Recent efforts in Qingdao have focused on preserving and revitalizing its historical districts, particularly Zhongshan Road, which has become a vibrant commercial and cultural tourism hub brimming with traditional brands and a rich historical ambience.

In 1897, Zhongshan Road emerged as the cornerstone of urbanization in Qingdao, evolving into a hub of commerce, finance and culture comparable to Nanjing Road in Shanghai and Wangfujing in Beijing.

The restoration project has successfully unearthed historical data from 372 liyuan, traditional Qingdao courtyard dwellings, 62 protected cultural building relics, and various time-honored brands and intangible cultural heritage sites.

A corner on today's Zhongshan Road in Qingdao. [Photo/WeChat account: qdweishinan]

Notably, the renowned Chunhe Building, famed for its Shandong cuisine, saw a surge in demand during the Chinese New Year, with reservations fully booked a month in advance. Once frequented by luminaries like Li Hongzhang (1823-1901) and Kang Youwei (1859-1927), the restaurant has become a popular dining destination as living standards have risen.

Embracing its heritage, Shunhe Building introduced a heritage gift box before the New Year, featuring cherished dishes like crispy chicken and steamed dumplings, now regarded as intangible cultural treasures. Manager Shen Ting emphasized the restaurant's commitment to preserving Qingdao's traditional flavors amid evolving culinary trends and consumer preferences.

"After experiencing a century of ups and downs, with changes in dining trends and market demand, we continue to innovate, but our dedication to preserving the old flavors of Qingdao remains unchanged," said Shen.