Ocean University of China (Yushan Campus) – The Former Bismarck Barracks

Ocean University Of China (yushan Campus) The Former Bismarck Barracks

Ocean University of China (Yushan Campus) (青岛海洋大学鱼山校区) was originally established as the Bismarck Barracks during the German occupation of Qingdao. The campus retains numerous historic buildings, such as the former Japanese middle school, the Geological Museum, the Oceanography Museum, the Fisheries Building, and Ming Shi Building (Archives), which have been standing for over a century.

Notable literary figures such as Lao She, Liang Shiqiu, Shen Congwen, Wen Yiduo, Wu Boxiao, and Hong Shen have taught here. Renowned poet Zang Kejia was also a student at Ocean University of China, where his teacher was Wen Yiduo.

As a prominent institution of higher learning in China, Ocean University of China (Yushan Campus) boasts a prime location with its picturesque setting by the sea and at the base of the mountains. The campus’s Baguan Mountain provides excellent views of the Qianhai area, and nearby Daxue Road is one of the oldest streets in Qingdao.


Travel Information about OUC Yushan Campus

Admission and Opening Hours

Admission: Free

Opening Hours: Open all day

Best Time to Visit

Spring is the best season to visit, as the weather is mild, making it perfect for hiking and strolling. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms on Baiguan Mountain during this time.

Transportation to the Scenic Area

Location: No. 5 Yushan Road, Shinan District, Qingdao (near Hongdao Road).

Transportation: Take bus routes 1, 221, or 220 from the city center and get off at Hongdao Road Station.

Attraction Rating

  • Cultural: ★★★★★
  • Leisure: ★★★★★
  • Scenic: ★★★★
  • Romantic: ★★★★
  • Unique: ★★★
  • Thrilling: ★★★

Highlights of OUC Yushan Campus

Hong Shen Former Residence

The former residence of the renowned writer and playwright Hong Shen is located at the crossroads of Baiguan Mountain, in a two-story building. Visitors enter through stone steps leading into the courtyard, and then up more steps to access the living quarters.

Hong Shen was the creator of “After the Disaster, Peach Blossom,” which is recognized as China’s first film literary script based on Qingdao. Though the house now shows signs of age with a rusty lock, its historical significance remains intact.

Having studied drama in the United States, Hong Shen dedicated nearly half a century to his craft, leaving behind over 40 plays, such as “Wuqiqiao” and “Fragrant Rice,” along with nearly 40 film scripts like “Shentu Shi” and “Mr. Feng,” as well as more than ten works on drama theory. His contributions significantly shaped Chinese theater and cinema.

Shen Congwen Former Residence

The former residence of Shen Congwen is located at 3 Fushan Road, at the foot of Baguan Mountain, adjacent to Hong Shen’s former home. This two-story building features a courtyard lush with flowers and plants.

From 1931 to 1933, Shen Congwen lived here while teaching in the Chinese Literature Department at Shandong University. During this time, renowned writer Ba Jin also stayed at Shen’s residence when he visited Qingdao in 1932.

Shen Congwen created several notable works during his time in this house, including “Shen Congwen’s Autobiography,” “Memoirs of Ding Ling,” “Scenes under the Moon,” and “Eight Horses.” His classic novel “Border Town” was also conceived during this period. Across from Shen’s former residence was the home of another famous writer, Wu Boxiao, which was unfortunately demolished due to urban development.

Baguan Mountain Park

Qingdao is surrounded by the sea on three sides and characterized by numerous hills, many of which have been transformed into beautiful parks. Baguan Mountain is one of these hillside parks.

Located on the eastern side of the Ocean University of China campus along Yushan Road, Baguan Mountain is enveloped by Qingdao Mountain, Taiping Mountain, and Signal Mountain. The mountain is adorned with tranquil woods and pleasant scenery, featuring a flat summit that appears to be artificially landscaped. At the peak of the mountain, the university has built a meteorological station for educational purposes, which is prominently visible from afar.

Visitors can hike up the mountain early in the morning before sunrise or after dinner to enjoy stunning views of the rising sun and the golden clouds reflecting on the sea.