China & Israel,
What is the Relationship?
The Bahá'í Education web site in an article points out a fascinating resemblance between the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa, Israel and the water tower under construction in Quindao China.
The Unbelievable Water Tower of Qingdao
Public Opening of Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb
The Unbelievable Water Tower of Qingdao
Public Opening of Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb
On May 22, 2001, we all watched with eager attention the public opening of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel, Haifa. In fact, the whole world watched and we were not the only ones stunned by the beauty and profundity of the "Mountain of the Lord" having bloomed like a rose. If you would like to read more about this event, check out the official Baha'i International Community page dedicated to the Opening of the Terraces on Mount Carmel.
But what has all this to do with China?
Well, this is going to be hard to believe but there is a beautiful little city on the Eastern Coast of China by the name of Qingdao (pronounced Ching-dow) which bears a striking resemblance to Haifa.
Qingdao means "green island", a reference to a tiny island off its coast.
Both Haifa and Qingdao are beautiful lush coastal cities overlooking the sea.
Both Haifa and Qingdao are characterized by their low, red-tiled German-style homes --
since both Haifa and Qingdao were at one time largely German colonies. Both Haifa and Qingdao have attempted to preserve this historic legacy through implementation of building codes to protect the red-tiled style. 
But wait, it gets better!
But wait, it gets better!
It seems the local municipality of Qingdao had a problem -- on the hilltop sat an ugly water tower which in no way matched the Mediterranean beauty of their town. What to do? Apparently the problem was solved when some Chinese official saw part of the global coverage of the opening of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb. Take a look at the photo below.
But is this really real?
Sure, by now you're probably wondering if this isn't just a bit of clever digital manipulation.
Well, in fact, as unbelievable as it seems, it is completely true.
Sometimes fact really is stranger than fiction.
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