Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun's Former Residence
China · Shandong · Qingdao · Shinan District · Landmarks
Image source: Wikimedia Commons; license credits as shown.
Overview
The former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun is a small building made of red-tiled granite located at No. 1, Guanxiang Road, Shinan District, Qingdao. It was the home of modern Chinese literary writers Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun around 1934. The building is situated on a hillside, offering a higher vantage point, and is now a key cultural heritage site and landmark of famous people's former residences in Qingdao. The exterior retains the typical German-style red-tiled architectural features, while the interior is mostly used as residential space.
Getting There
To reach the former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun, you can take a bus to nearby stops such as 'Guanxiang 2nd Road' or 'Longshan Road' and walk about 5 to 10 minutes, or walk about 15 to 20 minutes from the People's Hall Station on Metro Line 3 to No. 1, Guanxiang Road (specific routes and times may vary depending on actual traffic conditions). The residence is located on the southwest slope of Guanxiang Mountain, near the intersection of Jiangsu Road and Guanxiang Road, and can be accessed by walking through the old streets.
Highlights
The core feature of the former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun is its role as a shared living space and creative witness for representative modern Chinese literary writers in Qingdao. This two-story red-tiled granite building is built against Guanxiang Mountain, offering a broad view of distant mountains and the sea, and is listed as a historical excellent building and key cultural heritage site in Qingdao. It is also one of the representative spots to experience the old Qingdao's mountain-sea city landscape and leftist literary atmosphere.
What to See
The former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun is a two-story red-tiled sloped-roof house facing south, constructed mainly of granite and brick-wood structures. The lower exterior walls are decorated with granite mushroom stones, showcasing a strong German style and the characteristics of the old Qingdao mountain city. The building is located on elevated ground at the southwest foot of Guanxiang Mountain, with a granite retaining wall about four meters high facing the street, making the red-tiled building visible from Guanxiang Road. Opening the windows reveals views of distant mountains and the nearby sea. The building covers an area of about 380 to 450 square meters, with a courtyard area of about 550 square meters. Originally, Xiao Hong and Xiao Jun lived upstairs while Shu Qun and her husband lived downstairs. Although it is now a residential building, it still retains its overall appearance and historical atmosphere. The area around Guanxiang Road is home to many famous people's former residences and modern buildings, allowing visitors to connect this site with nearby churches, observation platforms, and old buildings for a walking tour to experience Qingdao's modern cultural space.
Hours & Admission
The former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun is currently a protected cultural heritage building and residential building, usually only open for external visits. There is no stable permanent exhibition or unified visiting hours, and the actual opening status depends on local management and residents' situations. Most travel information considers it a free cultural landscape point, suggesting visitors focus on exterior photography and leisurely walks around the area. For further visits or participation in guided activities, it is recommended to inquire in advance with local cultural tourism departments or travel agencies for the latest arrangements.
Address
No. 1, Guanxiang Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
Travel Tips
When visiting the former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun, it is recommended to arrange a walking route in the area of 'Guanxiang Road—Guanxiang Mountain—Jiangsu Road Old Buildings', allowing for a slow stroll to experience the atmosphere of the mountain city's steps and German-style architecture. It is advisable to visit during the cooler spring and autumn seasons for clearer views of the mountain and sea scenery; during summer midday, the slopes can be quite sunny, so it is wise to bring water, sun protection, and comfortable footwear for navigating the slopes and steps. Since the residence is now a residential building, visitors should maintain silence and respect residents' privacy while visiting and taking photos, avoiding lingering too long or making loud noises, focusing instead on the building's exterior, environment, and literary imagination. If interested in Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and the background of leftist literature, reading their representative works and related materials about their life in Qingdao beforehand will enhance the experience of their creative context on-site.
Nearby Dining
The area around the former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun in the old city of Shinan District offers a rich variety of dining options, with many seafood restaurants, snack shops, and cafes within walking distance, suitable for taking breaks during your tour. There are numerous old and new restaurants near Jiangsu Road, Guanxiang Road, and Zhongshan Road, where you can enjoy seafood barbecue, Shandong cuisine, and light meals or coffee. It is recommended to plan your dining according to your itinerary, pairing it with restaurants in the Zhongshan Road business district or near the pier, and choose based on actual operating conditions on-site.
FAQ
Q: What are the main highlights of the former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun? A: The main highlights of the former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun are its significance as a shared residence and creative background for modern Chinese literary writers in Qingdao, as well as the well-preserved appearance of the red-tiled granite building and the old city scenery at the foot of Guanxiang Mountain. Visitors can experience the historical context of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun living next to each other around 1934, and combine this with the nearby famous people's former residences and modern buildings to appreciate the urban landscape of old Qingdao where mountains and sea coexist. Q: Can I enter the former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun for a visit? A: The former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun is currently a protected cultural heritage building and residential building, generally open for external visits only, with no fixed indoor exhibition hours. If specific cultural activities or group arrangements occur, it may be possible to participate in special visits and explanations through local cultural tourism departments or travel agencies. It is advisable to check for the latest information before your visit and to respect residents' lives and privacy during on-site visits. Q: Is there an admission fee to visit the former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun? A: Most travel information indicates that the former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun, as a cultural heritage building and landmark of famous people's former residences in the city, usually does not charge an admission fee, allowing visitors to freely admire and photograph the exterior from the surrounding streets. If there are special exhibitions, guided tours, or joint activities with cultural heritage units, the fees and reservation methods will depend on the latest announcements from local authorities, so it is recommended to check with official tourism information platforms before your visit. Q: Is it convenient to travel to the former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun? A: The former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun is located at No. 1, Guanxiang Road, southwest of Guanxiang Mountain in Shinan District, Qingdao, close to several city bus lines and Metro Line 3, making it relatively easy to reach on foot. Since the surrounding area consists of old city mountain roads, with many slopes and steps, it is recommended to walk up the mountain after arriving by public transport. If driving, be aware of limited parking and one-way road regulations nearby. Q: How much time is needed to visit the former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun? A: Visiting the former residence of Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun, and Shu Qun mainly involves exterior appreciation and photography, generally taking about 15 to 30 minutes. Most of the time will be spent walking around Guanxiang Road and nearby old buildings. If combined with reading on-site introductions, visiting nearby churches, observation platforms, and other famous people's former residences, a cultural stroll through the Guanxiang Mountain—Jiangsu Road area can take about half a day for a more leisurely experience.