Location & Transportation

Kang Youwei Former Residence Memorial Of Qingdao sits in a quiet corner of Fushan Zhi Road, No. 5, in Shinan District, Qingdao. It’s nestled near Huiquan Bay, just a short walk from popular spots like Badaguan Scenic Area and Zhongshan Park. To get there, take bus lines 223 or 604 and hop off at “Rongcheng Road”—the memorial is about 10 minutes away on foot. Taxis are also convenient if you’re coming from downtown Qingdao.

Natural Scenery

The mansion hugs the coastline, offering stunning sea views. Kang Youwei himself praised its location, calling it “a humble house with a vast garden, where the sea’s blue waves are just a hundred steps away.” The garden, named “Tian You Garden” by him, blends Chinese and German designs. You’ll find winding paths, old trees, and stone benches perfect for soaking in the ocean breeze. Early morning or sunset visits are magical—watch the light dance on the water while exploring the peaceful grounds.

Cultural & Historical Charm

This 1899-built German villa once housed a high-ranking German official before becoming Kang Youwei’s home. The reformist leader lived here from 1923 until his death in 1927. Inside, three restored exhibition rooms display his personal belongings, calligraphy works, and even funeral items. Photos and documents reveal his life, the 1898 “Hundred Days’ Reform” (a failed attempt to modernize China), and his global wanderings after fleeing China. A library section showcases books by scholars who studied his ideas—a deep dive into late Qing history!

What to See Inside

  • Kang’s Study Room: Original furniture, inkstones, and scrolls show his scholar’s lifestyle.
  • Memorable Quotes: Walls feature his handwritten poems, including ones praising Qingdao’s beauty.
  • Relics Gallery: Rare artifacts like his robes, letters, and foreign diplomas tell stories of his exile and final years.
  • German-Style Architecture: Ornate windows, wooden beams, and a red-tile roof reflect Qingdao’s colonial past.

Visitor Facilities

The site is tourist-friendly:

  • Free Audio Guides: Available in English and Chinese.
  • Gift Shop: Buy books, postcards, or replicas of Kang’s calligraphy.
  • Café: Enjoy tea with sea views in the garden’s pavilion.
  • Accessibility: Flat paths and elevators make it senior-friendly.

Tour Tips & Experience

Plan for 1.5–2 hours to explore both the house and gardens. History buffs will love the curator’s anecdotes about Kang’s quirks (like his habit of writing while facing the sea). Photo fans should snap the balcony with the sea as a backdrop or the German-style facade framed by flowers. Afterward, walk 15 minutes to Zhejiang Road for seafood noodles or coffee at a bayside café.

A visit here mixes relaxation with insight—perfect for travelers who want to blend culture, nature, and Qingdao’s unique blend of East and West. Don’t miss this hidden gem!