The coastal city of Qingdao is ripe with romance, fueled by its sandy beaches, quaint streets, and deep blue seawater. Because of its seaside location, the city enjoys a year-round mild marine climate. For most of the month of July, while inland cities are sweltering in heat, Qingdao remains relatively cool. It’s no wonder the city has long been a favorite summer resort in China.

Stroll Through the Past

Liang Shiqiu, a noted 20th century Chinese writer, developed a deep love for Qingdao when he spent a couple of years there teaching and writing. He wrote of the city in many essays, one of which describes the city as “embraced by ocean in three directions, with red-tiled buildings hidden under the shade of thriving trees. The climate is pleasant, the landscape picturesque, and more importantly, the people are hospitable. At first sight, I could already tell the city was a suitable location to live – both in terms of climate and geography and with respect to community relations. Although a native of Beijing, I never considered the capital an ideal abode. I have traveled to a dozen provinces, from Liaoning in the north to Guangdong in the south, but the place that has impressed me most is Qingdao...”

Soon after its port was opened for trade, Qingdao witnessed rapid development, especially in manufacturing and shipping, and became the economic hub of the eastern province of Shandong. In the first half of the 20th century, many celebrated scholars flocked to live here, leaving behind a bounty of historic relics.