Qingdao: Locals and Outsiders


Editor’s note: This April, we are praying for Qingdao. Qingdao is a city of about 9 million, and is a well-known tourist spot and important seaport in northern China. To help us pray for their city, several Qingdao pastors shared some of their thoughts on the people and culture of Qingdao, as well as the needs of the local church.

Responses in this interview have been edited and slightly rearranged for clarity and length. This is the second of a three-part series; part one can be found here.


A City of Two Groups

China Partnership: What are the people of Qingdao like? What is the spiritual environment? What are the needs of your neighbors in Qingdao?

Jason: You can divide Qingdao people into two groups: those who are originally from Qingdao, and those who have moved to Qingdao. The two groups are quite different. Locals tend to live in the older parts of the city, or on the outskirts of the city. These people tend to be more simple, more plain, and are generally less educated. They are more conservative, and generally have less exposure to outsiders.

The other group, people who came from outside of Qingdao and now live here, tend to live in the more affluent and developed parts of the city. I think those who have come from other areas have more control of the city than the natives. Because the history of Qingdao is not that long, the influence of outsiders is quite apparent here.

You can divide Qingdao people into two groups: those who are originally from Qingdao, and those who have moved to Qingdao. The two groups are quite different.

The spiritual environment in Qingdao can also be divided into these same two groups of natives and outsiders. Each of these groups has their own distinct characteristics. Local churches have a long history in Qingdao. They are very stable, and exert a lot of influence on spiritual lives without acting very actively. House churches led by outsiders have been slowly growing and developing their own spiritual atmosphere. These two groups are very distinct; if you were to worship or serve in one group, it would be a very different experience from doing so in another.

Local churches proceed slowly. They are more conservative, careful, and slow in the way they minister. They walk straight on the path in front of them. Newer churches are growing spiritually, and are clearly trending as a growing percentage of Qingdao churches. There is some tension, and perhaps even competition between the two groups. As the two groups interact, it exposes the problems in each. Ultimately, I think this is a good thing, and is helpful to both kinds of churches.

Thomas Lu: Some older churches have heritage from the Local Church [Watchman Nee] and Jesus Family. But although they have these spiritual roots, nowadays they don’t emphasize this.

Because the history of Qingdao is not that long, the influence of outsiders is quite apparent here.

Needs of Qingdao People

Wu Qing: In the past few years I have learned there is a large group of autistic people in Qingdao. There are many special teachers geared to serving this group, and some parents come here for their children’s education. Within China, Qingdao is a center for special education. There are many groups focused on caring for these children, and some of these include Christians who minister to the needs in this community.

There are many young adults who want to stay in this city after they finish their education here. One common struggle is the economic challenge of earning a decent salary. There are not a lot of high quality jobs, such as in the IT sector.

One of the highest-stress groups is families with children, and in particular mothers… They are stretched pretty thin.

Within Qingdao, there are a lot of people who have left the general northeastern China area and moved here.

Robert Chan: One of the highest-stress groups is families with children, and in particular mothers. Mothers face social expectations that they will push their children to succeed in school. They are expected to take their kids to special classes, so they can get into a good elementary school, then a good high school, and then a good college. Many of these women work full-time, and are also caring for elderly parents. They are stretched pretty thin.

In the last two or three years, there has been a phenomenon in China known as “run.” People are tired of various things, including the pressure. This has always existed, but now it seems like it is on steroids. This is not just something occurring among non-Christians, but is also happening among Christians, including leaders and co-workers in the church. Some of our best people are leaving for other places.


All of the names used in this story are pseudonyms to protect the identities of the pastors involved. Both Jason and Wu Qing are pastors in local Qingdao house churches. Thomas Lu is a pastor with a burden to help the house church develop missionaries who can be sent to house churches inside and outside of China. Robert Chan is a cross-cultural worker who serves the church in Qingdao.

Pray for unity and cooperation between churches in Qingdao, especially between those led by natives and by newcomers to the city.

Share This Story

Further Reading

wei-zhao-H3x7NCFI2Yo-unsplash
Xiamen: Beautiful, Coastal... and Expensive
Read More
robert-bye-XiQvWmj37MM-unsplash
Guangzhou: Raising Gospel Soldiers
Read More
christine-roy-ir5MHI6rPg0-unsplash
Money, Power, and Sex
Read More

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA

With rising pressure and persecution in China, there are two challenges imperative for church leaders. The first challenge is for current leaders to love Christ above all else, and not to stray into legalism or love of the world. The second challenge is to raise up the next generation of leaders, who will humbly model Jesus even if current leaders are arrested.

WILL YOU JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA? PRAY FOR:

  1. Current leaders to grow in their daily walks with Christ
  2. Current leaders to shepherd and raise up new leaders
  3. New leaders who love Christ and will model him to the world
  4. New leaders to love and care for the church

Videos

ABOUT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

About Shenyang

Shenyang is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Liaoning Province. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shenyang is also a hub for China’s heavy industry, with companies such as the China First Automobile Group and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation having their headquarters in the city.

Videos

Stories from Shenyang

About Qingdao

Qingdao is a city located in eastern China and is famous for its beaches, beer, and seafood. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Zhanqiao Pier and the Badaguan Scenic Area. Qingdao is also a major port and has a thriving economy, with industries such as electronics, petrochemicals, and machinery.

Videos

Stories from Qingdao

About Xiamen

Xiamen is a city located in southeastern China and is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastal scenery, including Gulangyu Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also a hub for China’s high-tech industry, with companies such as Huawei and ZTE having research and development centers in Xiamen.

Videos

Stories from Xiamen

About Chongqing

Chongqing is a city located in southwestern China and is a major economic center in the region. The city is known for its spicy cuisine, especially its hot pot dishes, and is also famous for the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. Chongqing is also home to several historic sites, including the Dazu Rock Carvings, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Videos

Stories from Chongqing

About Nanjing

Nanjing is a city located in eastern China and is the capital of Jiangsu Province. It is one of China’s ancient capitals and has a rich cultural history, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Nanjing City Wall, and the Confucius Temple. Nanjing is also a modern city with a thriving economy and is home to several universities, including Nanjing University and Southeast University.

Videos

Stories from Nanjing

About Changchun

Changchun is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Jilin Province. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several historical landmarks such as the Puppet Emperor’s Palace and the Jingyuetan National Forest Park. Changchun is also a hub for China’s automotive industry, with several major automobile manufacturers having their headquarters in the city.

Videos

Stories from Changchun

About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a city located in southern China and is the capital of Guangdong Province. It is one of the country’s largest and most prosperous cities, serving as a major transportation and trading hub for the region. Guangzhou is renowned for its modern architecture, including the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House, as well as its Cantonese cuisine, which is famous for its variety and bold flavors. The city also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Additionally, Guangzhou hosts the annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.

Videos

Stories from Guangzhou

About Kunming

Kunming is a city located in southwest China and is the capital of Yunnan Province. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Kunming is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The city is home to several scenic spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stone Forest, Dian Lake, and the Western Hills. Kunming is also famous for its unique cuisine, which features a mix of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic flavors. The city has a rich cultural history, with ancient temples and shrines like the Yuantong Temple and the Golden Temple, and it’s also a hub for Yunnan’s ethnic minority cultures, such as the Yi and Bai peoples.

Videos

Stories from Kunming

About Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a city located in southeastern China and is one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolises. The city is renowned for its thriving tech industry, with companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI having their headquarters in Shenzhen. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and parks. Shenzhen is also known for its modern architecture, such as the Ping An Finance Center and the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. Despite its modernization, Shenzhen also has a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Dapeng Fortress and the Chiwan Tin Hau Temple.

Videos

Stories from Shenzhen

About Chengdu

Chengdu is a city located in the southwestern region of China, and the capital of Sichuan province. It has a population of over 18 million people, and it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and its cute and cuddly residents – the giant pandas. Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, museums, and historical sites scattered throughout its boundaries. Chengdu is a city of contrasts, with ancient traditions coexisting alongside modern developments, making it an intriguing and fascinating destination for visitors to China. 

Videos

Stories from Chengdu

About Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people. The city has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, and it has served as the capital of various dynasties throughout China’s history. Beijing is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in China, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The city is also a hub for political, cultural, and educational activities, with numerous universities and research institutions located within its boundaries. Beijing is renowned for its traditional architecture, rich cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to China.

Videos

Stories from Beijing

About Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the eastern coast of China. It is the largest city in China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 24 million people. Shanghai is a global financial hub and a major center for international trade, with a rich history and culture that spans over 1,000 years. The city is famous for its iconic skyline, which features towering skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. Shanghai is also home to a diverse culinary scene, world-class museums and art galleries, and numerous shopping districts. It is a city that is constantly evolving and reinventing itself, making it a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.

Videos

Stories from Shanghai

give

A short message about partnering with us.