In the middle of Qingdao, there is a public square called May 4th Square.
In May 4th Square (often written as May Fourth Square) , there is a large red sculpture that is a symbol of modern Qingdao.
The metal structure is called The Winds of May.
This name evokes the winds of change as well as the turbulent weather of the spring.
May 4th is the anniversary date of an important historical event in Beijing that was a direct response to political decisions regarding Qingdao.
The significance of the date May 4th has roots in the removal of German control and establishment of Japanese control within Chinese territory.
Historical Background on Qingdao and May Fourth Movement
The fate of Qingdao, as a colonial concession area, was especially sensitive to many parties involved but none more so than the Chinese people influenced by the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty in 1911 in search of a new governing paradigm to match their patriotism and desire for modern statehood.
Although the de facto governing party in 1919 was the Nationalist KMT (Kuomintang or in today’s romanization Pinyin, Guomindang), the rights of China as a self governing entity were not recognized at the negotiations of the Treaty of Versailles, which was written to reorganize the global order after World War 1.
Siege of Tsingtao, Treaty of Versailles, and Japanese control
Qingdao had previously been under German control but had been invaded and occupied by Japanese and British troops fighting an Axis power (Germany) in World War 1.
The Siege of Tsingtao took place from August to November of 1914
The rearrangement of geographical possessions that took place in Versailles included the ceding of Qingdao to Japanese control.
Needless to say, this did not sit well with China’s diplomats and citizenry alike.
A large gathering of students in Beijing sparked a larger movement of social and geopolitical consciousness among the “New Youth” of China. Qingdao’s place in history is commemorated in May 4th Square.