Qingdao is a beautiful coastal city that lies at the southern tip to Shandong Peninsula. Being located in jiaozhou Bay facing the Yellow Sea, Qingdao is the Partner City of Beijing for hosting the sailing competition of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Before troops were garrisoned there by the imperial court of Qing in 1891,Qingdao had been a small fishing village. It became a German concession in 1897 and was occupied by Japan in 1914.The city reverted to Chinese rule in 1922,but was occupied by Japan again during the Second World War. Today it is one of the most important open coastal cities and one of the independent cities with state planning and budgeting powers.

The uniqueness of the city consists in its architecture and an attractive urban landscape. With its wealth of natural and human resources, its year-round schedule of tourist festivals and events, coupled with many tourist facilities and an extensive transportation network, Qingdao has become and ideal tourist destination both at home and abroad.