Old town

cctv.com 09-25-2003 10:54

One glimpse at Qingdao 's old town still suggests a very distinctive European feel.

It doesn't take long until you sense the real Qingdao pace and feel here: European buildings are only like some random backdrop of today's vivid Qingdao life: Essentially, Qingdao stays simple and Chinese to the core.

'Bathing by the beach, eating clamps and drinking draft beer' are three most enjoyable moments in life rated by contented Qingdao people. But most tourists have no idea what the draft beer to go 'da pi' is. These barrels can be found in front of most small delis and shops.

Many famous people in the history have traveled through Qingdao, found their inspirations here and even eventually stayed here. Mr. Kang Youwie, China's first real reformist from late 1800's, spent his late days in this house, which he called as ' heavenly pleasure garden'鈥攖ian le yuan,

The movement he led, known as 'hundred day long reform' in the history, unfortunately was extremely short-lived, but his idea of learning from the west, abandoning tyrannies of some old customs paved for coming generations.

Does his open- mind ness has anything to do with his extensive traveling around the world and exposure to the different cultures? He have even been to 31 countries including some really remote place like Sweden and Egypt, when there were no such thing as airplane! His memoir of his 15year long journey was finished in this house. After years away from China, did he look at the country from this balcony with the eyes of a time traveler?

Yingbin lou, distinguish itself from other European buildings in Qingdao with its bold colors, graceful shape and lines. The interior is even more delicate and impressive. You can't help whoa the governor's dedication to this house. From the Crystal lamps, ceramic tiles, to the furniture and even the clock are all shipped all the way from Germany. And isn't that impressive, the clock over hundred years old, is still working perfectly!

Here is also known as 'politicians' favorite' after the colonial time. Mao Zedong, Jeang kaishek, and many other famous politicians stayed in this legendary place when they spent their summer time in Qingdao.

The only catholic church has become the landmark of the city since it was finished in 1934. As the sacred place and shelter for this believers for over a half century, the church magnifies tourists to come and admire this grand example of Roman architecture in China.

The picture-postcard like old town does not allure throngs of visitors outside. This neighourhood has been emerged into a slightly more bohemian and artistic area. Nearby galleries and coffee houses are great place to rest your tired feet after a stroll around here.

Editor:Han Ling  Source:CCTV.com