Live Your Best Lives
Explore the exhibits that detail the history of the German prison system in Qingdao during the colonial period. Learn about the lives of the prisoners, view historical artifacts, and discover the role the prison played in Qingdao’s history during German occupation.
The Qingdao German Prison Site Museum, located at No. 23 Changzhou Road, South District , is a unique museum that integrates a castle-style prison complex and judicial brigade buildings. It is one of the earliest existing colonial prison sites in the country.
The museum currently retains 9 historical buildings , mainly consisting of two exhibition areas: " Historical Scene Restoration Exhibition of Qingdao Prison Site " and " Qingdao Modern Judicial History Exhibition " , which display a large number of precious cultural relics, pictures, and film and television materials.
The prison complex consists of five cells, designated " Ren," "Yi," "Li," "Zhi," and "Xin, " and a workshop. The " Ren " cell is the site of Qingdao's former German-style prison, built in 1900. The remaining buildings date from the 1920s and 1930s. From 1900 to 1995 , the complex served as a prison (detention center). During the German occupation of Qingdao ( 1897 to 1914 ), it housed non-Chinese prisoners.
Through real objects, wax figures, and modern technological means such as sound, light, electricity, and " holographic imaging " , the exhibition shows the original state of the prison in different periods, as well as the historical background and judicial conditions at that time. It also reproduces the scene of revolutionary martyrs Li Weionong and Hu Xinzhi being arrested and imprisoned here and their unyielding spirit, as well as the scene of famous writer Shu Qun conceiving and writing the anti-Japanese novel "Children Without a Motherland" while he was arrested and imprisoned, as well as their life stories.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended playing time: about 1 hour
Peak season: 25 yuan
Off-season: 5 yuan
Peak season (April 1st - October 31st ) : 9:00-17:30
Off - season (November 1st - March 31st ) : 9:00-17: 00
The German Prison Museum in Qingdao is housed in a former prison that dates back to the early 20th century, during the time when Qingdao was a German colony. The museum showcases the prison's history and the lives of the prisoners, offering insights into Qingdao's colonial past and the impact of German occupation.
The museum is located in the Shibei District of Qingdao. It is accessible by bus, taxi, or walking from the city center. The nearest metro station is the "Dingzi Square" station, from where you can take a short taxi ride.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowds, especially on weekends.
The entrance fee is about 20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and it's advisable to buy them on-site since online booking is not required for this museum.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, as the museum typically has availability. However, visiting during off-peak hours (weekdays) may reduce waiting times.
It typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the exhibits and fully appreciate the historical significance of the museum.
Key highlights include the original prison cells, historical photos of prisoners, personal artifacts, and detailed exhibits on the German colonial period in Qingdao.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English and German, to enhance the visitor experience.
The museum is located in a historical building, offering interesting architecture for photography. The inner courtyard and the prison cells provide a unique glimpse into Qingdao's colonial past and are great for photos.
Start by visiting the main exhibit room to understand the history of the prison, then move on to the individual cells and the outdoor areas for a more immersive experience.
Night visits are not typically available. However, there may be special events or exhibitions on occasion. It is advisable to check ahead of time for any such events.
The museum can get crowded, particularly on weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays or early in the morning.
The museum offers basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There is no food or drink available inside the museum, so it's best to bring your own water or snacks if needed.
The museum is accessible for elderly and children, with ramps for easy entry. However, some areas may not be suitable for wheelchair users due to the historical structure of the building.
Cash and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted at the museum. Credit cards are not commonly accepted.
Nearby restaurants include local Chinese eateries and cafes offering traditional snacks and meals. "Wanghai Teahouse" and "Qingdao Old Brewery" are good options for meals and drinks after the visit.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants. Halal food is also available at select places around the city, especially in Muslim-friendly eateries.
Recommended nearby hotels include "The Qingdao Hotel" and "InterContinental Qingdao," both offering convenient access to the museum and other city attractions.
Nearby attractions include Qingdao's Zhongshan Park, the Qingdao Railway Station, and the Old Qingdao City Center. A visit to the German Prison Museum can easily be combined with these nearby landmarks in one day.
The museum has a small souvenir shop where you can purchase items like historical books, postcards, and traditional Chinese crafts as souvenirs.
After your visit, you can take a taxi or bus to other parts of Qingdao, or use the nearby metro station to continue exploring the city.
