Southampton’s Chinese sister city stages exhibition in Southampton

13 June 2006:

Qingdao, Southampton’s sister city in the People’s Republic of China is an important economic centre and coastal city in Eastern China covering an area of 10,654 square kilometres with a population of eight million. Just one hour by air from Beijing and Shanghai the city faces Japan and the Republic of Korea across the Yellow sea.

Qingdao is a famous historical and cultural city and renowned tourist resort. It is a key port for foreign trade and its manufacturing industries include electronics, household appliances and the world famous Qingdao beer.

In 2005 the economic strength of Qingdao was ranked tenth among cities of China. Qingdao has also been ranked as one of China’s:

Top 10 Economically Dynamic Cities;
Top 10 Business Cities;
Most Popular Cities; and
Most Charming Cities.

Qingdao is the host city for Sailing Regatta of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. At present, all sections of the community are preparing for a successful Sailing Regatta with distinctive features.

In 2004, with the purpose of attracting people to Qingdao for investment and tourism, the Qingdao Government initiated a series of worldwide promotions entitled ‘Meet in Beijing, Sail in Qingdao’.

From 15 to 17 June, this promotion will be held in the former Littlewoods store, 1-9 Above Bar Street, Southampton.

It will introduce to Southampton:

Qingdao’s progress on the preparation for the 2008 Olympic Sailing Regatta;
The city’s beautiful coastal scene; and
Performances of Chinese traditional and modern arts.

At the exhibition signatures will be collected from the citizens of Southampton to send their good wishes to the people of Qingdao for a successful Olympic Games

Our friends from Qingdao would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone to visit the Exhibition and get to know them and their beautiful city.

Opening hours for the Exhibition are:-

Thursday 15 June: 13.00-17.00
Friday 16 June: 10.00-17.00
Saturday 17 June: 10.00-12.30