June 14, 2011 was the 120th anniversary of the establishment of Qingdao. After all these exciting and memorable years, let us experience several spots in this beautiful city.

Background: German colonists built Jiaoji Rail in September 1899, and Qingdao Railway Station finished construction in autumn two years later.

ON June 14, a D6001 train arrived in Qingdao from Jinan, capital of Shandong Province, through Jiaoji Rail at 9: 55 a.m. Passengers on the train might not know of the connection with the 120th anniversary of the establishment of the city.

The railway station is only 10 years younger than the city. Although it has become a modern railway station with advanced facilities, you can still see what it looked like 100 years ago through its modern facade.

During the construction, the colonists built a batch of German-style rail stations in several important cities and towns such as Qingdao and Jinan. The Qingdao Railway Station was an exemplary piece of architecture with its big, tall German bell tower. During the past 110 years, the tower has formed many travelers’ first impression of the city.

Today the bell tower is still one of many locals’ and travelers’ favorite spots in the city. It has become a must-see place to learn of Qingdao’s history and unique style.

The station has recorded the history and development of the city. It is now the only European-style railway station in the country and has been extended several times due to the growing number of passengers. A 78-year-old man surnamed Xu who lived near the station has witnessed the changes of the station. “Since I first picked up a friend there in 1955, I’ve seen so many alternations in the city and the station. But in my heart, the station has never changed. It is always a beautiful station with a European bell tower, a waiting room and a big square full of people,” he said.

(Wang Yuanyuan, Cui Wu)