Qingdao history

The history of Qingdao is a fascinating blend of ancient Chinese traditions and European influence, which has shaped the unique appearance of this seaside city. Although the city was officially founded relatively recently, its roots go back centuries.

Foundation and First Mentions

Although the modern city of Qingdao was established by the Qing Dynasty government in 1891 as a military base, people had settled on these lands long before that. Archaeological findings confirm the existence of settlements within the current city limits as early as 6,000 years ago. In ancient times, this area already held strategic importance: from here, the first emperor of a unified China, Qin Shi Huang, sent expeditions to Japan and Korea around 221 BC. For a long time, Qingdao was a small fishing settlement called Jiao'ao.

Key Development Factors

The turning point in the city's history was the end of the 19th century. The following factors played a key role in its development:

• Geographical Location: Its location on the shores of the Yellow Sea in the convenient Jiaozhou Bay made Qingdao an ideal place for creating a strategically important port.
• German Concession: In 1897, the territory was leased to Germany for 99 years. It was during this period that the foundation of the modern city was laid: the Germans developed a street plan that is still in use today, and built a port, a railway, and numerous buildings in the European style.
• Trade and Industry: Thanks to the constructed port and the railway linking it to the hinterlands of Shandong Province, Qingdao quickly turned into a major commercial and industrial centre.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

German heritage had a huge impact on the culture and economy of the young city. In the early 20th century, Qingdao became one of the few places in China with electricity and running water. The most famous symbol of this period became the Tsingtao Brewery, founded in 1903, the products of which remain a hallmark of the city today. The architecture of that time, representing a mix of German Jugendstil and other European trends, still defines the appearance of the historic centre, creating a unique atmosphere of "China with a European face".

Key Dates in Qingdao's History

The history of Qingdao is full of events that transformed it from a small military post into a thriving metropolis. Here are the main milestones of its development:

• 1891 — Foundation of the city. The Qing Dynasty government officially establishes a military fortification on the site of a fishing village to defend against threats from the sea.
• 1897 — Beginning of the German concession. Following an incident involving the death of two missionaries, Germany obtains the territory on a 99-year lease and begins massive city construction.
• 1903 — Founding of the Tsingtao Brewery. Settlers open a brewing plant, which over time becomes one of China's most famous brands.
• November 1914 — Japanese occupation. During World War I, Japan, siding with the Entente, captures Qingdao after a siege of the garrison.
• 1922 — Return to China. After mass protests in the country (the "May Fourth Movement") and international pressure at the Washington Conference, Japan returns the city to Chinese jurisdiction.
• 1929 — Obtaining Special City status. The Kuomintang government grants Qingdao special status, recognising its strategic and economic importance.
• January 1938 — Second Japanese occupation. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Japanese troops occupy Qingdao once again.
• September 1945 — Liberation from Japan. After the end of World War II, the city comes under the control of Kuomintang forces.
• 2 June 1949 — Joining the PRC. The city is occupied by troops of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, and it becomes part of the People's Republic of China.
• 1984 — Opening to foreign investment. Qingdao becomes one of the first 14 coastal cities in China opened to foreign trade and investment, which gave a powerful boost to its economic development.
• August 2008 — Hosting the Olympic Regatta. As part of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing, Qingdao hosts the sailing competitions.

Main Stages of Qingdao's Development

The transformation of Qingdao from a fishing village into a modern metropolis is marked by several key stages that defined its economic, cultural, and architectural appearance. Each of them left a deep imprint on the character of the city.

• German Urban Planning (1897–1914): During this period, the foundation of the modern city was laid. A master plan, advanced for its time, was developed, creating water supply and sewage systems, a port, a railway, and iconic buildings in the European style. This heritage still defines the unique architectural look of the historic centre. The founding of the Tsingtao Brewery in 1903 also became a symbol of that era and the start of the city's industrial heritage.
• Rise as an Industrial Centre: After returning to Chinese jurisdiction, the city continued to develop as an important manufacturing hub. Especially after China opened up to the world, giants such as appliance manufacturers Haier and Hisense grew here, as well as CRRC Qingdao Sifang, a company engaged in the production of high-speed trains.
• "Open Door" Policy (from 1984): Being designated as one of the 14 "open coastal cities" provided a massive boost to the economy. This attracted large-scale foreign investment, facilitated the creation of economic and technological development zones, and turned the port of Qingdao into one of the busiest in the world.
• Olympic Transformation (2008): Hosting the sailing regatta as part of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games led to a massive modernisation of urban infrastructure. New roads, embankments, hotels, and a modern Olympic Sailing Centre were built, significantly increasing the city's international prestige and tourist appeal.
• Marine Science and Logistics Hub: Qingdao is a leading centre for marine research in China. It is home to the Ocean University of China and national laboratories dedicated to studying the ocean. This strengthens its status as a "City of Marine Science", while the port plays a key role in global trade, including within the "Belt and Road" initiative.
• Development as a Cultural Capital: Building on its heritage, Qingdao actively develops its cultural life. The annual International Beer Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists. In recent years, the city has become a centre for film production thanks to the opening of the Oriental Movie Metropolis studio complex, often called "China's Hollywood", where blockbusters such as "The Wandering Earth" were filmed.

The architectural appearance of Qingdao is a unique combination of European heritage and rapid Asian modernism. The city's development can be divided into several key eras, each of which has left its unique mark on the urban fabric.

German Colonial Era (1897–1914)

This period was fundamental for the formation of the city's historic centre. Architects and engineers did not just construct buildings but created an urban environment according to the advanced European standards of that time. A clear grid of streets and water and sewage systems were established. The architecture of this time is a main tourist highlight of Qingdao.

• Styles: Primarily German Jugendstil (Art Nouveau), Neo-Romanesque, and Neo-Gothic styles, as well as buildings with elements of Bavarian rural architecture. A characteristic feature became the red tiled roofs, which still define the look of the old town.
• Iconic Landmarks:
  • German Governor's Residence (now the Guest House): A magnificent example of Jugendstil, built in 1908, impressing with the luxury of its interiors imported from Europe.
  • St. Michael's Cathedral: Built in 1934, this cathedral in Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque style is one of the main symbols of the city.
  • Protestant Church (Christuskirche): Erected in 1910, it represents a striking example of the Neo-Romanesque style with elements of Art Nouveau.
  • Badaguan District ("Eight Great Passes"): This area is called an "exhibition of world architecture under the open sky". Villas built in various European styles—from Classicism to Gothic—have been preserved here, including the famous "Flower Stone Pavilion", built by a Russian emigrant.

Period from the 1920s to the 1980s

After the departure of the European administration and up until the beginning of the "Open Door" policy, large-scale construction was not as active. New buildings were often erected in a style harmonising with the existing European development, or introduced elements of Constructivism and Socialist Classicism, characteristic of many cities of that era.

Era of Modernism and Postmodernism (1980s to Present)

With Qingdao receiving the status of an "open city", a construction boom began that completely transformed its appearance outside the historic core. This era is characterised by the dominance of glass, steel, and concrete.

• Styles: Modernism, Postmodernism, and High-tech. The architecture of this period aims to demonstrate economic growth and technological progress.
• Iconic Landmarks:
  • May Fourth Square: The modern city centre with the futuristic red sculpture "May Wind" and the skyscrapers surrounding it.
  • Olympic Sailing Centre: Built for the 2008 Olympics, this complex is an example of modern functional architecture.
  • Business District Skyscrapers: Complexes such as the Haitian Centre, which became the tallest building in the city, form a new, ultra-modern silhouette of Qingdao against the backdrop of the Yellow Sea.
  • Mixed-Use Complexes: New projects, such as the vibrant stepped complex by CLOU architects, bring playful and social elements to the urban environment, combining offices, retail, and public spaces.

Thus, the architecture of Qingdao represents the living history of the city: from the orderly and elegant "European" part to the dynamic and skyward-reaching modern metropolis.

Prominent Figures Associated with Qingdao

Qingdao has become a home and source of inspiration for many prominent figures of China—from reformers and writers to stars of world sports and cinema. Here are just a few of them:

• Kang Youwei (1858–1927) — Philosopher, reformer, and calligrapher of the Qing era. He was one of the leaders of the "Hundred Days' Reform" aimed at modernising China. He spent the last years of his life in Qingdao, where he was buried. His former residence is now a memorial museum.
• Lao She (1899–1966) — One of the greatest Chinese writers of the 20th century. In the 1930s, he taught at Shandong University in Qingdao, and it was here that he wrote his famous novel "Rickshaw Boy". His former home has also been turned into a museum.
• Wen Yiduo (1899–1946) — A renowned poet, scholar, and patriot. In the 1920s and 1930s, he taught at several universities, including the University of Qingdao (Shandong University). This period is considered one of the most prolific in his work.
• Tong Dizhou (1902–1979) — A distinguished biologist and embryologist, one of the pioneers in the field of cloning in China. He worked in Qingdao for a long time, was a professor and vice-president of Shandong University, as well as the founder and director of the Institute of Oceanology.
• Li Cunxin (born 1961) — A world-famous ballet artist born in a rural area near Qingdao. His incredible life story became the basis for the famous autobiography "Mao's Last Dancer" and the film of the same name.
• Huang Xiaoming (born 1977) — A popular actor, singer, and model, one of the biggest stars of modern Chinese cinema. He was born and raised in Qingdao and often emphasises his love for his hometown.
• Zhang Jike (born 1988) — One of the most titled table tennis players in history, a multiple Olympic and World champion. A native of Qingdao, he is the pride of the city and the entire country.