Qingdao is located on the Yellow Sea, in the south of the Shandong Peninsula, and has been a German colonial trading post since the late 19th century. The influence of the Germans can still be seen in the city's architecture, as many significant buildings from that era have been preserved and are protected by the city. To create new construction areas, numerous hills within the city have been leveled. The appreciation for the German architectural style is so strong today that in several new development areas, mid-rise, "German"-looking residential buildings have been incorporated into the green landscape, deviating from the usual high-rise construction style.
Qingdao is one of the few significant seaside resorts in China. The Germans nicknamed the city "Naples of the Yellow Sea." Near the city lies Mount Lao Shan with the Daoist temple Taiqing Gong, a popular excursion destination. Remnants of the German colonial era include the Governor's Villa, the Protestant Church, the Catholic Cathedral (completed only in 1934), the Zhan Qiao Pier, parts of the German bunker system (which can be visited), the Tsingtao Brewery, and several other German colonial buildings.
The Fushan Bay, located just 6 km from the city center and home to the Qingdao International Sailing Center, was the venue for the sailing competitions of the 2008 Summer Olympics.
