Explore E China's Shandong province in 10 days

Day 8

Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Museum (Qingdao Aquarium or Qingdao Marine Products Museum)

The Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Museum, also known as the Qingdao Aquarium and Qingdao Marine Products Museum, is located in the scenic Lu Xun Park, adjacent to the picturesque Huiquan Bay, one of Qingdao's top attractions.

As the first aquarium in China designed and constructed by Chinese architects, the museum holds a prominent place in the country's history. Established through the efforts of pioneers like renowned educator Cai Yuanpei (1868-1940), it opened on May 8, 1932, and laid the foundation for China's marine research institutions.

Covering an area of nearly 20,000 square meters, the museum has five main exhibition halls: Fantasy Jellyfish Palace, the Marine Biology Museum, Seal Museum, Freshwater Biology Museum, and the Whale Museum. It houses an impressive collection of more than 52,000 items, including over 33,000 marine specimens, making it the largest collection of its kind in China.

As a leader in marine biology research, the museum excels in specimen collection, classification, and identification. It has also made remarkable progress in the study of seal and jellyfish reproduction, reinforcing its role in marine science education.

As a historical landmark and a key tourist destination in Qingdao, the museum serves as a national science education base, a youth science education hub, and a center for marine awareness education, and continues to inspire and educate visitors from across the country.

Qingdao Museum of the Former German Governor's House (Qingdao City Cultural Heritage Preservation Center)

The Museum of the Former German Governor's House in Qingdao, now known as the Qingdao City Cultural Heritage Preservation Center, was constructed in 1905 and completed in 1907. Designed by a German architect, the building boasts a floor area of 4,083 square meters and occupies a sprawling 55,000 square meters of land.

This European castle-style structure is a remarkable blend of traditional German Wilhelmine architecture and Jugendstil elements, and stands as a premier example of German architectural art in China. Its luxurious decor and sophisticated design make it one of the most distinguished buildings in the country.

The building originally served as the compound of the German governors (four in succession) of Qingdao during the occupation period (1897-1914). After 1949, it was repurposed to host both domestic and international dignitaries. In 1996, it was designated a national foremost protected cultural heritage site by the State Council and opened to the public as a museum in 1999.

The museum's holding features the former collection of the governor compound, with a variety of services including guided tours. It is also open to public donation. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum regularly hosts photographic, thematic, and artifact exhibitions.

The museum encapsulates the historical transformation of Qingdao in modern times, showcasing a rich dialogue between Eastern and Western architecture. It integrates multiple aspects of architectural art, urban history, modern history, and Sino-German relations.