Building Bridges between East and West through Education and Cultural Exchange
Qingdao (Shandong) – My Second Historic Walk
One of three photo albums of Qingdao images focusing on Signal Hill, the (German) Governor’s Mansion, the campus of the Ocean University of China, and the XiaoYuShan Tower that provide a splendid view of the old city and beach areas.
We start our walk through the area known as ShiBei, and the area of the LanChao Pavilion at the top of XiaoYuShan (Little Fish Hill). (Photo from Wikipedia.)
Example of one of the narrow walking streets in the area.
With leaves missing from trees on this winter day, it’s easier to catch a glimpse of the pavilion on XiaoYu Hill.
In the distance is Signal Hill (XinHaoShan), our walking destination this afternoon. It was named by the Germans during their occupation starting in 1897.
We stop at these wide gates and I’m pleased to learn it is the campus of the Ocean University of China.
We walked into the campus and observe a lone student returning to his residence today. Just now most students will still be back home for Spring Festival.
One of a number of buildings that seem to have a Eurpean (German) architecture. The university boasts 20,000 students with a strong graduate program.
From the campus of the Ocean University I get this good shot of the historic Governor’s Mansion across the valley.
But walking through the neighbourhood, we spot different buildings with plaques indicating historical significance.
I knew nothing of Liang Shiqiu, but like what often happens in such situations, I shoot photos first, then search out the history later.
I learn that Liang Shiqiu was a Chinese professor of English, famous for translating all of Shakespeare’s plays into Chinese.
Another set of gates, and obviously buildings with some history.
We step through the gates and find this beautiful building of traditional design.
And, yes, another small plaque that celebrates the site as a former location of the Qingdao Red Cross.
As we leave, the children are being instructed to line up for a photo. One of the buildings inside is a school but we fail to stop to learn more.
As we start up Signal Hill we spot another set of gates. In this case we are arriving at the historic Governor’s Mansion.
This beautiful Bavarian-style mansion was built in 1908 at a time when Germany had recently secured a 99-year lease on this valuable port area.
This reception room continues to be furnished in the style of the early 1900s, with flooring and wall coverings that reflect that time.
The desk is reported to be the original desk used by the German Governor.
Another sitting room. This has more history, too, since other Chinese leaders including Mao Zhedong and Deng Xiaoping also occupied this residence for a time.
This is a special room, opening onto a solarium, and with a series of windows arranged vertically. We focus first on the bottom window…
… and discover its exquisite detail.
Before proceeding into the solarium, note the second level windows (off the staircase). We will view them from the next room.
Now in the solarium, we look back on these same windows and note the small balcony from the door and windows on that staircase.
At one time, we can imagine the solarium filled with many plants and flowers, for the enjoyment of the European colonial masters.
Returning back inside, we notice various design features of early 20th century Germany.
We leave the Governor’s Mansion out the back door, and make our way down hill again.
We spot, again, the marker to this special historic site.
But, it is interesting to note the gun placement located in the hillside, just below the mansion.
Back on XiaoYuShan, we can see the Governor’s Mansion again, with the gun placement just below. In the foreground is the campus of the Ocean University.
The charming XiaoYuShan Tower with lovely pieces of art under the eaves.
This wall celebrates the historical connection of Little Fish Hill with the Huiquan Bay overwhich it is located.
The glazed tile scene is from the works of a famous Chinese writer by the name of Pu Song Li.
The details for those of us who have known nothing before.
The main pavilion has three floors and yields a great full-circle view of Qingdao City and Huiquan Bay.
This is the famous Qingdao Beach #1, one of the most famous beaches in all of China and claiming to be the largest beach in all of Asia.
Along Huiquan Bay, we note one of the newer five-star hotels, the Qingdao Donghai Hotel.
Back towards the west, we note again the famous Zhan Qiao pier with the little pavilion at the end.
Our final shot is of the Little Green Isle (Xiaoqing Dao), after which Qingdao is named.
