Qingdao is a modern coastal city that lies at the southern tip of the Shandong Peninsula. It has a population of 7 million and a GDP of $18.6billion. Qingdao is China's second largest mainland port and an important manufacturing centre, the home of many foreign joint ventures.

Qingdao was a small fishing village until troops were garrisoned there by the imperial court of Qing in 1891. 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.

The uniqueness of the city lies in its architecture and tree-lined avenues. Its legacy as a German concession leaves many areas with turn-of-the-century Western architecture adjacent to traditional and modern Chinese development.

Today the city plays an important role in China's fast developing eastern sea board. Qingdao is internationally famous for its Tsingtao beer, one of China's leading exports. The region has attracted significant foreign investment - over 40 of the top 500 global companies have a presence including Degussa, Coca-Cola, Mitsubishi and Lucent Technologies. A new High Tech Zone houses electronics and computer related industries.

Qingdao lures many visitors to its summertime beaches, some of the best in China. Qingdao will co-host the 2008 Summer Olympics along with Beijing.

How to Get There

Qingdao has regular air connections to most major Chinese cities including frequent daily flights to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing. Direct international flights fly to Korea (Seoul) and Japan (Osaka, Fukuoka and Tokyo). The new airport is 30km north of the city centre.

Where to Stay

Shangri-la Hotel, 9 Xiang Gang Zhong Lu Tel 0532 388 3838, Rooms from $90.

Crowne Plaza Hotel, 76 Xianggang Zhong Lu Tel 0532 571 8888, Rooms from $80.