Qingdao has had a turbulent century, but it has emerged as one of China's most charming cities. It was a sleepy fishing village until the end of the 19th century, when Germany, using the killing of two German missionaries as a pretext, set up another European concession to take advantage of Qingdao's coastal position. The German presence lasted only until 1914, but locals continued to build Bavarian-style houses, and today a walk around the Old Town can feel like you’ve stumbled into a Black Forest village. Unlike many cities that had foreign concessions, Qingdao has recognized the historical value of these buildings and is enthusiastic about preserving them. With its seafront promenades, winding colonial streets, and pretty parks, Qingdao is probably China's best city for strolling.
Home to the country's best-known beer, Tsingtao, Qingdao is also very accommodating when it comes to alcohol consumption. (Look for beer being sold on the streets in plastic bags.) But wine drinkers should take heart: the region is also developing a much-talked-about wine industry.
The city is a destination for golfers, its courses especially popular with traveling Koreans and Japanese.
