Qingdao

Qingdao is a major seaport and coastal city in Shandong province, known worldwide for its beer, beaches, and distinctive German colonial architecture. With a metropolitan population of around ten million, it wraps around the Yellow Sea coast with red-roofed old quarters and modern skylines. Its maritime climate keeps summers mild and humid and winters cold but moderate, without the harsh extremes of the interior. Landmarks include the iconic Zhanqiao Pier, the leafy old villas of Badaguan, the Tsingtao Beer Museum, and Mount Lao on the outskirts. As a coastal city it is prized for fresh seafood and its world-famous Tsingtao beer. A modern metro network, Jiaodong International Airport, and high-speed rail connect it to Jinan, Beijing, and Shanghai. For an international student, Qingdao offers sea air, an attractive setting, respected universities, and a relaxed yet cosmopolitan seaside lifestyle.