Qingdao Zhanqiao is located at the southern end of Zhongshan Road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Shandong Province. It is one of the iconic buildings in Qingdao. The following is a detailed introduction to it:

I. General Overview

Historical Origin: It was first built in 1892 and is a landmark building of the same age as Qingdao. Initially, it was built as a simple wharf with a 铁木 (iron - wood) structure and a wooden surface by Zhang Gaoyuan when he led troops to garrison Jiaozhou Bay to supply military supplies. After Germany occupied Qingdao, it was expanded. In 1931, the municipal authorities renovated and extended it again. The bridge body was extended to 394.38 meters, and Huilan Pavilion was added. The project was completed in April 1933.

Architectural Layout: With a total length of 440 meters and a width of 8 to 11.5 meters, it consists of a stone - built approach embankment in the north connecting to the land, a open - span bridge in the middle standing in the sea, an island embankment at the south end, and Huilan Pavilion on the top. The outer wall of the approach embankment is built with granite, filled with sand and stones inside, and it is constructed on the largest triangular reef area in the bay, which is wider in the north and narrower in the south. The open - span bridge and the island embankment of Huilan Pavilion are built on the sand - mud area outside the reef area.

II. Main Scenic Spots

Huilan Pavilion: Located at the southern end of the Zhanqiao, it is a two - storey octagonal pavilion with overhanging eaves, covering an area of 151 square meters and a building area of 340 square meters. It faces Xiaoqingdao Island across the water, and its northern end is in a straight line connection with Zhongshan Road. It is regarded as an important symbol of Qingdao. The pavilion is covered with yellow glazed tiles on the top, with upturned eaves, showing a magnificent momentum. "Flying Pavilion against the Surging Waves" is one of the ten scenic spots in Qingdao.

Zhongshan Road: Connected to the northern end of the Zhanqiao, it is one of the most prosperous commercial streets in Qingdao. There are numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, etc. Tourists can go shopping, taste delicious food here, and experience the commercial atmosphere of Qingdao.

Xiaoqingdao Island: It is across the sea from the Zhanqiao. There is a white lighthouse on the island, which is one of the iconic landscapes of Qingdao. Xiaoqingdao Island has a beautiful scenery, with shady trees and lush flowers and plants, making it a good place for leisure walks.

Seagull - watching Spot: From November of each year to March of the following year, a large number of seagulls gather near the Zhanqiao. Tourists can feed the seagulls here, interact closely with them, and feel the harmonious beauty of nature and humanity.

III. Travel Guide

Transportation: Take Metro Lines 1 and 3, get out at Exit G of Qingdao Railway Station, and then walk 300 meters to reach it.

Tickets: Free.

Opening Hours: The Zhanqiao is open all day. The opening hours of Huilan Pavilion are from 9:00 - 17:00, and it is closed on Mondays.

Recommended Visiting Time: About half an hour. If you want to watch seagulls, enjoy the sunset, etc., you can appropriately extend the time according to the actual situation.

IV. Surrounding Delicacies

Seafood Feast: There are many seafood restaurants near the Zhanqiao, where you can taste various fresh seafood, such as steamed fish, braised prawns in oil, stir - fried clams with chili, and sea intestine served with rice.

Special Snacks: Grilled squid is one of the signature snacks around the Zhanqiao. In addition, there are also snacks like seafood pancakes, fried fish slices, stinky tofu, etc. for tourists to choose from.

Beer Houses: Tsingtao Beer is well - known far and wide. There are quite a few beer houses near the Zhanqiao. Besides providing various types of Tsingtao Beer, they also offer special dishes such as beer - cooked duck and beer - cooked fish.