Qingdao, one of the cradles for 20th-century Chinese literary talents, is home to historic Shinan district, which is filled with an array of former residences of writers, each weaving the tale of the city's profound influence on literature.

As the core area of the historical and cultural city, Shinan district is home to 70 cultural relic protection units, 339 individual buildings, as well as 239 immovable cultural relics. Of the 60 former residences announced in the Qingdao Historical and Cultural City Protection Plan (2011-2020), 58 are located in Shinan.

Shinan is also the only district in the country with two Chinese Historical and Cultural Streets.

Kang Youwei (1825-1927), a prominent reformer, resided at No 5 Fushan Branch Road, one of Qingdao's earliest German-style buildings, from 1923 to 1927.

The former residence of Kang Youwei (1825-1927), a prominent reformer. [Photo/IC]

The former residence of celebrated Chinese writer Lao She (or Shu Qingchun, 1899-1966), which was the birthplace of his masterpiece Rickshaw Boy, is another German-style building at No 12 Huangxian Road, still exuding the charm of his time.

From 1927, renowned modern writer and scholar Wang Tongzhao (1897-1957) settled at No 49 Guanhai Road, living there intermittently until 1950. His residence also served as a gathering place for cultural celebrities, hosting frequent visitors like Wen Yiduo, Lao She, Zhu Ziqing, and Hong Shen.

Famous modern writers and married couple Xiao Jun and Xiao Hong resided at No 1 Guanxiangyi Road between 1934 and 1935. Their two-story red-tiled granite house offered stunning panoramic views of the distant mountains and the nearby sea, which inspired their literary works.

The storied streets of Shinan embrace these homes of illustrious figures, preserving the district's rich literary legacy. Today, these sites unlock memories of the old city, illuminating Qingdao's profound cultural legacy and its role in shaping modern Chinese literature.