Qingdao is a city of more recent history than many others in China. It was occupied by Germans in 1897, and at this time, only had around 1,000 inhabitants. However, this grew to over 15,000 souls, in just over a decade. The city is known as one of the most beautiful historic beachside cities in China, and a lovely contrast to the hustle and bustle of many of China's other cities.

For those looking to experience the refreshing wash of China's oceans on their luxury holiday, Qingdao offers a variety of beaches with an enormous variety of conditions. The quieter beaches often require a small fee to be paid to access them, and some have paid shower and changing facilities. You can water-ski and parasail on some of Qingdao's beaches, and number 1 beach has a plastic island if you love the free feeling of sand falling away beneath your feet - but need a goal to work to!

Use your hotel in Qingdao as a base to explore some of the cities gorgeous parks - Zhongshan Gongyuan is one of the quietest, and is gorgeous during cherry blossom time in April and May. Stay in a hotel in Qingdao's center and you'll also have a great vantage point for admiring the city's blend of Chinese and Western style architecture; a relic from the German colonial times. Qingdao is also the host city for the sailing events of the Olympic Games.

The Tsingtao brewery is one of the city's most famous sights - it was founded in 1903, again by the city's German colonists, and the beer is said to be China's number one. It is certainly the top-selling Chinese beer in the US market (competing against over 600 other Chinese brewers). If you like a high-malt and well-hopped brew, the Tsingtao brewery has ample free samples. Book a taxi in advance to get back to your hotel in Qingdao!

The range of hotels in Qingdao is narrower than in other Chinese cities, due to the smaller population - however, this only makes competition fiercer and service and standards better. One of the best hotels in Qingdao is the Shangri-La Qingdao. With signature Shangri-La luxury and lush surroundings, and the brand's usual carefully designed interior spaces, Shangri-La is very much a place to unwind and seek sanctuary from China's busy lifestyle.

The Crowne Plaza is another excellent choice of hotel in Qingdao, with a choice of six restaurants on the premises, and other boutique in-house facilities like a bakery, bowling alley, salon and babysitting, as well as forex services for business travelers.

The Haitian Fandian is another excellent hotel in Qingdao, China. Along with the city's other luxury hotels, it offers the same luxury you find at large city hotels, but at much more competitive price tags. The Haitian Fandian has sea views from every room (apart from a few single rooms at the rear of the property), as well as fitness and sporting facilities like a health club, bowling alley, tennis court, indoor pool and a massage for after you have exhausted yourself trying out the facilities. Marble bathrooms are a feature of this Qingdao hotel.

Qingdao is one of China's smaller, but very charming city's, with luxury accommodation available at excellent rates and authentic Chinese activities that aren't swamped with other tourists. For a true Chinese experience and a luxury holiday, Qingdao is a great choice.

About the Author:
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.

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