Explore the beauty and leisure of old Qingdao, recommended walking route in the old town of Qingdao (part 1)

The beauty of the old town in Qingdao stems from a somewhat infamous history, that of colonialism. In 1891, the Qing government stationed people in Qingdao, establishing Qingdao as a city. In 1897, Germany forcibly took Qingdao as a colony. It was a period of humiliation, and even today there are many artillery forts from that time on the hills in Qingdao. Additionally, it was also the only battleground in Asia during the First World War, silently conveying its history to the world. The old town of Qingdao is filled with various German-style buildings. At one point, Qingdao was renowned as the "Switzerland of the East". However, Qingdao's urban development has inevitably become monotonous. In the old city area, high-rise buildings are emerging one after another, and the overall landscape of the old town is not as it used to be. Of course, personally I think Qingdao has done a decent job in preserving its old buildings. Therefore, strolling through the old town of Qingdao is an extremely enjoyable experience. It not only has European-style streets and buildings, but also generations of Chinese people living here. The unique charm of the old town in Qingdao lies in its undulating terrain. The various red-roofed houses are densely packed and neatly arranged. You can often climb a steep slope and find yourself at the doorstep of a family. Just as you can find the same joy in the mountainous city of Chongqing, you can also find it in the old city area of Qingdao.

Zhongshan Road

The former site of the Qingdao International Club at No. 1 Zhongshan Road has been a social venue for the upper class since its establishment. It is now a German restaurant offering authentic German cuisine. Dining in such a place, I believe the ambiance is definitely better than the taste.

St. Michael's Cathedral

The interior of the Catholic church has been renovated and reopened. It is still worth a visit, as it houses one of the only two pipe organs in Asia at the time. According to the staff, there are performances every afternoon, but when I visited, the performers were on a business trip, so I couldn't hear its beautiful melody.

Princess Anna Villa Site

The Princess Anna Villa, which was just renovated earlier this year, has an old building with stories unknown. It's not just an ordinary new house. After visiting the Catholic Church, walk down Zhejiang Road to reach Hubei Road, a very local street. If I remember correctly, there are a few seafood vendors where you can pass by and see the rich variety of seafood in Qingdao.

Paper Realm

If you're lucky and come across 'Paper Realm' on Hubei Road while it's open, you should take a look inside. It's more appropriate to call it a private study open to the public rather than an independent bookstore. The owner is refined and courteous, and the whole small room is full of literary atmosphere. Surrounded by books, with a touch of elegance, what more could one ask for in life?

Jiamu Art Museum

Jiamu Art Museum opened at the end of 2013. The so-called 'No checking the almanac, no ceremonies, no flag hanging, no firecrackers, no inviting leaders, no inviting experts, no interviews, no invitations, no flower baskets, no tickets'. The Qingdao-themed museum features various paintings related to Qingdao. Although I don't understand paintings, I can still get to know the city I am familiar with. You can see this beautiful city from a different perspective. The small house where the gallery is located is also exquisitely designed. There is also a café there. If you get tired from walking, you can go in and rest. The staff are very warm and friendly. Highly recommended!

Guangxi Road

Walking out of the Jiamu Gallery, you come to another main road in Qingdao's old town, namely Prince Henry Street—Guangxi Road. I don't know why, but I am very interested in the earliest German name of this road. Over the past century, Prince Henry Street has changed a lot, and there are more buildings now. The old sites of the Marquis Hotel, pharmacy, barber shop, and Deutsche Post have been lined up.