Park & nature
Xiao Qingdao
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Xiao Qingdao is a small island in Qingdao, Shandong, China, located southeast of the Zhan Qiao pier. The island gives Qingdao its name and features a lighthouse built by the Germans in the 1900s. Visitors can tour botanical gardens and enjoy views of Qingdao.
Don't miss
- Xiaoqingdao Lighthouse, a 12.5-meter-tall white-marble octagonal pyramidal lighthouse built by the Germans in 1904
- Botanical gardens on the island
- Views of Qingdao from the island
- A bridge built by the Japanese connecting the island to the mainland
Know before you go
- The island is located southeast of the Zhan Qiao pier.
- Visitors can tour botanical gardens on the island.
A bit of history
Xiao Qingdao was a restricted military area until 1897. During German occupation in the 1900s, they named it 'Arcona Island' after the cruiser Arcona. In 1904, a 12.5-meter-tall, white-marble, octagonal pyramidal lighthouse was built on it. After 1914, the Japanese occupied it and renamed it 'Kato Island' after an admiral. Local people call it 'Xiao Qingdao' because it is a small island, and 'Qin Dao' because its shape resembles an ancient musical instrument.
Common questions
Why is the island called Xiao Qingdao?
Local people call it 'Xiao Qingdao' because it is a small island; 'Xiao' means small in Chinese.
What is the lighthouse on the island?
It is the Xiaoqingdao Lighthouse, a 12.5-meter-tall white-marble octagonal pyramidal lighthouse built by the Germans in 1904.
How did the island get its other name, Qin Dao?
It is called 'Qin Dao' because the shape of the island looks like an ancient musical instrument.
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