Zhanqiao Pier

The Pier, or Zhan Qiao, which appears on Tsingtao beer bottles, has been a landmark icon for more than a century. It is one of the most popular places in Qingdao to go for a stroll. Built in 1891 as a 440 meter long military pier jutting out into Qingdao Bay, that stretches into the sea and was the first wharf in Qingdao. It features a pavilion above the water, named "Huilan Pavilion", at the end of the pier.

 

The pier itself was built in 1891 during the time when Qingdao was a German colony. The pavilion at the end was built in 1930. Zhanqiao pier is viewed in the eyes of many as the official symbol of Qingdao as it was made famous by being placed on the front of the Tsingtao Brewery beer can.

 

From the top of the pavilion, visitors enjoy a magnificent view of the sea. When looking back at the city from the pavilion, Qingdao's evergreen-studded hills and red-tiled European-style roofs built in the occupation era are easily visible. The views from here contrast sharply with the towering modern buildings looking down upon the old German Concession area with its mixture of churches, parks, and red clay tiles interrupted by dark green pines. The pavilion is also a small exhibition hall where art shows & photography exhibitions are often displayed. Vendors cram the pavilion's interior selling everything from souvenirs to ice cream. At the other end of the pier is the Zhanqiao Pier Park; have a seat at the park and take in the pleasant seaside scenery and fresh sea breeze. The entire area is a must on any tourist's itinerary.

 

The northern part of Zhan Qiao was made of stone and the southern steel and cement. With lamp pillar standing on both sides, the bridge is surrounded by half-hanged iron guard railings. The south tip stretches to sea. An antique octagonal two-storyed pavilion called Huilan Pavilion (Huilan Ge) was built there.In order to protect it, they built a hemisphere breakwater beside the pavilion. When the sea wave rush to the bank, the breakwater hampers it to where it come naturally.

 

After you go up along the aspirial staircases in the pavilion, you can ascend the top of the pavilion and have a far view into the blue sea in Jiaozhou Bay, the shadow of tower and the green Qingdao City. The islets are dotted here and there.Sea and sky unify into a whole. The sailing fish boat is driving to the deep of the sea and the trees and flower is verdant. All these present a beautiful picture. It is the first Scenery among the ten famous Sceneries in Qingdao.

 

With a white lamp tower, the scenery of the islet is very beautiful. At the north tip of Zhanqiao along the seashore, you will find Zhanqiao Park. The grass is green. Flower corridor and pavilion is rather beautiful. All these combine into a "Zhanqiao and Huilan Pavilion Scenery Zone".