Zhanqiao Pier

Zhanqiao Pier faces across Little Qingdao Isle and connects with Zhongshan Road in a straight line, being an important symbol of Qingdao City. Walking the 440-meter-long bridge is a great way to enjoy breezes coming off the sea.

As a symbol and landmarks of Qingdao City, Zhanqiao Pier looks like a rainbow lying in the water. At one end is Huilan Pagoda, a classic beauty that hosts historic and cultural exhibits throughout the year. Strolling along the beach of Zhanqiao Pier, you can see the crescent-like outline of Qingdao. What’s more, when the seal is calm and tranquil, hundreds of thousands gulls soar freely. Image what a stunning view it is.
 

History of Zhanqiao Pier

As old as the city of Qingdao, the Zhanqiao Pier has sat astride the Yellow Sea since 1892 in Qing dynasty. First built for the reception of Li Hongzhang, a prominent statesman during the Qing Dynasty, Zhanqiao Pier has since become a symbol of the city. It was built under the commander of Zhang Gaoyuan, who was an officer of this place at that time. Then it was completed in 1893. There was a total length of 200 meters of the bridge, 10 meters wide. The stone of its base was gray and it was equipped with iron fences on both sides of the bridge. It is the oldest artificial dedicated pier for military in Qingdao. The bridge became wharf in a war.

It was extended in May 1901. The northern section became a pavement of cement. Iron fences were changed to iron chains. Also, it was extended to 350 meters to the south. The extension section was built by steel and wood and built light railway to facilitate transportation. After 1905, commercial cargo transportation moved to Qingdao Port, the bridge became a quarantine site of ships. From September 1931 to April 1933, the Qingdao municipal authorities invested 258,000 yuan to expand and repair this bridge. This time, it used reinforced concrete pile to rebuild it. In addition, the bridge was extended to 440 meters long and 8 meters wide. At the same time, the deck height of it increased 0.5 meters and built a semi-circular breakwater at the southern tip of it. There newly built a double-cornices octagonal pavilion with ethnic style, named Huilan Pavilion. Since then, the bridge has become an important landmark buildings and famous scenic tourist attractions in Qingdao City.
 

What to See at Zhanqiao Pier

Huilan Pavilion
Huilan pavilion is located in the waterfront of Qingdao City across the water with Little Qingdao Isle. It is recognized as an important symbol of Qingdao.

Zhongshan Road
Zhongshan Road connects with Trestle Bridge on a north-south line. It is an old commercial street in Qingdao city, having history of 100 years. Currently, it is also one of the most prosperous places in old downtown of Qingdao.

Little Qingdao Isle
If you ask what the Qindao highlight is, it can firmly to say the Little Qingdao Isle. It is a good area for a brief stroll, giving good views of the Huilangge Pavilion, the rusting submarine and destroyer of the Naval Museum, and, if the weather is right, the nearby Yellow Island (Huangdao) nestling in mists. Its elevation is only 17.2 meters and covers an area of only 0.012 square kilometers.
 

Things to Do at Zhanqiao Pier

Enjoy the Stunning Sunrise or Sunset at the Zhanqiao Pier

Zhanqiao Pier is one of the best places to enjoy the stunning sunrise and sunset in Qingdao. During the sunrise time, you can see the sun gradually rises on the sea, and the Huilan Pavilion is also beautiful under the sunrise in the early morning. During the sunset time, you can see the sun gradually sets and the beautiful surroundings near the Zhanqiao Pier. By the way, you can enjoy the wonderful scenery of the sea at the Zhanqiao Pier. At night, you can enjoy the gorgeous night view of Qingdao at the Zhanqiao Pier.

Feed Seagulls in Zhanqiao Pier in Winter

Winter is the season with most seagulls at Zhanqiao Pier. In winter, you can feed seagulls as well as taking photos with seagulls at Zhanqiao Pier. Many local people and tourists come to Zhanqiao Pier to witness and feed the seagulls. Zhanqiao is one of the landmarks of Qingdao, which is also the best place to see the seagulls in Qingdao. Feeding the seagulls is an interesting thing to do at the Zhanqiao Pier.
 

Best Time to Visit the Zhanqiao Pier

Qingdao is always beautiful in different seasons. And you can visit the Zhanqiao Pier anytime you like. In spring, the weather turns warm and the flowers start to bloom. You can stroll around the bridge on the Zhanqiao Pier and enjoy the breeze. In summer, the weather in Qingdao is not very hot, you can have a panoramic view of the buildings and surrounding landscapes of Zhanqiao Pier. In autumn, you can go for a walk at Zhanqiao Pier with comfortable weather. In winter, the Zhanqiao Pier will be more beautiful when it is covered by the snow. And November to April is the beat time to see and feed the seagulls at Zhanqiao Pier.
 

How to Get to Zhanqiao Pier

Subway: You can take the Qingdao Subway Line 1 or Line 3 and get off at the Qingdao Station, then walk for 500 meters to get to the Zhanqiao Pier.