“Shu Qun, Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun’s Former Residence” sits at No. 1 Guanxiang 1st Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, nestled in a quiet alley near the iconic Qingdao Observatory. To reach this historic spot, take Bus 228 or Shandong Coast Tour Line and hop off at “Zhenjiang Road”. From there, it’s a 10-minute uphill walk past stone-paved streets and vintage villas. If you’re staying near Xiaoyu Mountain Park, you can also hike downhill—the narrow roads here feel like stepping back in time.

A Hidden Gem in Qingdao’s History

This modest yellow-walled house might look ordinary, but it’s packed with stories. In the 1930s, it became a refuge for three literary legends: Shu Qun, Xiao Hong, and Xiao Jun. They fled here from occupied Manchuria (northeast China) to escape Japanese control. Xiao Hong, a trailblazing female writer, and Xiao Jun, her husband and fellow activist, lived here while writing works that later shook Chinese literature. Their friend Shu Qun, another revolutionary writer, helped them settle into this cozy hideaway.

The Human Connection: Love, War, and Words

Walking through the house, you’ll sense the urgency of their past. Xiao Hong and Xiao Jun met in Harbin during Japan’s invasion of China. After publishing their joint work March Ahead (a risky act under occupation), they fled to Qingdao in 1934. Here, Xiao Hong drafted parts of her novel The Rice Plot, while Xiao Jun wrote fiery essays against oppression. Their love story—fierce, creative, and political—is as vivid as the sea views from their windows. Even today, their typewriters and handwritten notes (displayed in replicas) feel alive with passion.

More Than Just a House: Qingdao’s Literary Heart

Beyond the building itself, the area buzzes with old-school charm. The Guanxiang Hill nearby offers sweeping views of Qingdao Bay and Government Hill—perfect for photos. Stroll along Zhenjiang Road, lined with German-era houses and art cafes, and imagine Xiao Hong walking these same streets. For context, visit the Qingdao Dumpling Museum (yes, really!) a few blocks away—it’s quirky but shows how Qingdao blends culture and daily life.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

  • Opening hours: Daily 9 AM–5 PM (closed Mondays).
  • Tickets: Free, but book via “Qingdao Cultural Cloud” app to skip lines.
  • Guided tours: Available in English by request (ask for “Xiao Hong’s story” tour).
  • Souvenirs: Buy Xiao Hong’s novel Market Street (translated into English) or vintage-style postcards at the gift shop.

Why It’s Worth a Detour

Even if you’re not a literature buff, this spot captures Qingdao’s soul. The house feels intimate—like peeking into a time capsule where China’s intellectual resistance unfolded. Pair your visit with a coffee at “Seaside Dew” café (ask locals for directions) and soak in the same ocean breeze that inspired Xiao Hong’s pen. For history lovers, nearby Laoshan Scenic Area adds natural beauty to your itinerary.

In short, “Shu Qun, Xiao Hong, Xiao Jun’s Former Residence” isn’t just a museum—it’s a window into China’s turbulent past and a testament to how art thrives even in darkness. Come here, and you’ll leave with stories (and photos) that go far beyond typical tourist spots.