Olympic watchers will swivel their telescopes seawards later this summer to scrutinise preparations for 2008.
Qingdao is to host the 2006 International Regatta in August and the event is being hailed as the first big test of the venue prior to the games proper. The doors to the new US$500 million Olympic Sailing Centre will swing open to welcome an international contingent of sailors, sailing experts, media, spectators and, of course, cynics.
If one is to believe the 'on-message' hyperbole issued from the plethora of official Olympic portals - including the hastily formed Test Regatta Organisation Committee - this modern seaside city of 2.2 million is fast becoming a sailor's paradise.
The regatta will be first of two dress-rehearsals for the games and will feature all 11 Olympic events. Moreover, it will either fan or allay widespread fears that a lack of wind in the usually breathless summer months will blight the sailing spectacle. Also being put to the test will be Qingdao's hospitality. Radio stations are increasing their daily English lessons and cab drivers listen intently and repeat phrases such as 'Welcome to my Olympic City' through fixed smiles.
Good street etiquette is evident. Spitting is not as widespread as in Beijing, and though many people smoke and factories to the south spew pollution, the sultry sea breeze eventually whisks away most unsavoury smells. The tree-lined streets are spotless, the popular sandy beaches almost devoid of litter, the construction sites consigned mostly to the suburbs of this sprawling municipality.
Water quality is seen as the biggest hurdle to overcome and while the southern beaches suffer from unsightly flotsam, the sailing area is being cleared of sewage outflows and other dumped waste. Even 65 abalone pools have been targeted for removal to ensure safe passages for competing sailors.