University Road – one of the earliest modern roads in Qingdao

University Road (大学路), situated in the heart of Qingdao, stretches from Taiping Road in the south to Dengzhou Road and Yan’an Road in the north, forming a north-south axis in the city. The road was initially constructed after the German occupation of Qingdao. At that time, a modern road was laid along the Qingdao River, and a stone bridge was built at the intersection with what is now Huangxian Road, extending the road northward. The Germans named it Ostpass Straße. After the Beiyang Government reclaimed Qingdao, it established the private Qingdao University at the former Bismarck Barracks in 1924. The road in front of the university was then named University Road, making it the only road in Qingdao named after an educational institution. As one of the earliest modern roads in Qingdao’s history, University Road has witnessed the city’s significant changes and urban development.

Surrounding University Road are many buildings of historical value, such as the Qingdao Art Museum and the Catholic Church. These buildings not only boast unique architectural styles but also carry the historical and cultural memories of Qingdao. The Qingdao Art Museum, established in 1934 and originally the site of the “Wanzihui,” is one of the finest historical buildings on University Road. The Catholic Church, on the other hand, is a typical Gothic-style building with soaring red spires and pale yellow walls, making it one of Qingdao’s renowned Western-style architectures.

The “Internet-famous” wall on University Road has become a popular spot for tourists to take photos in recent years. Located at 37 Yushan Road in the southern district of Qingdao, it serves as the perimeter wall of the Qingdao Art Museum. Its unique yellow and red color scheme, along with the style reminiscent of the walls of the Forbidden City in Beijing, attracts countless visitors to take photos. Nearby University Road, there is also a famous cartoon wall. Situated near Longjiang Road, this wall features vivid cartoon patterns and texts, showcasing Qingdao’s diverse culture and artistic atmosphere.

Location and Transportation

The address of the road is University Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, Shandong Province. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:

Bus: Take bus 1, 25, 225, 307, 367, or 411 Loop Line and get off at People’s Hall Stop (人民会堂站).

Metro: The closest metro station to the University Road is People’s Hall (人民会堂) on line 3 and line 4. After getting out of the station from Exit B, you will be standing at the south end of the road.