Qingdao

Qingdao is one of the important port cities of People’s Republic of China. The city has been chosen as one of the six co-host cities for the Beijing Olympics 2008. Qingdao is a beautiful seaside city and is located in the southeast part of the Shandong Province. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Qingdao attracts many tourists every year for its scenic beauty. It is indeed the popular summer resort of China and is dubbed as the ‘Eastern Switzerland’. The city enjoys pleasant temperature throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for holidaying.

The city will be hosting the sailing events for the XXIX Olympiad in August this year. The Olympic event will be held within Qingdao International sailing center, located on the old site of the Beihai shipyard by Qingdao’s Fushan Bay. The sailing center covers a total area of 45 hectares, comprising land area, harbor and the off-shore section. The world-class city is expected to have a major influx of spectators to view the Olympic sailing event in the month of August. Qingdao is all geared up to host the Olympic event, with the venue all ready and the city having adequate infrastructure to manage the arrival of large number of people from across the globe. The city has also reportedly planned to hold an opening ceremony in the sea.

Qingdao is an important international trade center as well, owing to being a port city and also due to its proximity to Korea and Japan. It is an important manufacturing center and one of the top most textile industrial centers of China. The city is also famed as a transit pivot for Eurasia and the Pacific region. The city of Qingdao is known for its picturesque natural settings and is a unique blend of sea and the mountains. The tranquil environment makes Qingdao one of the most important tourist destinations of China. The city is renowned for its numerous and unique squares spread throughout Qingdao. The city has great deal of European architecture, as for thirty years until 1949; Qingdao was a colony of Germany and Japan. The Switzerland of the Orient gives a colorful picture with red roof houses, blue sea, azure sky and green trees. The city is also famous for hosting various festivals of international repute including the Qingdao International Sea Festival, Qingdao International Beer Festival, Summer of Qingdao festival and the Beach Culture Festival among others. The city now beckons people from far and wide to witness the Olympics sailing event to be held in August 2008.