Qingdao

Originally a German residential area built in the early 20th century during the German protectorate era, Ba Da Guan, or "Eight Passes", is made up of eight streets with houses that showcase a variety of European architectural styles. Take a stroll here, and you might forget you are in China.

This is the only naval museum in China, where you can get close to decommissioned army warships, warplanes, missiles and submarines. Even for non-military buffs, the museum offers a fun day out.

This European-style garden villa located right next to the beach is a favourite spot for weddings. Get a drink, sit in the breeze and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

Qingdao lives up to its name as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Here are some great beaches to feel the fine sand between your toes, dive into clear waters, revel in the amazing scenery and forget all your troubles.

Laoshan, a mountain near the East China Sea, is known as a cradle of Taoism, with numerous temples. The landform is of geological interest, with its glacial potholes, large boulders and mineral springs. It is said that the emperors Qin Shi Huang and Wu of Han, who ruled more than two millennia ago, revered the mountain as a spiritual land, and today tourists can visit its temples and various scenic spots.

Part of Shandong Province, Qingdao is an ideal place to sample Shandong food, also called Lu cuisine, one of the big eight Chinese cuisines. This famous local restaurant offers Qingdao's well-known seafood dishes.

The piece of advice pasted on this card shop's window says it all: "Find a cosy little shop, get a postcard for your beloved, and scribble on the back of it, 'Missing you on this fine day in Qingdao'"