By staff reporter LI XIA

Wusi Square.

BLUE sky and white clouds, an azure sea patterned with colorful sails, this view of Qingdao is little different from a seascape of either the Mediterranean or the Pacific Ocean. The exotic facade of this small city on the coast of the Yellow Sea actually makes it an anomaly among other Chinese coastal cities. This is due to the city's history of foreign occupation, and to the ocean-mindedness of the local leadership.

Architectural Showcase

Qingdao, as the name suggests, is green. Red-tiled roofs and verdant foliage complement the city's picturesque setting. From residential buildings to public facilities, Qingdao has inherited a Western architectural style, and even those newly built retain a European flavor. While the local people are proud of the unique ambience of their city, they are also aware of its associations with a period of humiliation. In November 1897, Qingdao was occupied by the German forces, which in November 1914 were supplanted by the Japanese army. Japan exercised a martial law over the city until December 10, 1922, when China regained its sovereignty over the city.

The Pier Park.

Upon occupying Qingdao, the German colonial authorities launched a full-scale face-lift on this then Qing-Dynasty city. They tore down traditional Chinese structures, removing along with them the traditional Chinese concept of urban construction. A new Qingdao, in the style of a modern European city, was molded. During their 17-year rule, the German colonial authorities formulated an architectural style for the city, based on which they developed a colorful urban skyline comprising red-tiled roofs, green trees, aqua sea, and blue sky. This feature was maintained during the Japanese occupation and exists to this day.

Some of the buildings from the German occupation period have become popular tourist sites.

The Governor's Office: Built in 1906 in a magnificent, classic European style, this was where the German governor worked, and now houses the Qingdao Municipal People's Congress, and the municipal committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Jiao'ao Police Station: Built in 1905, the police station has a red-tiled roof and yellow walls, resembling a medieval European village church. It is now the municipal Public Security Bureau office building.

St. Michael's Cathedral.

Governor's Residence (German Prefect Mansion): Built in 1908, the residence is a luxurious garden villa on the southern slopes of Xinhao Hill. It is a masterpiece of German architecture, and today serves as a guesthouse.

Qingdao Railway Station: The station comprises a belfry and a waiting hall. The octagonal-roofed belfry houses four giant bells. Part of it has been reconstructed.

Christian Church: Built in 1910, the church resembles an ancient German castle. The main structure is 17.28 meters tall, and its yellow walls are inlaid with granite fragments.

There are other buildings apart from these that were constructed in the 1930s, also very famous.

St. Michael's Cathedral: Built in 1934, the cathedral is in typical Gothic style, and is an important and influential religious structure in Qingdao. Today, Qingdao's 10,000 Catholics go there to worship.

Badaguan Villas: A large number of villas started to emerge in this area in the 1930s. Today Badaguan has over 200, mostly with a garden and sea view. Their style of architecture accords with the taste of their original owners, making the area a world architectural showcase. The Huashi (Floral Stone) and Gongzhu (Princess) Villas are most representative.

Oceanic Splendor

Specimens on display at the Qingdao Aquarium.

Tourist sites and scenic spots in Qingdao relate closely to the ocean. Tourists can visit the Oceanic Science and Technology Hall, the Maritime Produce Museum, Qingdao Aquarium, and the Navy Museum. The Qingdao Aquarium is the earliest of its kind in China. It continues to attract visitors with its characteristic architecture and unique Yellow Sea marine life. A new aquarium is soon to be constructed beside the old one.

The Navy Museum records the history of the Chinese Navy, including battles on the sea, maritime diplomacy, and various types of warships and submarines. The museum's beautiful ocean view is an additional draw for visitors.

The city has an even greater number of oceanic sights and parks.

Xiaoyu Hill Park: This is a lush, rolling, and tranquil hill. From the top of the Lanchao (Wave Watching) Pavilion, the Yellow Sea stretches out as far as the eye can see. The park administration has placed miniatures of the famous old buildings of Qingdao in the woods, adding still more points of interest to the park.

This sculpture forms part of the beach sculpture park.

Mini-Green Island Park: Located in Qingdao Bay, the park is in the shape of a zither, and is hence also known as Zither Island. Its pinkish-brown rocks are a special feature of the island, and its white beacon tower guides ships in and out of Jiaozhou Bay. This is one of the ten famous sights of Qingdao.

Pier Park: The pier in Qingdao is a symbol of the city. Built in 1891, it is 440 meters long and extends into the sea, allowing a closer look at the sea and a chance to admire its magnificence. The pier is Qingdao's most famous tourist site.

Beaches

Sea bathing is a must on a tour of Qingdao. Beaches here are clean and on a gentle slope, ideal for swimming, and the city has several. Beach No. 1 is at Huiquan Cove, in the vicinity of the Qingdao Aquarium. Beach No. 2 is at Badaguan, surrounded by beautiful vistas, and the water is very clear. Many state leaders come to holiday at the beach. Beach No.6 is always crowded due to its location to the west of the pier. Those who prefer quietude are advised to go to Shilaoren Bathing Beach in the eastern part of the city. It is both beautiful and well equipped, and being relatively distant from the city, has fewer tourists.

Ocean Festival

Waves lapping the beach.

The oceanic atmosphere of Qingdao stems not only from its location by the sea, but also from its ocean-minded administrator, who sponsors an Ocean Festival every July. This year's festival was all the more joyful for the 2008 Summer Olympics sailing events to be held here.

The Ocean Festival is aimed at developing the maritime economy and industry. An international forum was held during the festival, when marine science and technology and maritime economic development were discussed. Qingdao's advantages in maritime research and economic development have made it the highest-level international oceanic science forum in China. Over 300 people attended this year, including the head of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, 31 academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering, and four chemistry Nobel Prize winners. The first China International Navigation Fair and various science popularization and cultural activities were held concurrently. Vice Mayor Zhou Jiabin stated that at the festival, the ocean is the common language between different countries, and that it constitutes a premise for their mutual exchanges and development. As Qingdao possesses this premise, it is hence a basis for development. The city hopes that its maritime industry will become as famous as its tourism industry.

An open atmosphere permeates this small city of Qingdao. Citizens and leaders alike are open-minded and flexible. Unlike the inhabitants of certain big cities, the local people do not look down their nose at outsiders, who, while enjoying the exotic views, feel entirely at home here. The Ocean Festival every July adds even more delight to their Qingdao trip.

Special Notes

* Nights in Qingdao are beautiful. A gentle sea breeze adds a warmth and ease to the city. Swimming in the sea or lying on the beach as the sunset casts its last glow is a special experience. After supper, a walk through any of the city's famous squares, such as the Wusi or Music squares, is ideal. The squares are part of city life, where artists do portraits for tourists, children practice their bicycle stunts, and young couples and their offspring take a leisurely stroll. * After 10:00 p.m. eateries serving various cuisine begin to buzz with diners. Qingdao does not have many bars, but does have quite a number of gourmet streets. If you stay in the southern part of the city, the Zhongyuan Gourmet Street is a must. In July and August you can sample Qingdao's shellfish specialties, such as clams, scallops and squid. Their method of preparation is different, and so consequently is their taste. To be sure of getting your money's worth, it is best to go where they are served by weight rather than by portion. Besides seafood, Qingdao also serves Sichuan, Hunan and Shanghai dishes, but the local culinary skill is not as stunning as its scenery. * Qingdao Beer is famous worldwide. The local people, old and young, drink it as a soft drink. The brewery has now developed a draft Qingdao Beer, but as it does not keep for long, a month maximum, is rarely found outside of Qingdao. The beer has a mild taste, with a hint of wheat. * The southern coastline of Qingdao is a newly developed area. It has convenient tourist facilities and hotels and is close to the tourist sites mentioned earlier. * Qingdao has a Carrefour and a Jusco (a Japanese venture), both of which have an ample supply of goods and services, including abundant stocks of local sea produce. During the peak tourist season, they stay open until 11:00 p.m. * In July, August, and September it is easy to get over-exposed to the sun, so remember to use plenty of sun block. It is best to choose a beach close to where you stay and to change into your swimming suit at the hotel, as the public changing rooms at the beach are usually crowded and poorly equipped. Rubber rings, air-beds and sun shades can be rented at the beach. * Taxis are cheap in Qingdao, and the service is good. In this small city, travelling around by taxi is economical, and if one should give you any trouble, call the number on the taxi receipt. The city has set up a lost property office where any belongings inadvertently left in a taxi may be retrieved.