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Qingdao has quite an interesting history being under German colonial hands. What sets it apart from other similar cities under other European influence is the natural setting - ocean and hills.

The Governor’s House was designed to look like a German palace and its interiors scream art nouveau. Built in 1908, it is a museum today with simple period decor showcasing how this high-ranking official lived during the colonial era.











The interiors are simply decorated.



The Protestant Church has a medieval castle design, which helped it survive the Cultural Revolution as it didn't look like a place or worship. Built in 1908, they now charge 10 yuan admission to see its simple interiors.











10-15 minutes further away, the Catholic Church has a far more intricate interior. Built in 1934 by a German architect in the Gothic and Roman style, St. Michael's Cathedral suffered immense damage during the Cultural Revolution.









Today, it is a popular spot for wedding photos.





Qingdao Railway Station has a huge security presence thanks to terrorist attacks at other major Chinese train stations in recent years.



They are watching you.



The square is huge but it is barricaded from its neighbouring streets, so there really isn't a reason to come here. To cross the road, the proper way is to go underground.

















The city has expanded eastwards along the coast and a line of skyscrapers has formed along Xianggang (Hong Kong) Middle Road.







Soon, I arrived at the waterfront, which has a long promenade leading all the way to the Olympic harbour, where sailing events took place in 2008.













Visit other Chinese cities with colonial legacy : Tianjin | Wuhan | Dalian

More of Qingdao on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/qingdao.htm