A Slice of Old Europe on the Yellow Sea: A Walk Through Qingdao's Badaguan
"Red roofs, green trees, blue sea, and azure sky." This is the classic slogan of the coastal city of Qingdao, and nowhere is it more true than in the beautiful, historic Badaguan district. A walk here feels like you've been teleported to a seaside resort town in old Europe. It's not the China you were expecting, and that's what makes it so wonderful.
This area was once a resort for wealthy Germans and other Europeans, and they built their homes in the styles they knew from back home. Your route will take you down quiet, tree-lined avenues, each named after one of China's great mountain passes. You’ll stroll past stunning German castles complete with turrets, a Danish-style chapel, and elegant Spanish villas. The game is to simply wander and marvel at the eclectic mix of architectural styles, a legacy of Qingdao's unique history.
Insider Tip:
While most of the villas are private residences, a few are open to the public as museums or cafes. It is well worth paying the small entrance fee to visit the former German Governor's Residence (now a guesthouse and museum). It's one of the most magnificent examples of German Art Nouveau architecture and gives you a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the era.
