click here
Transportation
- Taxi
Tourist Attractions
- Laoshan Mountains
Only about 30km east of the city, this spectacular range is well within day-trip distance.
Many organized tours are available. climbing the 1,113-meter main peak requires some
stamina, but the views of Qingdao and the surrounding countryside from the top are more
than memorable.
- Qingdao Brewery
Established at the turn of the century, the brewery is open to visitors and regular tours
take place. Through several other beers are sold in China, Tsingtao takes up by far the
largest portion of the market, and it is well-known and appreciated throughout the world
for its crisp flavour.
- Qingdao Beaches
Though Qingdao weather does not permit ocean swimmimg all year round, the warmer months
are perfect for sunning and splashing at any of half a dozen excellent city beaches,
located along the southeastern coast. All the beaches have golden sand, refreshment
outlets and changing facilities.
- Qingdao Art Museum
Originally built by wealthy Qingdao merchants as a welfare institution for the city's
poor, this fine building now houses a superb and extensive collection of Yuan, Ming and
Wing Dynasty paintings, and an archaeological exhibit illustrating Shandong's colourful
history.
- Huilan (Rebounding Wave) Pavilion
This centrally-sited showcase is a landmark on the city's harbourfront, located right at
the end of prominent Zhangqiao Pier. Within, two floors of exhibition space display
paintings, carvings and other examples of contemporary Shandong arts and crafts, much of
it destined for export.
- Lu Xun Park
One of the most popular gathering spots for Qingdao residents, this restful oasis in the
city is named for on of the most famous authors of modern China. Lovely winding pathways
lead through botanical gardens, and there's a marine products museum displaying rare and
protected marine species.
- Huadong Winery
This operation is at the leading edge of China's plam to become a wine-producing country.
Established in 1986, it produces the only varietal vintage wine in the country, and the
only wine to win medals in European competitions. Free tours, tastings (and transport, for
groups)are available.
- Xiao Qingdao
The Germans built a lighthouse on this tiny island in 1900, and it was a restricted
military area until 1987. These days it's open to visitors, and tours include the
lighthouse as well as botanical gardens that feature the rare Qingdao White Lily, which
grows only in southern Shandong.
Tours and Activities
- Tours
from Hong Kong
Shopping Guide
- Regional arts and crafts abound in Shandong, and all are for sale in
Qingdao. Antiques are also offered, but pieces on sale must be approved by the government.
Unique but inexpensive souvenirs include the distinctive six-sided hats of Shandong and
ornate locally-crafted shellware. The best shopping area is the colourful and scenic old
German quarter, along Zhongshan Lu, just off Qingdao Lu.
- Qingdao Friendship Store - 12 Xinjing Lu
- Qingdao Department Store - 51 Zhongshan Lu
Restaurant Guide
- Though recognized as one of the most significant influences in
classical Chinese cookery, Shandong cuisine is nonetheless still little known outside
northeastern China. Elegant presentation is an integral part of the Qingdao food
experience, and Shandong dishes are richly flavourful. Unique seafood recipes are
naturally the best-known Qingdao culinary creations, and vegetarian restaurants offer
fresh local agricultural produce, except in mid-winter.
- New Orleans Music Restaurant (Jazz Music & Chinese
Cuisine) - Sun Plaza
- White Spray Live Seafood Restaurant (Seafood) - 8 Nanhai Lu
Language
- Official Languages: Putunghua
- Language of Business and Administration: Putunghua and English
Electricity
- 220 volts, 50 cycles
Emergency Number
- S.O.S. Worldwide Alarm Centres: Please click here
- Tourist Hotline: 5261179
- Ambulance: 120 , 7213460
- Emergencies: 110 (foreigner's section 552729)
- Fire: 119
- Tel No. Enquiry: 114
- Police: 110
- Foreign Affairs Office of Police: 7216795
Public Holidays
- Please click here
|
