The Qingdao Protestant Church (Jidu jiaotang), built in 1910, is one of Qingdao's quieter and more interesting sights. Although recently renovated this church still retains most of its original style and charm. Situated on a slight hill across from the Xinhaoshan park, the 39.10 meter tall bell tower and 18 meter high main hall, are easily missed on the winding roads leading up here.
The church is in typical Protestant style, the sandy yellow walls and clay red tiles contrasting well with the greyish buildings around this area.
Within, the church is spacious and austere and can hold between 300 and, aledgedly, thousands of congregation. The highlight of the church is the bell tower which houses an old German bell and clock face. The mechanism for the clock and the bell itself can be seen after a short climb up a steep flight of steps. If the bell tower is open, try and get to the top on the hour, when the mechanism and bell explode into action.
For those on for a bit more action the church apparently holds services on Sunday mornings. If not in time for this, one of the men on the door, who speaks passable English, will tell you when choir/carol practice will take place that week.
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