Closer to Qingdao: A look at Qingdao's beauties
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02:48
We begin today's program in the Chinese coastal city of Qingdao -- the host of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, set for this weekend. The waterside city is the biggest in Shandong Province, and is renowned for its beautiful beaches, exquisite seafood, and its time-honored beer. And for those ever looking to pay a visit to Qingdao, here's a look at some of the city's must-go-to attractions.
With three sides facing mountains and one side facing the sea, this small fishing village called Qingshan village under the foot of Laoshan mountain has been put on the map not only for fishing, but for its tourist attraction. Fishing is no longer the only income for locals, as the rural scenery has attracted more and more backpackers to come. So running inns, restaurants and teahouses is another source of income for the younger generation.
Located at the intersection of the suburban and urban area of Qingdao, Li Cun Village is known for its fair of selling fishing products.
CUSTOMER "The fair is held every five days. And I come to each fair. The seafood is cheap here. It's time to eat Spanish mackerel. And the mackerel is very fresh here at the market."
This fair has been around for over 120 years. The fair takes place 6 times every month, on the dates with "two" and "seven" on the lunar calendar.
Apart from Spanish mackerel, favorite seafood for locals also includes oysters, sea cucumbers and clams. And they are better off washed down with a cold Qingdao brew.
Dengzhou road is called "Beer Street", locals prefer to bring guests here at night, to eat clams and drink beer. Qingdao Beer has been around for more than a century. It is now sold to more than 100 countries and regions. And the city's night-life can't be without it.
Qingdao was once favored by many writers at the first half of the 20th century. Late writer Lao She lived in the city during the 1930's when he was invited to teach at Shandong University. He also wrote his signature work "Rickshaw Boy" during this period of time.
The city is not only for the old locals, but for youngsters as well. There are some trendy coffee bars inside this lane which have gone viral among netizens. Spend some time in a coffee bar like this, you'll find vibrancy, which is also known for its traditional lifestyles.