Live Your Best Lives
Visitors can explore the historical architecture of the former Jiaozhou Governor's Office, learn about Qingdao's colonial past, and enjoy the surrounding gardens and exhibitions. It’s a great spot for photography and immersing oneself in the region’s cultural heritage.
The former site of the German Jiaozhou Governor's Office is located at 11 Yishui Road, on the southern slope of Guanhai Mountain in Shinan District, Qingdao, Shandong Province. The building is a four-story, concave-shaped structure with a steeply sloping red tile roof surrounded by iron railings, both for aesthetics and lightning protection.
In order to reflect the colonial status and ruling power of the German colonial rulers in Qingdao, the colonial authorities chose the southern slope of Guanhai Mountain, the center of the European residential area, to build the highest authority of the German Empire in Qingdao - the Jiaoao Governor's Office.
On the seashore at the southern end of Qingdao Road, there is a semicircular garden protruding into the sea. In the past, the garden housed the Yesik Monument, a landmark building commemorating the German occupation of Qingdao. It was built to commemorate Yesik, the governor of Jiaozhou Bay who died in Qingdao.
Qingdao is located in the northern temperate monsoon region and has a temperate monsoon climate with humid air, abundant rainfall, moderate temperature and distinct four seasons.
It is recommended to play for two hours
free
All day
The Former Site of Jiaozhou Governor's Office is a historical building that was once the administrative center during the German colonial period. It offers insight into Qingdao's history under German rule and showcases the city’s transition from a colonial outpost to a modern Chinese city.
The Former Site of Jiaozhou Governor's Office is located in the center of Qingdao. It is easily accessible by bus, taxi, or on foot from the city center. The nearest metro station is Qingdao Railway Station, about 20 minutes away by taxi.
The site is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥30 for adults. Tickets can be purchased on-site, or online through the official website for advanced bookings.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons (April to October) to avoid long lines.
You can explore the site in about 1-2 hours, depending on how deeply you wish to explore the historical exhibits and take in the architecture.
The must-see highlights include the Governor’s Office building itself, the surrounding gardens, and the exhibitions showcasing Qingdao’s colonial era under German rule.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available. Audio guides in English and Mandarin can be rented at the entrance for a small fee.
The best photography spots are around the building’s exterior, particularly capturing the colonial-style architecture, and the surrounding gardens that offer beautiful views of the area.
Start by exploring the exterior of the Governor’s Office, then move inside to view the historical exhibitions. Afterward, take a walk through the gardens to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Night visits are not available, but special historical tours may be organized on request for larger groups.
The site can get crowded on weekends and holidays. For a quieter experience, it is best to visit on weekdays, especially in the early morning hours.
There are clean public restrooms, a small gift shop selling souvenirs, and some benches where visitors can relax. However, there are limited food and water options on-site, so it's best to bring your own refreshments.
The site is accessible for most visitors, including the elderly and children. However, parts of the building may not be fully wheelchair accessible due to the historical nature of the architecture.
Cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted for both ticket purchases and at the gift shop. Credit cards are not commonly accepted on-site.
Nearby restaurants offer local Shandong cuisine, including seafood and traditional Chinese dishes. Popular spots include the Qingdao Seafood Market and several cafes in the vicinity of the site.
Vegetarian options are available, and there are some halal food restaurants in the nearby areas due to the diverse population of Qingdao.
Several hotels are within walking distance, including budget options and more luxurious hotels like the Qingdao Marriott Hotel, which offers great views of the city and easy access to the site.
Nearby attractions include the Qingdao Beer Museum, the May Fourth Square, and the scenic Zhongshan Park, all of which can be visited on the same day.
There is a small souvenir shop on-site, offering items like postcards, books about Qingdao's history, and local handicrafts such as traditional tea sets and ceramics.
The best transportation options are taxis or public buses, which can easily take you to other parts of the city or back to the main train station. The metro is also a convenient option for getting around Qingdao.
