Stroll through Qingdao's Badaguan and encounter the romantic time of architectural styles from 20 countries

"One road, one garden, one building"—Qingdao's Badaguan is never an ordinary scenic spot, but a blend of modern architectural history and urban memory. Here, architectural styles from more than 20 countries are woven between the mountains and sea, and every snapshot looks like a cinematic frame from the Republic of China era, earning it the title of a "walkable architectural textbook."

Entering Badaguan, the first thing that catches the eye is the Huashi Building—this castle-style structure, known as the "symbol of Badaguan," is built with granite and colorful pebbles creating a vintage texture. It features a Roman-style dome and Gothic pointed windows. It was once a summer retreat for celebrities of the Republic of China. Now, opening its weathered wooden door and hearing the creak of the wooden stairs, you can almost hear the sea breeze of old Qingdao and whispers of bygone times.

Not only the Huashi Building, every building here holds a story. The Princess Building has Nordic fairy-tale-like spires and light blue walls, said to be designed by a Danish princess; the Butterfly Building, named after the filming of "After the Storm," has an eclectic facade resembling butterfly wings spread open; there are also Spanish-style red-tiled courtyards and Russian-style domed churches. Walking along Shaoguan Road’s peach blossoms or Juyongguan Road’s ginkgo trees, the romance born from the seasons and architecture makes even the air feel like it carries a vintage filter.

For lovers of old architecture, Badaguan’s charm lies in the details: vines climbing the corners of walls entwine century-old reliefs, cast-iron balcony railings are carved with European patterns, and even the old street lamps retain the style of the Republic of China era. Avoiding the crowds in the early morning, walking along the seaside boardwalk, watching the sunlight cast shadows of the buildings on the lawn, with mountains and sea as the backdrop, every photo looks like a masterpiece with a "time filter." No wonder it has become a "secret favorite spot" for countless travel bloggers.

Today, Badaguan is no longer just an isolated cluster of old buildings. Here, you can enjoy a hand-poured coffee in a café converted from a century-old villa and listen to the owner tell stories behind the architecture; or stroll along the beach of the Second Bathing Beach, where red tiles, green trees, and blue sea and sky form Qingdao’s most classic scene. It blends the weight of history, architectural aesthetics, and seaside romance, allowing every visitor to understand: Qingdao’s beauty is not only in the sea but also hidden in every brick and tile of these old buildings.

Post by santana_emmett77 | Oct 22, 2025