Qingdao, Shandong, Northeastern China
8 December 2012

Note: The area of coverage in this XSAT image is 22.00 km x 22.00 km.
The reduced resolution image on display has undergone compression and so does not represent the true resolution of the original satellite image.

Qingdao is an unusual city which has Germanic and Chinese characteristics. The German influence, such as the regional architecture and Tsingtao beer, is derived from Germany’s brief early twentieth century occupation of the port city. Qingdao is backed by mountains to the east, and the port serves the Yellow Sea, Jiaozhou Bay and the Laoshan Bay. A large bridge and the Qinglan Expressway stretch northeast from the city across the Jiaozhou Bay. Qingdao’s south coast is famous for its pleasant bays with sandy beaches, those to the west, and nearer the city, being more heavily used. The largest of the local bays is Qingdao Bay, marked by piers in the centre of the image. A number of hilly parks (shown in red in this false-coloured XSat image) add to the charm of the city. Interesting architecture connected with Qingdao’s history is found in the city near the bay. Further to the east lies old Qingdao with its traditional housing.