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Badaguan Scenic Area, the Timeless Home of Qingdao’s "World Architecture Expo"
Published: November 27, 2025
Editor: Ruoxi

Nestled between Taiping Cape and Huiquan Cape at the southern foot of Taiping Hill in Shinan District of Qingdao, Badaguan Scenic Area was developed in the 1930s and spans 66.6 hectares. Its name, which translates as “Eight Great Passes”, derives from its eight main streets, each named after a renowned frontier pass from ancient China. The area, dubbed the "World Architecture Expo", showcases a remarkable collection of over 300 buildings representing architectural styles from more than a dozen countries, including Germany, Russia, the United States, Britain, France, Denmark, Greece, Spain, Switzerland, and Japan.

Renowned as a premier wedding photography location, Badaguan provides a picturesque setting where, on any given day, couples can be seen capturing their memories against ever-changing natural canvases. Each season unveils its own distinctive charm: spring brings a flush of peach blossoms along Shaoguan Road; summer is the time to admire the vibrant crape myrtles and enjoy the welcome shade under the dense trees lining Zhengyangguan Road; autumn sets Juyongguan Road ablaze with color, as its ginkgo and maple leaves create a stunning display; while winter reveals the steadfast elegance of Zijingguan Road, where the cedars maintain their vibrant green hue.

Architectural Highlights

Huashi Villa: This European castle-style structure stands right by the shore, with its rooftop offering sweeping views of the sea.

Princess Villa: A Danish-style villa characterized by its pine-green exterior and finely crafted wooden window frames, embodying the simplicity and elegance of Nordic design.

Butterfly Villa: Featuring a Mansard roof and brick-timber construction, it once served as a filming location for the classic movie Down-trodden Peach Blossom.

Good to Know

As an open-style neighborhood, Badaguan is free to enter and explore at any time. However, to step inside specific historic buildings, including Huashi Villa and Princess Villa, requires a separate ticket, which can be bought on the spot.