Editor’s note: Pictures are the best way to trace the history of a city and its people.

    We are presenting readers with pictures taken before the founding of the PRC, in the 1980s and also in the 21st century. The city’s 120-year history will be recast before you, thanks to the efforts of those who have recorded the city’s history.

    LOCATED at the southern shore of Qingdao Zhongshan Road, Zhanqiao Pier was built in 1892 and is the oldest pier in Qingdao Bay.

    Having been rebuilt in 1931 and 1985, the pier is now 8 meters wide and 440 meters long.

    Zhanqiao Pier is viewed by many as the official symbol of the city as it was made famous by being on the label of Tsingtao Brewery beer bottles and the front of cans.

    A two-floor Octagonal Pavilion with a gold roof and red wall, called the Billowing Back and Forth Tower, was built there. And the sightseeing in the pavilion is regarded as one of the 10 most famous views in Qingdao.

    The best season to visit Zhanqiao Pier to enjoy the sea view is autumn.

    With a campaign to preserve seagulls launched in recent years, Zhanqiao Pier has become a resort for the species. Thousands of seagulls dwell here and hover above the place.

    (Chen Ting, Fan Zeshun)