The Adventures of Tai'an

Apart from the disastrous first night in the dodgy hotel. I loved Qingdao. It is unique, clean modern and thriving town. It was like a breath of fresh air. The locals don't spit and the hand is off the horn! Qingdao has a beautiful environment and feel about it.

It was April and a hundred kinds of flowers were in bloom, in many different styles. It has beautiful mountains, the blue sea, the graceful island, the broad beach, a forest and unusual stones. I am so fortunate that I had the opportunity to visit this pretty city of the coast.

It's not often church bells tell the time in Chinese Cities. Qingdao is covered by abundant trees- black pines amid the sky and sea. With green and blue as the natural backdrop, red colour stands out as the human creation enhancing the charm of Qingdao, as seen from the red-roofed architecture of various European styles erected during the early 20th Century.

The real charm of Qingdao comes not only from the magnificent architecture but from the shuttered, balconied boulevards, the winding back streets, the seaside promenade and the avenues of luxuriant trees.

A Chinese flag flies next to the clock tower of St Michael's Catholic Church. Red Lanterns hang in arches of the imposing facade of the former German governor's residence. 30 Minute taxi drive east of the old town marks a return to modern China and the new CBD has the unmistakable gleam of Olympic Investment. Qingdao is the venue for the sailing events of the Beijing 2008 Olympics. I just hope that they haven't over capitalized.

There are five major constructions for the Olympic Sailing Centre - The Media Centre, The Olympic Athletes' Centre, The Olympic Village, the Administrative Building and Logistics centre. This covers an area of 45 hectares at Fushan Bay.

Beer is an important part of Qingdao life and every corner shop is under its influence. Kegs of Tsingtao and a couple of stools offer passers by a pint of refreshment. But is seems a take-away is more popular and Qingdao is the only place in the world I have seen beer sold in a plastic bag for Y1 ($0.16 AUD)

Qingdao has everything on offer. There is the sand and seafront strolls, castles, pink and white cherry blossoms, the brewery, pubs, nightlife, football, restaurants, a village atmosphere, parks, museums, churches, shopping and temples.

So what did we do? We ditched the diet, we put on comfortable shoes, we wandered at will around alleys, got lost , quaffed the famous local brew, drank the local beer, danced the night away, watched football, shopped and had all of life's luxuries rolled into a weeks holiday.