The area of Shandong, irrigated by the waters of the Yellow River has been a stalwart of China’s history and economy since time immemorial. Buddhism and Taoism have been at the forefront of the region’s cultural and spiritual development for thousands of years. In more recent history, a few years before the outbreak of World War I, China’s Qing Dynasty leased out a substantial plot of land to Imperial Germany for 99 years. However, with the commencement of the World War, the agreement was annulled and China regained control and supremacy over the land.
It is in on this land that the Jiaozhou Governor’s Hall was erected in the year 1906 by the construction company F H Schmidt under the supervision of German architect Mahike to serve as the naval and civil government office for the Germans. The architect had been lavish in his design and interior decoration; the building alone stands on a generous portion of land of 7500 square metres, is cream and beige in colour and commands a majestic position in the cityscape. Its tilted tiled roof can be seen for many miles around, while the trees grow tall on either side and the well landscaped lawn sits primly across the doorstep.
Subsequent to the war that spread across the globe in 1914, the Japanese came to occupy and rule over the area until it was liberalized by the Chinese in the late 1940s save for a dozen years or so from 1922 when China reigned supreme in Shandong. The building is presently utilized as the Qingdao Peoples’ Municipal Government office and is considered a cultural heritage site, which is therefore administered by the state. Its proximity to the Jiaozhou Bay gives it a temptingly cool atmosphere that makes it a good area for evening strolls as well.
If it is this illustrious structure that beckons you to visit China, stay over at Greater China hotels from where you can explore this historic region. Discerning travellers in search of such hotels in China can choose properties belonging to Millennium & Copthorne Hotels China which offer contemporary accommodation options in key areas of the country, letting you experience a truly exciting holiday adventure.
