Qingdao has often been voted China’s most liveable city. A former German concession, Qingdao's Western-style architecture remains intact, with a skyline dominated by charming red-tiled roofs, leafy boulevards and a sapphire sea. 

It is home to Tsingtao Brewery, the maker of China's internationally renowned lager, and known as the sailing capital of the country, after hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics sailing events.

Despite being a relatively young city, Qingdao has a refreshing mix of fast-paced modernism, progress, and heritage.