Badaguan and Zhanqiao Pier in Qingdao

Background

Zhanqiao Pier was first built in 1892, when Zhang Gaoyuan was garrisoned in Qingdao, as an iron pier for coastal defense and cargo handling. After later rebuilding, it was lengthened in the early 1930s, and a breakwater and Huilan Pavilion were added at its southern end, making it Qingdao's landmark. Badaguan originally meant eight roads named after famous Chinese passes (Shaoguan, Ningwuguan, Zijingguan, Wushengguan, Jiayuguan, Zhengyangguan, Juyongguan and Shanhaiguan Roads) and later came to mean the surrounding quarter. Its villas were mostly built between the early 20th century and the 1940s and bring together architectural styles from more than twenty countries, earning it the name “Museum of World Architecture”; Huashi Villa is in the style of a European castle, and Princess Villa is Danish in style. According to sources, each street is planted with its own tree species, such as flowering peach on Shaoguan Road, crape myrtle on Zhengyangguan Road, painted maple on Jiayuguan Road and cedar on Zijingguan Road; actual flowering times depend on conditions on the ground. Popular sources give differing, often “it is said” accounts of who lived in villas such as Huashi Villa.

Local customs

• You can walk along the pier to Huilan Pavilion for views over Qingdao Bay toward Little Qingdao Island
• stroll through Badaguan to see the exteriors and streetscapes of villas such as Huashi Villa and Princess Villa, continuing to the Second Bathing Beach on the southern shore
• or follow the seafront promenade to link the pier, Badaguan and the nearby coast.

Travel tips

• Badaguan is an open neighborhood
• whether individual buildings are open or charge admission depends on on-site and official notices. The seafront is crowded in summer, so protect yourself from the sun and drink enough water
• it is windy by the sea, so bring a windproof layer. Both sites are on the Shinan District seafront: take local public transport to the coastal area and walk, and link the pier and Badaguan on foot along the promenade
• check official sources for routes.
• Spring blossoms and autumn ginkgo and red maples are the quarter's highlights
• summer is peak beach season, and winter by the sea is windy and cold, so dress warmly and take care in the sea wind.