Tucked in the heart of Qingdao, Lao She Park (老舍公园) is a peaceful urban park that faces the sea, offering both locals and visitors a quiet space for relaxation. Located along the path between Zhan Bridge (栈桥) and the Qingdao Catholic Church, the park is easy to visit without planning a special trip. With its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, Lao She Park is an ideal spot to unwind and explore Qingdao’s past. This guide will help you discover the park’s attractions and the fascinating history behind it.
Location and Transportation
Location: Lao She Park, situated at 19 Anhui Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, is a serene street park facing the sea. It’s often bypassed by tourists but is a favorite among locals for a quiet walk or leisurely day out.
Subway: The park can be easily accessed by walking about 500 meters west from the Zhan Bridge and the Qingdao Catholic Church, with the closest metro station being Signal Hill Station (信号山站) on Line 4.
A Brief History of Lao She Park
While Lao She Park may seem like a typical city park today, it has a rich historical background. The site originally served as a natural ravine leading from Guanhai Hill to Qingdao Bay. The northern part of the area was once home to a small village called “Da Village” (大村), with around 100 families. During the German occupation of Qingdao, they established a green space here, known as the “Tilliwaz Street Heart Garden” (梯利华兹街心花园). When Japan first occupied the area, the park was renamed “Da Village Park”.
In the period of the Beiyang Government, the park became known as “Sixth Park” . During this time, the park was lush with roses, leading the locals to call it “Big Flower Ravine”. Between the 1930s and 1970s, the area underwent various transformations, serving as a landfill, an amusement park, a gathering spot for stamp collectors, and a general public park.
By the 1980s, the park became a popular gathering place for elderly residents who enjoyed playing cards or chess. The park’s environment continued to change, and in the 1990s, it became a center for real estate traders. Half of the park was occupied by these businesses, while the other half was turned into a makeshift farmer’s market. The market caused damage to the park’s green spaces and led to unsanitary conditions. However, the local government stepped in, clearing the area and redesigning the park. The revitalization was overseen by Australian architectural firm Macphersons and the park was renamed Lao She Park in honor of the renowned Chinese author.
Today, Lao She Park serves as a peaceful retreat for local residents, offering not only a space for leisure but also functioning as a theme park for waste sorting and traffic safety education.
What to See at Lao She Park
Water Features: The park was initially designed with a tiered water system, featuring small fountains and waterfalls. However, it’s worth noting that the water features have rarely been operational, so you may not encounter flowing water during your visit.
Ancient Trees: The park is home to several large and ancient trees, such as Plane trees (悬铃木) and Cedars (雪松). Their thick branches provide ample shade, creating a cool and relaxing environment to walk through, especially on hot days.
Lao She Statue: At the southern end of the park, under the shade of a Plane tree, you’ll find a statue of Lao She. The statue features an inscription from his famous work May in Qingdao (五月的青岛), along with bronze reliefs of several of his other works, including The Rickshaw Boy (骆驼祥子), The Crab Shell Collection (蛤藻集), and RICKSAW BOY. Lao She once lived in Qingdao during his tenure at Shandong University, and his former residence in the city is also open for visitors.