48 Hours of Premium Experiences in Qingdao (Part 3)

⚓️Strolling in Qingdao: One Side Sea Breeze, One Side Cultural Heritage 📜The Past and Present of Century-old Qingdao This city by Jiaozhou Bay is deeply imprinted with German-style architecture. In 1898, Qingdao became a German leased territory, and the Germans spent 17 years replicating a European city on this Eastern land. Under the plane trees on University Road, the mottled red walls hide the cultural heritage of Shandong University; along the coastline of Taipingjiao Park, the international architectural complex of Badaguan still tells the story of its former glory. 🏛️Cultural Landmark Tour 1️⃣ University Road Red Walls Qingdao’s earliest modern road, where Shandong University was established in 1924. The red walls and yellow-tiled school gate have become a popular photo spot, and the aroma of coffee mixed with sea breeze at the corner is a favorite among art lovers. Be sure to visit in the early morning when the sunlight filters through the plane tree leaves onto the red walls, creating a breathtaking scene. 2️⃣ Zhanshan Temple Known as "Qingdao’s oldest temple" with yellow tiles and red pillars, built in 1934. Two century-old ginkgo trees stand before the Mahavira Hall, their golden leaves covering the ground in autumn, blending the sound of Buddhist chants with falling leaves to create a unique Zen atmosphere. It’s recommended to join the morning prayers at dawn, listening to the bell while watching the first rays of sunlight pierce through the mist. 3️⃣ Signal Hill Park A viewing platform built by the German army in 1907, the mushroom-shaped building at the highest point offers a 360-degree view of the old city. Red-roofed Western-style houses peek through the green trees, and in the distance, the sea meets the sky, fully unfolding the picturesque scene of Qingdao’s "red tiles, green trees, blue sea, and sky." ✨Recommended Unique Experiences Enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian meal at Sumingxiang Vegetarian Restaurant, where tofu dishes taste even fresher than meat; stay at Manxi Hotel No. 5 Hengshan Road, where the vintage charm of century-old German architecture makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time; Lang Designer Homestay brings the Laoshan tea field scenery into the room, with a misty fairyland just outside your window in the morning. Qingdao’s charm lies in its preservation of colonial exoticism combined with the hearty spirit of a fishing village. There’s no need to rush through the sights here—walk slowly along the coastline and let the red roofs of German buildings and the whistles of fishing boats help you understand the city’s dual soul.