Qingdao

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Hi All,

I've had a great time wandering around the old parts of this city. As is usual here in China the contrast are incredible. From huge villas overlooking the beaches with big cars on the drives to the have nots.

Qingdao was a German concession and remained part of the German Empire until the end of the First World War. As part of the reparations after the Great War the concession was not returned to the Chinese, even though the Chinese had been on the western front digging trenches for the allies, it was instead given to the Japanese who had a treaty with Britain. Because of this a nationalist movement spread through China which sparked the May 4th Movement. On the 4th May 1919 students demonstrated on the streets of Beijing and lead to an increase in Chinese nationalism. These events were to stear China future destiny. Many of the young political leaders of the time were greatly affected by this movement. The concession was handed back to the Chinese 1922 only for the Japanese to invade again in 1938.

What is fasinating in how much these concessions try to look like home.The protestant church looks like it's of a chocolate box.

Enjoy the photos

Jah Bless

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Photos

Long Live Chairman Mao
A cultural revolution slogan almost hidden by an air conditioner.

Hua Shi Lou
Originally a home of a Russian business man. It later became a summer retreat for the German governor. Then it became the home of General Chiang Kai-Shek head of the KMT and later Mao would stay here with his family on holiday

Hua Shi Lou (1)
Originally a home of a Russian business man. It later became a summer retreat for the German governor. Then it became the home of General Chiang Kai-Shek head of the KMT and later Mao would stay here with his family on holiday