A series of immersive art performances debuted at the century-old courtyards in Shinan district, a core area that boasts profound historical and cultural resources in Qingdao, Shandong province during the Shangjieli and Strolling Spring tourism and art season, which was held from March 24 to 28.

Themed on stand-up comedy, dancing, reading and playing, the stunning performances allowed locals and tourists to tap into the history and feel the new charm and vitality at the courtyards, or Liyuan in Chinese, which combine the structure of traditional Chinese quadrangle dwellings with western architectural styles.

In Sanjiangli on Jining Road, visitors had the chance to watch talk shows produced by popular Chinese comedy troupe Mahua FunAge, as well as the immersive dance drama Shangjieli, which was staged on Huangdao Road, and features a story about fishermen, regional development and people's learning for the happiness. There were also themed reading seminars on the vicissitudes of Laojieli during the event.

A scene of the immersive dance drama Shangjieli. [Photo/WeChat account: qdweishinan]

Another highlight is the launch of Shandong's first immersive interactive game dram Ultimate Scam, which was created by the Boluoyouzi dram team.

In recent years, Shinan has developed new forms of performing arts in architectural spaces such as commercial complexes and old houses. The performances are more interactive with the audience and boast history, modernity, fashion and culture. For example, the district held the City Music Corner series of activities last year to combine music with consumption scenarios of cultural tourism such as beaches, old streets, cafes and beer bars.

In the future, Shinan plans to continue to explore new forms of art performances, integrate art with architecture, consumption and culture, and create innovative scenes of cultural tourism based on urban renewal.