From Tsingtau to Qingdao

Abstract

Qingdao is a thriving port city on the coast of the Yellow Sea in the Shandong province of the Peoples Republic of China with a population of around nine million. During 1897 to 1914 the city had been a German mandated territory, named Tsingtau. The city is an important industrial centre, one of the biggest ports in China, a centre of advanced seas and oceans science-technology research and development, a UNESCO city of film, a much favoured tourist city, and not to forget, the production site of the famous Tsingtau beer offered in Chinese restaurants all over the world. The “German” history of the city is still visible in Qingdao. In contrast to many other cities in China, the old city centre of Qingdao has been almost fully preserved. It is well protected, but is looking ahead to benefit from professional and economically viable urban regeneration policies. The essay will introduce into the “German” history of the city and the innovative land regulation, the German administration had launched to avoid excessive land speculation 100 years ago. Achievements of modern city development, such as the Sino-German Eco-development Park are presented. The essay will end with a brief account of challenges the city will face in the years ahead to conserve its historical heritage and meet the requirements of a modern Chinese metropolis.